Incontinence affects quality of life, but, as an oncologist’s focus has to be treating the cancer, incontinence can go under-treated.
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy all affect your pelvic floor.
Some women develop scar tissue, sensation changes, and tissue thickening from treatment, which can affect continence and intimate relationships.
Pelvic floor exercises can help. 80% of women who did pelvic floor exercises for three months said their incontinence was “much better” or “very much better”.
The best way to do a pelvic floor contraction is to imagine you are trying not to pass gas. Visualise squeezing your anus tight to keep in a fart!
Hold that squeeze for up to 10 seconds, and then relax. Don’t worry if you can’t maintain the squeeze for a count of ten, it will get stronger with practice.
Now do 10 quick flicks – imagine you can feel a fart coming, so you squeeze your anus – but, then it goes away again – so you relax.
Do a hold for 10, and 10 quick flicks at least 3 times a day for 3 months and see if your symptoms improve.
“Squeezy” is an NHS endorsed app which can help you remember, or follow me on social media and I’ll remind you.
Not all pelvic floors are weak – a non-relaxing pelvic floor can cause leaking, pelvic pain and pain on penetration.
To help relax your muscles try some simple breathing exercises.
Try exhaling with a wide open mouth sighing “haaaaa”, or mooing like a cow.
Try doing a gentle pelvic floor contraction and letting the muscle relax a bit more with each repetition.
Try this stretch: (it’s the yoga ‘child’s pose – see our illustration!)
The good news is that you don’t have to put up with these symptoms – physiotherapists can help. Ask you consultant or GP for a referral to pelvic health physiotherapist.
For any questions – do contact our specialist nurse service Ask Eve: nurse@eveappeal.org.uk
There are some apps which can help you exercise your pelvic floor: