Latest news with #incontinence
CNA
2 days ago
- Health
- CNA
Only about 1 in 5 women agree to treatment for bladder control: Local study
Older women in Singapore may be suffering in silence with bladder control issues. More than half screened in a local study were found to be incontinent. When offered treatment, only one in five took it up. Dr Ong Ai Li, family physician at Kallang Polyclinic and adviser on women's health at NHG Polyclinics, discusses women incontinence. She talks about the common causes and misconceptions and how it is different from male incontinence.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Dudley MP proud to lead first incontinence debate in Commons
A Labour MP has said she is proud to be leading a debate about incontinence that is the first of its kind in the House of Kumar, MP for Dudley, will chair the backbench business committee debate on Thursday, which will shine a light on the issues faced by those with pelvic health issues. Kumar said the issue "affected millions across the UK", however it remained "overlooked and under-discussed". She hoped the debate would help to bring incontinence "out of the shadows" and give it the "attention it deserves". The National Institute for Health and Care estimates that 34% of women had urinary Dudley MP, who is a physiotherapist, said she had worked closely with women to help them manage the challenges of pelvic floor had previously spoken about pelvic health during a Westminster debate on women's health and received a "wave of responses" from people who had similar experiences."These are not just medical conditions, they are deeply personal challenges that can significantly impact individuals' dignity, independence, and mental wellbeing," Kumar said. Mum-of-four Leanne Shakespeare, 51, said she experienced incontinence for nearly 30 years after she had a breach birth. "I have to wear towels when I leave the house, I'd love to go swimming again but I can't. "When I'm on holiday I couldn't take my shorts off or go in the water."Ms Shakespeare, who is from Kingswinford, said it had impacted her confidence and mental health. She added that it had taken her 10 years to tell anyone what she had experienced."It's a taboo and it isn't talked about enough, now I just have to get on with it and try not to let it stop me."Ms Shakespeare said the debate was a "great idea" and she planned to "follow it on TV". Polly Weston, co-chair of the Association for Continence Professionals, was pleased that the issue had "finally gained traction". "The government is talking about something that the nation is secretly trying to deal with", she said."People will quite happily talk about other medical problems, but the minute you talk about your bowels or bladder, it doesn't seem to be a conversation." Ms Weston said she had spoken to cancer patients who found it "more complex" to talk about their bladder and bowels than the treatment they had received. She added that the privacy towards incontinence was "culture and learnt behaviour" and called for health professionals to "ask patients more open questions" about the issue. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Poor quality incontinence care is contributing to NHS bed blocking crisis, experts say
UK medical experts claim poor quality incontinence care is contributing to the NHS bed blocking crisis. A study of 500 medical professionals who care for patients with incontinence found 29 per cent believe beds are currently blocked by people in hospital who would be able to go home sooner, were the levels of medical counsel and quality of provisions better. 2 And 24 per cent believe the mismanagement of incontinence, specifically, can lead to a delay in patient discharge. In addition, 61 per cent of experts polled by hygiene and health company Essity, said there are patients who are being admitted to hospital or care facilities with incontinence related conditions, due to previous mismanagement of their situation. The current high bed occupancy rates, which sit consistently above 95 per cent, could be reduced significantly were the government to fast track a new policy announced by House of Lords member Lord Philip Hunt, in May 2024. But the implementation of the policy, stipulating that the total cost of care including patient experience and outcomes must be considered ahead of simply the cost per product, has been delayed by several months. Mr. Mark Stott, consultant urologist, believes a number of beds could be released earlier, if patients received a tailored programme of care, along with better quality incontinence products. He said: 'Improved continence care and the best use of products will reduce unplanned admissions and would facilitate discharge in many older patients. 'Incontinence is a key factor affecting the package of care, early discharge or residential placement in a number of patients. 'We know a good continence care plan can contribute to patients getting home more quickly; it is that package of care which allows them to become independent again, and which speeds up their recovery. 'Early supported discharge, with a tailored plan - which takes into account the patient's individual needs, the reason for their incontinence, their physical and mental ability – can prevent help to reduce length of stay, relapses and readmittances.' Exactly six in 10 questioned in the study said urinary tract infections could be dealt with more effectively, while 54 per cent said there should be better education on incontinence overall. Social care, pressure ulcers and better care provision for mental and physical health (52 per cent respectively) were all cited as things which could be handled better for those patients with incontinence, to prevent admission to hospital in the first place, or avoid a delay in discharge. Medical experts also feel there should be better provision of incontinence products to aid care (47 per cent), and long-term patient healthcare (45 per cent). However, only a third of those polled via are yet aware of the proposed policy change in the way the NHS procures its medical supplies. Although 54 per cent are convinced that when this does come into play, it will enable patients to live a more dignified life, and 53 per cent think it will improve the quality of care on offer from the NHS. Just under four in 10 (39 per cent) believe they would see a distinct improvement in the mental and physical health of patients. While 35 per cent said the introduction of 'patient first' procurement would result in the earlier discharge of incontinence patients from a hospital or care home setting. And 32 per cent firmly think it will prevent them from being admitted in the first place. Richard Maddison, spokesperson for Essity said: 'It's clear when you speak to healthcare professionals that the way in which the NHS procures medical products has to change. 