Weak bladders a South African problem

Weak control of the bladder is not a commonly discussed ailment, yet an estimated 9.5 million South Africans have this problem.

This was revealed as the world commemorates the 6th incontinence or weak bladder week.

One in four women and one in eight men struggle with this ailment in the country. Pregnancy has been identified as a contributory factor, as 40 percent of women are said to develop weak bladders after childbirth. This year’s theme, Pelvic Floor Exercise in Pregnancy, Child Birth and Beyond, seeks to raise public awareness on the gender implications of this ailment. This has also been backed by a study which showed the risk to be 10 percent for women who didn’t have children, 16 percent for those who delivered through C-section, and 21 percent in women who delivered babies normally.

These differences are said to result from the weakening of the birth canal after natural birth, which is still the preferred method of childbirth rather than a C-section which is seen as more risky.

Also, being overweight is said to be a contributory factor and women are encouraged to maintain a healthy body weight.

Clinical trials state that the ailment could be reduced by 50 percent if pregnant women exercised their pelvic muscles, and those who continued to struggle with the ailment could try specially designed products. Clinics and hospitals could also provide advice on how and where else to get support.

Details: TENA 086 673 377; www.tena.co.za