World Continence Week 16th - 22nd June 2025

Our principle functions are to:

• Promote continence wherever possible
• Provide quality management of incontinence and bladder and bowel problems in line with National Guidelines
• Meet the needs of people requiring continence care
• Undertake research and use research evidence in the delivery of continence care
• Treat people locally in accessible nurse-led clinics and avoid unnecessary hospital admission
• Train and educate other healthcare professionals in continence promotion

Conditions we can help you manage, are:

• Bladder dysfunction including all types of urinary incontinence
• Bowel dysfunction including constipation and faecal incontinence
• Support with continence appliances, such as catheters, bags and bowel management systems 

You can self-refer to the Bladder & Bowel team by either telephone: 01633 744286 or via email: abb.bladderandboweladmin@wales.nhs.uk

The Urogynaecology team has three other very experienced consultants Mrs Makiya Ashraf, Mr Gareth Edwards and Mr Sanjay Curpad. We work jointly with the physiotherapy and bowel and bladder team in providing care to our women.

We have community health pathway for management of women with Urinary incontinence. This is a guide for GPs to initiate treatment in the community while patients are waiting to be seen in secondary care.

Urogynaecology service accepts referrals from GPs and other health professionals.

Sian and Gill’s stories with continence

From the first physio visit, we went through my daily routine and when I would leak etc., then had an internal examination to ensure I was doing pelvic floor exercises correctly. Although I was doing them correctly, I couldn’t hold it for long and was given exercises to help retrain how my brain connected to my pelvic floor.

I also completed a bladder diary, where I measured the volume and type of drinks I was having and the volume of urine I was passing. This showed I could hold a good volume and that I needed to retrain my brain to stop me going as often. What I also learnt was that what you drink / the lack of fluid has a major impact on your bladder and can flare it up, but exercises like yoga can help build strength. Improving breathing techniques also has a positive impact on your bladder.

By my next appointment, I felt like a new woman!  In 18 weeks, my life has completely changed for the better - I wish I had done this sooner. Yoga improved my core strength and I no longer run for the toilet, and I don’t require Botox - which is a huge relief. I have the odd leak (mostly when I’m not feeling well), however, my quality of life has massively improved.

I’m now confident, going out, and no longer needed to wear protection.