Urinary Incontinence Assessment: The First Step to Taking Back Control

Types of Urinary Incontinence

There are several types of incontinence, which include:

Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence occurs when activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising put pressure on the bladder, causing urine to leak out accidentally. While it can be challenging to manage, stress incontinence can be treated by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with pelvic floor exercises.



Urge Urinary Incontinence

Urge incontinence is characterised by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. It can be caused by various factors, including bladder infections or neurological conditions. In some cases, this condition can lead to a constant worry about finding a restroom, making it difficult to enjoy social outings or participate in physical activities.



Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, causing frequent dribbling of urine. It can be caused by issues like weak bladder muscles, nerve damage, or blockages in the urinary tract. As a result, individuals may not feel a strong urge to urinate, leading to unexpected leaks and difficulty controlling their bladder.



Functional Incontinence

This type of incontinence occurs when a person is unable to reach the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive impairments, such as arthritis or dementia. Individuals who have this may have difficulty walking quickly or might not realise they need to go until it's too late. 



Mixed Urinary Incontinence

Mixed incontinence is a combination of two or more types of incontinence, typically stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Individuals may experience leaks during physical activities or sudden urges to urinate. This combination can complicate management, so it’s essential for those affected to collaborate with healthcare providers to create a tailored treatment plan.



Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

Recognising the symptoms of incontinence is essential for effective management. Healthcare providers utilise a combination of various tools such as incontinence assessments, bladder diary, physical examination, and specialised tests to evaluate these symptoms and identify their underlying causes. 

By accurately assessing an individual’s condition, healthcare providers can develop tailored treatment plans aimed at improving their quality of life.

Here are some of the typical lower urinary tract symptoms associated with incontinence:

• Leakage during physical activities
• Uncontrolled urine during physical activities
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Needing to urinate more than eight times a day
• Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate
• Constant dribbling
• Weak urine stream
• Feeling of incomplete emptying
• Sensation that the bladder is not fully emptied after urination
• Inability to reach the bathroom in time
• Discomfort or pain during urination
• Changes in urine appearance



What are Urinary Incontinence Assessments?

Urinary incontinence assessments are comprehensive evaluations designed to identify the type, cause, and severity of incontinence in individuals. These assessments are essential for developing effective management and treatment plans, as they provide healthcare professionals with crucial insights into the patient's condition.



Why Getting Urinary Incontinence Assessments is Essential

Personalised Treatment Options

Understanding the nature of the incontinence enables tailored treatment strategies, which may include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, medications, or surgical options. A personalised approach not only addresses the symptoms but also considers the individual's preferences and daily routines. This increases the likelihood of successful outcomes and enhances overall satisfaction with care.



Improved Quality of Life

Effective management of incontinence can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms, which could enhance daily activities and overall wellbeing. Many individuals find that successful treatment alleviates the anxiety and limitations associated with incontinence, allowing them to participate more fully in social activities, exercise, and family life. Having confidence allows individuals to transform their day-to-day experiences into happiness and fulfilment.



Preventing Complications

Early assessment can help prevent potential complications associated with untreated urinary incontinence, such as urinary tract infection, skin irritations, or psychological effects like anxiety and depression. Addressing the condition promptly reduces the risk of developing these secondary issues, which can further complicate a person’s health and quality of life.



Empowerment and Support

Understanding their condition through assessments allows individuals to advocate for their needs and make informed decisions about their health. In addition, connecting with support networks can foster a sense of community and shared experiences, which reduces feelings of isolation.



Enhanced Communication with Healthcare Providers

A thorough assessment facilitates better communication between patients and healthcare professionals, allowing concerns to be addressed and expectations to be managed. Open dialogue encourages patients to share their worries and preferences when it comes to care. When patients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to engage actively in their treatment journey.



Informed Decision-Making

Incontinence assessments provide valuable information that helps individuals make informed choices regarding their treatment options. By weighing the benefits and risks of various approaches, patients can select strategies that align with their personal preferences and lifestyle. This careful decision-making helps people adhere to their treatment plans and enhance their overall satisfaction with the care they receive.



Monitoring Progress

Incontinence assessments play a crucial role in tracking the effectiveness of treatment plans and making necessary adjustments for symptom management. By monitoring progress, healthcare providers can guarantee if the treatment aligns with the individual’s evolving needs. 



What to Expect During Urinary Incontinence Assessments

Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect when undergoing incontinence assessments:

Initial Consultation

An initial consultation can be performed, either by phone or Zoom, to discuss the individual's symptoms and medical history in detail. During this step, the provider can ask targeted questions about the frequency and nature of urinary symptoms, any associated factors, and the impact on the patient’s daily life.



Physical Examination

A physical examination may be conducted to assess pelvic floor health and identify any anatomical issues that could contribute to urinary incontinence. This may include a thorough evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles through manual palpation to determine their strength and tone. This pelvic examination will also assess the patient's ability to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles, which is essential for maintaining bladder control.



Bladder Diary

Maintaining a bladder diary is a standard practice used by healthcare providers to gather essential information about a patient's urinary habits. With a bladder diary, providers can easily identify patterns and triggers that may contribute to incontinence. By tracking details such as the frequency and timing of urination, the volume of fluid intake, and any incidents of urgency or leakage, the bladder diary helps providers prepare more tailored and effective treatment plans.

Diagnosis

Based on the findings from the assessment, healthcare providers will diagnose what type of incontinence you have. Whether you have stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or overflow incontinence, understanding the specific type of incontinence is crucial, as it guides the selection of appropriate treatment options.



NDIS Report Writing

After diagnosis, the healthcare provider will complete the reporting and discuss treatment options tailored to the individual’s specific needs. The report helps justify why specific supports are necessary for the individual to manage their condition and participate fully in daily activities, enhancing their quality of life.



Tailored Incontinence Management Services by Flame Lily Australia

At Flame Lily Australia, we offer incontinence management services for NDIS participants, available both face-to-face and via TeleHealth. Our face-to-face appointments are exclusively available in Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, and Western Sydney, while our phone and online consultations can be conveniently accessed from anywhere in Australia. Our incontinence management services include:

Continence Assessment

We conduct a thorough NDIS continence nurse assessment to assess each individual's specific needs. If your incontinence is an ongoing issue that is caused by your disability, you may qualify for financial support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to cover the costs of your continence assessment.

Catheter Care for Indwelling or Supra-pubic

We have skilled registered nurses who can expertly replace indwelling or supra-pubic catheters when necessary. Every NDIS registered nurse in our organisation is trained to perform these procedures with precision and care.

Continence Aids such as Pads and Catheters

We can recommend a range of continence aids, such as pads and catheters, tailored to each individual's needs and requirements.



Education and Support

Part of our incontinence management services is empowering individuals and caregivers through essential knowledge and practical guidance.



Takeaway

Urinary incontinence assessments are designed to identify the type, cause, and severity of incontinence, allowing healthcare providers to develop personalised treatment plans that enhance quality of life. With many people experiencing urinary incontinence, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking help is a first step towards regaining control and confidence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing urinary incontinence, get in touch with Flame Lily Australia for proper diagnosis and management. Our comprehensive incontinence management services, including thorough assessments, can help you take the first steps towards better health and wellbeing.

Whether you're based in Wollongong or located elsewhere in Australia, Flame Lily is here for you. We offer both face-to-face and telehealth continence assessments, with care and support that extends right across the country. Get in touch with us to secure an appointment.