'Choosing the cheapest product believing it will save money is a huge false economy that not only ends up costing the health service more in the long run, but it completely disregards the negative knock-on effects such as unnecessary admissions, bed blocking, patient dignity, and ultimately the outcome for the patient. 'The current approach to procurement has a hugely detrimental impact on patients, their families, and healthcare professionals. The answer is not more money for the NHS, the answer is a smarter way to spend the money it has now.' 2
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
I hid my nappies from my husband – I was so embarrassed it ruined our sex life… but 3 steps fixed my ordeal
WHEN Tina Engelmann had an accident while running for the bus, she wondered, 'How has it come to this?' 'I sat on the street in a puddle of my own pee, in floods of tears,' recalls Tina, 48. 'I was wearing grey leggings so it was visible. 7 'As a Pilates instructor, I had worked on my pelvic floor. I couldn't understand why this was happening to me.' Tina's incontinence had worsened with the birth of her second child, and she was only 42 years old. Now, it wasn't just urine leaks, but faecal, too. She says: 'As women, we are conditioned into thinking this is normal — that it's just an 'oops moment'. But I was not prepared to live this way.' An estimated 14million of us, or one in five, experience bladder leakage. A further 6.5million, or one in ten, have difficulty controlling their bowel, according to Bladder & Bowel UK. It's likely these figures are just the tip of the iceberg, as embarrassment holds people back from seeking help. But very few talk about these troubles as openly as Tina, who wants to help break the taboo. Some 84 per cent of women have stayed silent about bladder leaks because of societal shame, according to the Rethink Bladder Leaks campaign from TENA. One in three haven't sought help because of the stigma. Stefanie Steegs, Global Brand Communications Manager at TENA says: 'We want to be a voice for the millions of women who have stayed silent about bladder leaks for fear of shame, and speak up for those who lack the confidence to seek help. 'Women are held to unrealistic standards and society has made us believe that bladder leaks are something to be ashamed of.' Breathing exercises Dr Shazia Malik ( is a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician, and says of those who are suffering with leaks: 'Only ten to 20 per cent of them come forward for treatment.' The 4 best moves to beat incontinence, boost your sex life & flatten your tummy Tina's leaks began when she was 39 after the delivery of her first child. Vaginal deliveries, especially those involving forceps or ventouse — as Tina's was — can weaken the pelvic-floor muscles. She recalls: 'If I coughed, I would pee. If I laughed, I would pee. I struggled to bend over and bath the baby without wetting myself.' Tina suffered a prolapse but she managed to improve her symptoms with physical therapy. When she had her second daughter three years later, though, her symptoms returned with a vengeance — and GPs gave her little help. 7 She says: 'I'd leak through pads. One time I ran up to a shop and my pad burst. I had wee running down my legs. 'I was just told to get some big nappies. I couldn't wear the clothes I loved as the nappies would show through.' Even just getting through the weekly food shop without leaking was a challenge. As for socialising, forget it. If I went out and laughed my head off, I'd probably leak all over the bar stool. Intimacy, forget it too. I was embarrassed to speak to my husband Tina Engelmann And there were other problems. Tina, who lives near Ipswich, adds: 'I couldn't play with my children, I couldn't run around with them as they got older. Trampolines were a big no-no. I felt like a boring mum. 'As for socialising, forget it. If I went out and laughed my head off, I'd probably leak all over the bar-stool. 'Intimacy, forget it too. I was embarrassed to speak to my husband [about the issue]. 'I used a separate bin for my nappies so he wouldn't see. I kept it a secret. I didn't want him to know I was pooping my pants. 'Even if I felt a bit sexy, the pads stank of chemicals and urine. It was very offputting. 'I just felt so down and so hopeless. It didn't help that I was told by professionals this was how it would be from now on.' But Tina has helped herself with a combination of physical therapy, breathing exercises and massage. 'What doesn't work is doing a few kegels,' she says. 'And the Squeezy app recommended by the NHS, it's rubbish. You need to look at the whole picture, not just the pelvic floor. Look at the whole of your core (muscles), posture, breathing and diet.' Meanwhile, mum-of-four Lindsey Gage carries spare knickers in her bag in case of leaks. The content creator, 42, began leaking after having second son Finlay, now 16. She'd had no issues after having first child Bailey, now 20. Her symptoms then worsened after giving birth to twins, Scarlett and Thea, now eight. She says: 'There have been times when my kids have wanted me to chase them, but as soon as I start running, I feel wee trickling down my leg, I now carry spare pants in my bag, and there have been many times where I've had a leak and had to change myself Lindsey Gage 'If I take the kids to a trampoline park, that will cause little trickles. Sneezing, laughing or coughing would also cause pee to come out. 