Continence Training With EPI-NO

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine from the bladder and should never be considered normal. Bladder control problems can usually be cured or significantly improved if treated appropriately. Used in conjunction with pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, the EPI-NO pelvic floor trainer can help to strengthen the pelvic floor, which supports bladder and bowel control.

Facts:

 · One in three women who have had a baby experience incontinence
 · 60-70% of those affected could be cured or much better managed
 · An estimated 50% of sufferers do not discuss their incontinence, even with their general practitioners
 · Women comprise 70% of incontinent sufferers, caused primarily after childbirth and menopause
 · Almost 50% of all women aged 26-39 exhibits some form of incontinence at least once

Statistics fail to show the deeper psychosocial problems from lowered levels of exercise, depression and social isolation. Incontinence impacts on self-confidence, motivation, dignity and independence, robbing our communities of the significant social input of people with high levels of skill and expertise.

Who Benefits from Pelvic Muscle Exercise?

If you are somone who:

 · Experiences leakage with coughing, laughing and/or lifting
 · Wears pads for leakage with certain physical activities/sports
 · Has frequent urges to empty your bladder

Types of Urinary Incontinence

Four different types of incontinence are recognized by the International Continence Society:
- Stress
- Urge
- Overflow
- Reflex

Stress incontinence is leakage associated with physical activity such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, or vigorous sports. Typically small amounts of urine are lost. This is the most common type of incontinence in younger women. It is due to weakness of the muscles that keep the outlet of the bladder closed or the muscles of the pelvic floor that support the bladder. EPI-NO is most effective at improving stress incontinence. Speak to your health professional about EPI-NO to see if it's appropriate for you.

What Can Make the Pelvic Floor Weak?

- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Chronic constipation
- Straining with emptying the bowel and bladder
- Regular, heavy lifting
- Being overweight
- Menopause
- Lack of exercise

How Can EPI-NO Help?

Most women find it difficult to identify the pelvic muscles to exercise. EPI-NO will help you identify the correct muscles then provide visual feedback (bio feedback) so you can "see" and monitor your progress. EPI-NO is used in the privacy of your home, is easy to use, and can enhance other treatments.

How do I Use EPI-NO?

Choose a comfortable place for training where you will not be disturbed. Before you start training, make sure you are sitting or lying comfortably. Over time you will discover the best position for you.

Tighten the pressure release valve and inflate the balloon just enough so it is firm and can be fed into the vagina without difficulty. If the balloon is too big, drain off some of the air by opening the release valve to reduce the balloon size. Or, completely deflate the balloon and fold it into 3 (right side in then left side in) to make insertion easier. If necessary, moisten the balloon with a little water-soluble lubricant.

Holding the balloon at the tube end, feed three quarters of the balloon into the vagina. Now, contract the muscles around the balloon, tightening and drawing in around the anus, vagina and urethra all at once (same feeling as trying to stop yourself from passing gas!) Try to hold this contraction as you count to five, then release. You should have a definite feeling of letting go. Rest for 10 seconds. Repeat this squeeze-and lift-and relax exercise.

If you find it easy to hold for a count of five, increase the length of time up to 10 seconds. In the following weeks, gradually increase to holding for 10 seconds, relaxing for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise up to ten times, then do five short, fast, and strong squeezes (one cycle). In the weeks following, increase repetitions until you are completeting four cycles daily (should take you about 15 minutes).

During your first few training sessions, you may not notice any movement on the pressure display (for bio feedback). This is an indication of weak pelvic floor muscles. After a few days, you will notice your first success. Do Not: Hold your breath while doing the exercises Push down instead of squeezing and lifting up. Tighten your tummy, buttocks or thigh muscles.

Good results take time. In order to build up your pelvic floor muscles to their maximum strength, you will need to perform these exercises daily.

What Else Can I Do?

Drink adequately
- 6 to 8 cups (1,500 - 2,000 ml of fluids per day) more if you are exercising
- limit the amount of caffeine you drink (not more than 2-3 cups per day of coffee, tea or colas)
- limit the amount of alcohol you drink

Try to gradually increase the time between visits to the toilet. Try to hold on a few minutes longer each time you get the urge to go. Avoid going to the toilet - "just in case."

Relax - Don't strain when emptying the bowel and bladder. Take time when you are urinating so your bladder can empty completely.

Try to keep bowel movements regular
- Women should always sit fully on the toilet seat
- do not "hover"
Maintain good and regular bowel habits and avoid constipation.
Keep your weight within the right range for your age and height.

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