Bladder issues, such as incontinence, can be a common symptom in people with neuromuscular disorders. There are a number of reasons why the bladder might be affected. The common causes of bladder issues are stress incontinence, urge incontinence and potentially mixed incontinence. Treating and managing bladder incontinence can include encouraging weight loss, pelvic floor exercises and advice on toileting issues. It may be that the issue is not a problem with toileting because of incontinence but because of the inability to sit down and most importantly stand up after using the toilet. In this case therapists can offer advice on portable devices for both men and women to use the toilet without the need to sit down. These include devices such as she-wee or similar.

Useful Resources:

The HAP-PEE resources below, courtesy of the The National Rehabilitation Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (RCFM), detail the challenges faced by women with NMD when having to urinate away from home. Details of the HAP-PEE study findings are outlined in the Posters and recommendations for best practice for physiotherapists and patients are provided in the screening questions and informative video.

The results from HAP-PEE are disseminated in Danish on Rehabiliterings Centre for Muskelsvind, here:

Additional Useful Resources:

• SMN Leaflet in managing incontinence.
• Bladder function and care in DMD
• How to use a female urinary device in standing
• Bridges self management: When I have no access to a toilet: Patient Advice