'I recently had a cough for three weeks that got so bad I had to buy pads. 'I felt embarrassed buying them, given that I'm only 42. I thought they were for old ladies, and I'd never imagined I'd have to wear them at my age. 'I now carry spare pants in my bag, and there have been many times where I've had a leak and had to change myself.' Lindsey, from Cardiff, had physiotherapy in February 2020 but the service was then stopped during Covid. She has never been back to the GP since. She says: 'I try to remember to do my pelvic floor exercises and when I do, it helps.' It's often assumed incontinence is triggered by having kids, or age, but obesity, genetics, bladder damage or irritation and neurological conditions such as MS are other causes. Nerve stimulation A decline in women's oestrogen levels during menopause can also weaken the pelvic floor. Dr Malik often sees women in her clinic who have suffered in silence for many years. She says: 'Many see it as a normal consequence of having children and this should not be the case. 'Women should know there are options available to help them. Dr Malik insists pelvic-floor exercises do help with reducing leaks, and she recommends that new mums should try to do them several times a day — perhaps while feeding their babies. But lifestyle changes can make a difference, too, such as quitting smoking, cutting own alcohol and caffeine and losing weight. Surgery is also available, in extreme cases. Dr Malik advises new mums: 'If you are still leaking urine at your eight-week post-natal check, tell your GP or midwife. They may refer you to a specialist for help. 'But even if you have been suffering for a long time, this does not mean it is not easily treatable. 'New medications are being developed. We can offer nerve stimulation or Botox injections. 'We can also test to work out the best treatment for you.' Now a pelvic-floor coach, Tina — see Instagram @reclaimandrecover — has since helped dozens of women get their lives back on track after incontinence. She says: 'I felt hopeless for a while but you can turn your life around. 'I am sharing my story as we need to be more open about this - it shouldn't be a taboo subject. 'We can break this cycle.' 7 7 Why you should never go for a 'just-in-case' wee CHANCES are this scenario will sound familiar to you... You're just about to leave the house and quickly pop to the loo, 'just in case'. If so, you could be putting yourself at risk of incontinence, experts warn. Pelvic health physiotherapist Esther Stubbs said: "By peeing frequently, you are training your bladder to want to empty when it isn't full." One of the easiest ways to help your pelvic floor is to stop this habit immediately, she added. Other experts have warned that you're actually making your bladder more sensitive. Prof Stergios Doumouchtsis, a leading expert in urogynaecology based at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said 'just-in-case' pees mean the bladder learns to give you signals of fullness at lower volumes. "The purpose of the bladder as a reservoir for urine can become compromised, and therefore the bladder will start needing the toilet and sending you signals of urgency too early, when the volumes of the bladder are lower, or more frequently," they added. "The bladder won't necessarily become anatomically smaller. But functionally it is smaller. "Therefore it can affect our activities because we become more engaged to the bladders' calls."
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bita Bani, strategic business development leader, joins ProvenMed to accelerate global growth
Dubai, UAE – ProvenMed, a leading MedTech company pioneering wearable solutions for incontinence and home-based urine analysis, proudly announces the joining of Bita Bani as its new Business Development Lead. Bita brings a wealth of experience and value in healthcare growth strategy, market expansion, and commercial transformation to support ProvenMed's mission of delivering dignified and connected care solutions across global markets. With a distinguished track record in scaling healthcare ventures, Bita has held key roles across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Her work has focused on transforming early-stage medical companies into global players, building high-impact partnerships, and creating commercially viable go-to-market strategies in both the private and public sectors. 'Bita's addition to the team comes at a pivotal moment for ProvenMed,', said Amine Staali CEO of ProvenMed. 'As we expand our global footprint and prepare for the next stage of commercialization for both Livv and ActivGo, Bita's insights and network in emerging markets will be instrumental in accelerating our growth trajectory and opening new frontiers.' Bita's portfolio includes strategic advisory and operational leadership for innovative medical technology firms, where she has contributed to business scale-up, international licensing, and partnership development. Her approach blends data-driven strategy with deep human empathy, ensuring that health tech is both accessible and impactful. 'I'm honored to join ProvenMed's journey,' said Bita Bani. 'The company's commitment to addressing real unmet needs through health innovation deeply resonates with me. I look forward to leveraging my experience to foster meaningful partnerships and bring ProvenMed's products to people who need them the most.' As ProvenMed continues to build a robust presence across Europe, MENA, and North America, Bita Bani's leadership is expected to enhance the company's strategic alliances and revenue diversification efforts, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in digital health and patient-centered care. About ProvenMed ProvenMed is a medical technology company developing innovoation solutions in continence care and app-based wellness analysis. Its sub-brands include: ActivGo® – A discreet wearable for urinary incontinence. Livv® – Smart urine analysis testing kits and app for home use. Together, they empower users with autonomy, privacy, and real-time health insights, promoting dignity and health access across all populations.
