Continence Assessment/Urodynamic Studies
What is incontinence?
Incontinence is a term that describes any accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or bowel motion, faeces or wind from the bowel (faecal or bowel incontinence).
Incontinence is a widespread condition that ranges in severity from 'just a small leak' to complete loss of bladder or bowel control. In fact, over 4.8 million Australians have bladder or bowel control problems for a variety of reasons. Incontinence can be treated and managed.
When most people think about incontinence they think of it as a female condition, but in fact, one in ten Australian men experience regular bladder leakage, with that rate increasing with age. Common causes include: smoking; chronic cough; being overweight; heavy lifting; lack of fitness; pelvic floor muscle weakness; and conditions such as stroke, MS and Parkinson’s disease. But one of the most common is as a result of prostatectomy after prostate cancer diagnosis.
Urinary Continence assessment
The first step required to effectively manage your incontinence is a professional continence assessment. A continence assessment helps identify the type and cause of your urinary incontinence. Once your specialist has this knowledge they may refer you to our urodynamic clinic for assessment. To see our one of our Urology specialists or Urogynaecology specialists speak to your GP for a referral.
What is Urodynamic testing?
Urodynamics is a series of tests conducted in an inpatient setting that evaluates the function of the bladder.
Your specialists may recommend urodynamic testing if there are problems associated with any of the following conditions:
- Loss of urine while coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising
- Sudden and or frequent urge to pass urine
- Getting up at night frequently to pass urine
- Painful urination
- Sudden, strong urges to urinate
- Problems starting a urine stream
- Problems emptying the bladder
- Recurrent bladder infections
- Remember to talk to your GP and ask for a referral to one of our specialists:
Urologists
Urogynaecologists
In many cases, incontinence can be cured and it can always be managed.