Pelvic Floor First

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ABOUT US

The Continence Foundation of Australia is the peak national body representing the interests of the one in four Australians affected by incontinence, their carers, families and clinicians. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, supported by the Australian Government under the National Continence Program, and dedicated to preventing incontinence and improving the quality of life of those affected by bladder and bowel control problems.

Incontinence can be prevented, cured or better managed by following the right advice. To combat the large numbers of people experiencing urinary leakage during exercise, the Continence Foundation created the Pelvic Floor First program to educate consumers and fitness professionals about how to avoid pelvic floor problems.

Given research shows a strong link between certain kinds of exercises and pelvic floor problems, Pelvic Floor First aims to encourage pelvic floor safe exercises to reduce the risk of bladder and bowel problems. Exercises contained in this app are all pelvic floor safe.

Common signs that can indicate a pelvic floor problem include:

• leaking urine when you exercise, laugh, cough or sneeze

• needing to hurry to the toilet or not making it there in time

• constantly needing to go to the toilet

• finding it difficult to empty your bladder or bowel

• accidentally losing control of your bladder or bowel

• a prolapse

• pain in your pelvic area, or

• painful sex

Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek advice from a health professional or phone the Continence Foundation’s National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 to speak with a continence nurse advisor.

The Continence Foundation recommends people embarking on an exercise program should first consult with a health professional.

For more information about pelvic floor health, risk factors and pelvic floor safe exercises, go to pelvicfloorfirst.org.au

For information about bladder and bowel health, go to continence.org.au or phone the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66. The Helpline is staffed 8am-8pm (AEST) Monday-Friday by continence nurse advisors who provide advice, referrals and resources about incontinence to consumers and health professionals. It is a free and confidential service managed by the Continence Foundation of Australia on behalf of the Australian Government.