What is Urge Incontinence?

Urge incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence which manifests itself as an urgent need to pass urine. It is such a sudden feeling that it can often be difficult to get to a toilet in time, which may then result in some urinary leakage. Some people refer to this as having an 'overactive bladder'. Bladder retraining can often cure this problem, but essentially, the muscles of the bladder need to be taught how to 'relax'.

Around 30% of cases of urinary incontinence are due to urge incontinence.

Why does Urge Incontinence occur?

Urge incontinence, unfortunately, is not fully understood. Research has shown that the bladder muscles become overactive and contract when you don't want them to.

Generally, the bladder muscles are in relaxed mode as the bladder fills up with urine. Normally, as the bladder stretches with the volume of urine, there is a desire to pass water when it reaches half-way. Even at this half-way point, many people are able to hold on for some considerable time longer before they desperately need 'to go'. Unfortunately, in people with urge incontinence, the bladder muscles emit the wrong signals to the brain which interprets the bladder as being fuller than it really is, it then goes into contraction and sends the signal back to the bladder to expel the urine there and then. Put bluntly, you've lost control of your bladder.

How can I treat my Urge Incontinence?

First, you can try a few lifestyle changes.

• Symptoms can worsen if you drink a lot of tea, coffee, cola or alcohol - so think about what you drink
• Try, if you can, to be near to a toilet for the most part. Obviously, this is not always feasible.
• If you are out and about, wear an incontinence pad to protect your underwear.
• Only go to the toilet when you really need to. Many people get into the habit of going to the toilet 'just in case'. This, unfortunately, can make matters worse. The more you try to empty your bladder, the more your bladder will think frequent emptying is normal as it gets used to holding less urine. So if you can, try to hold on that bit longer.
• Lose weight if you are overweight - symptoms may improve with a bit of weight loss.

Further treatment may include bladder training - the aim of this is to slowly stretch the bladder so that it is capable of holding greater and greater amounts of urine. With practise, the bladder should become less overactive and you will feel more in control. As the amount of time between each visit to the toilet increases, instances of urinary leakage should decrease.

Alongside bladder training, it is thought that pelvic exercises can help.

The way to perform these is as follows:

• Initially, try these in a seated position: imagine that you are attempting to stop yourself from breaking wind. You'll be tightening that muscle above the entrance to the rectum. Try not to move your legs or buttocks when you are doing this.
• Next, imagine you are trying to pass urine and are stopping the flow. You will then be working a different set of muscles to the first set - and these are the ones which need the exercise

You need to perform these exercises every day and it is advisable to hold the muscles for a count of 5, then relax. Perform this rep at least five times, slowly. Then perform it on a quicker basis, for a count of one or two seconds. These repetitions of slow and fast pull-ups should be done for 5-10 minutes.

Is there anything that can help me with these exercises?

Yes. Sometimes these exercises may be a little difficult to perform correctly - and to be honest, it's better not to do them at all, than get them wrong - this is why pelvic toners were invented! There are a number of different types from which to choose.

The Pelvitone

This has actually been reviewed, to great acclaim, by the Embarrassing Bodies team on Channel 4. In only six weeks of use, 60% of women reported a significant improvement in their bladder control.

The Pelvitone is one of the most versatile of the pelvic toners. It consists of a probe and control unit which has 11 pre-set programmes to treat urge, stress and mixed incontinences.

The digital display unit monitors the time of the programme and the intensity of the work-out. Three of these programmes are specifically tailored to treat urge incontinence and there is also the functionality to customise three programmes for your own needs.

The VeriProbe trainer does the whole work-out for you by ennervating the muscles in the pelvic floor, so there is no danger that you won't be exercising the correct muscles.

The AthenaFem

The AthenaFem has a great range of features including wireless technology for greater ease of movement and control; it's totally user-friendly in that the probe exercises all the right muscles for you (one thing less for you to worry about). I

t's FDA/CE approved so you know you are buying quality and it has two incontinence settings - which will treat stress, urge and mixed (simply alternate between the programmes to treat mixed incontinence).

Dr Chris Steele on ITV's This Morning programme positively reviewed the AthenaFem and it has also been featured in much of the national press and many glossy magazines.

The Femme Elite

The Femme Eite is slightly different to the other three models mentioned above in that it is a 3 in 1 toner designed to not only exercise the pelvic floor, it also provides muscle toning for abdominals and thighs and will also provide TENS pain relief for the back, periods, shoulders and even migraine.

It's a very small, pocket-sized unit which can easily slip into a handbag. It will treat stress, mixed and urge incontinence, is wholly digital - and great value for money!

Is there anything else I should know?

Having urge incontinence is not a lifetime sentence. It can be alleviated or even cured through pelvic exercise. We at Pelvic-Toners.co.uk have received numerous positive reviews from our customers about how the use of a pelvic toner has changed their lives and returned their self-confidence. And it doesn't take long, either, if you are committed to using the device on a daily basis. Many of our customers have seen a difference in as little as a few weeks.

If you are suffering with stress or urge incontinence, we can supply some of the pelvic toners exclusive of VAT. Urinary incontinence is classed as a chronic illness and thus, certain appliances designed to assist with overcoming it are VAT exempt.

If you wish to talk to any of our trained customer service representatives, please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 612 6394 - we're here to help. You can speak to a female member of staff, too, if you so wish.