Bladder problems typically take the form of urinary incontinence (leaking urine) and urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder) and can arise from neurogenic disorders such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and spina bifida. Incontinence and retention can also be age related, or result from an underlying physical disease, caused by a dysfunction in the bladder. 

Taking care of your bladder

Bladder problems must be properly managed, if left untreated they could result in serious health issues. 

There are many options available to help manage bladder problems:

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Bladder retraining
• Catheters
• Collecting devices
• Lifestyle changes
• Medication
• Surgery

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help reduce urinary incontinence.

• Slowly contract and lift the pelvic floor muscles and hold the position for five seconds, then release
• Quickly contract and release the pelvic floor muscles

You will need to do the exercises regularly and it may take several months before you see a significant improvement.

Bladder retraining

Bladder retraining to help reduce urinary incontinence aims to gradually stretch the bladder so that it can hold larger volumes of urine.

Catheters

Clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) is an effective bladder management technique based on the regular and complete emptying of the bladder by using a catheter. People who catheterise to empty their bladder typically need to do so 4-6 times a day.  

Collecting systems (for men)

For men who leak urine (male incontinence), urisheaths are an effective and comfortable solution. The urisheath is worn over the penis and is connected to a urine bag fastened to the leg. 

Lifestyle changes

For some people managing symptoms may include lifestyle changes, such as modifying the diet to reduce constipation and reducing the consumption of caffeinated beverages. Timing fluid intake at certain times can also be helpful so the need to urinate is more convenient and doesn’t coincide with excursions in public or sleeping at night.

Medication

Drugs are prescribed for all types of incontinence, but they are generally most useful for urge incontinence, particularly when combined with pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. Stress incontinence is usually managed without medication.

Surgery

A variety of surgical procedures are available for the treatment of bladder problems. Deciding which procedure, if any, you use depends on the type and cause of incontinence.

If your bowel does not work effectively, you may experience bowel leakage and/or constipation.

Bowel leakage

Bowel leakage is the involuntary passage of stool e.g. you cannot control when your bowel opens, often resulting in bowel accidents.

Constipation

There is no exact science to what constitutes constipation as the symptoms vary from person to person. It is often characterised by decreased bowel movements and straining at defaecation. 

Neurogenic bowel

Neurogenic bowel is a lack of nervous control which prevents the bowel from functioning effectively and is caused by a neurogenic disorder like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and spina bifida.

Why is bowel care so important?

Having a good bowel care routine will improve your physical and emotional well-being and help you to:

• Have regular and pain-free bowel movements
• Prevent bowel leakage and constipation
• Improve your quality of life

Options available to help manage bowel problems

To manage both bowel leakage and constipation, there are a number of treatment options available in increasing order of invasiveness:

• Conservative treatment
• Digital stimulation
• Trans anal irrigation, also known as bowel irrigation e.g Peristeen®
• Sacral nerve stimulation
• Antegrade colonic irrigation (ACE)
• Sacral anterior root stimulation
• Stoma

It is most likely that you will be offered conservative treatments first, such as moderating diet and fluid intake and/or taking medication, such as bulking agents, laxatives and enemas. 

Bowel irrigation

If your bowel problems are not solved using conservative methods, and you are still experiencing bowel accidents or having difficult emptying your bowel, then bowel irrigation may help. Bowel irrigation can prevent bowel leakage and constipation by making sure that bowel movements are regular and predictable. 

Conveen® urisheaths

Conveen is a urisheath designed for basic functionality.

Self-adhering or 2 piece (sheath & uriliner).

Its anti-leakage features, such as the anti-kink bellows,guard against blockage. It offers an applicator and roll-out strip for easy, secure application. A uriliner with double-sided adhesive allows for personal fit.

Conveen® urine bags

		Conveen® Basic Conveen Basic is our leg & bedside urine bag designed for basic functionality. Conveen Basic leg bag has a soft backing for increased wearing comfort.The bedside bag has a large capacity, making it easier for you to get a full night’s sleep.
		Conveen® Standard Conveen Standard is our handy combi bag, meaning you can use it both day and night. Conveen Standard simplifies your routine by taking away the need to switch bags at night. Its purpose-designed “clamp” outlet has a simple flip-up/flip-down closure mechanism that makes it easier to see when the bag is open and closed and prevents accidental leakage. It offers a soft backing for increased wearing comfort.
		Conveen® Contour Conveen Contour is our multi-chamber leg bag designed for even distribution of urine. Conveen Contour’s multiple chambers ensure urine is more evenly distributed around the bag, preventing excess sloshing. Its purpose-designed “clamp” outlet has a simple flip-up/flip-down closure mechanism that makes it easier to see when the bag is open and closed and prevents accidental leakage. It offers a soft backing for increased wearing comfort. Its discreet design and color scheme makes it close to invisible under clothing.

EasiCath® is a traditional hydrophilic-coated catheter for single use. All you have to do is to add water and wait 30 seconds then it’s ready to be used. The hydrophilic coating offers lower friction than uncoated and gel-lubricated catheters.

The catheter eyelets are soft, rounded and lubricated. This makes the catheter gentle on the urethral mucosa and the catheterisation procedure more comfortable and safe.

The benefits of EasiCath catheter:

• Hydrophilic coated
• Coated eyelets for comfort and safety
• Sterile
• Single use
• Low Friction - gentle and safer in use
• Ready to use in 30 seconds

EasiCath is available in many different sizes to suit individual needs.

Conveen® Critic Barrier

The Conveen® Critic Barrier cream forms a protective film on broken or irritated skin after being exposed to e.g. urine, faeces.

Critic Barrier contains karaya powder which has absorbent properties allowing this cream to be used on exuding and moist skin.

The Peristeen Anal plug is a simple and effective aid for faecal incontinence. It prevents the uncontrolled loss of solid stool. Because of its small size, the anal plug can easily fit into your pocket or handbag. It cannot be seen by others as it is worn inside the body.

Unpleasant odours are also avoided as the plug retains stool in the bowels.

The anal plug is inserted just like a suppository. The foam has been compressed to a small size and coated with a water-soluble film. When the film is exposed to the warmth and moisture of the rectum, it dissolves – the plug then expands, conforming to the shape of the rectal cavity. By protecting against leakage, the anal plug gives you the confidence to participate in activities where you need to feel secure, such as swimming.

The Peristeen Anal plug

• Comes in two sizes; small and large
• Removed by pulling the soft gauze string attached to the plug
• Can be left in for up for 12 hours