Patient with long-standing urinary issues highlights her life-changing experience with sacral neuromodulation, a minimally invasive therapy used to treat bladder and bowel dysfunction.

While many people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable speaking about symptoms of urinary incontinence, urgency, frequency or frequent nighttime urination (nocturia), Rebecca King, a patient who once struggled with severe bladder symptoms, hopes to empower others with her story of successful treatment.

“I started experiencing symptoms in my late teens, and it soon began to take over my life,” explains King. “I was physically exhausted; it affected my hobbies, my social life, travel and even just going to the shop.” King experienced extremely severe symptoms, which dominated her life, including using the bathroom not only frequently, but for long periods of time to fully void her bladder, often getting up multiple times a night to go to the toilet.

Exploring treatment options

With symptoms so severe, she attended her local GP for assessment, but was not advised of any tangible treatment options and was not referred for specialist assessment. Sadly, this situation is all too common in clinical practice, as a lack of awareness and associated stigma can delay access to effective treatment methods.

“I felt so deflated because I was so young, and I knew something was wrong,” explains King. “I decided to move practice, and was eventually referred for urology assessment and given a range of options based on my specific case.”

Treatment typically depends on the symptoms, their severity and the patient’s preferences and characteristics. First-line treatments include lifestyle adjustments, such as pelvic floor exercise, followed by medications and several minimally invasive treatments, such as Botox injections, can also be considered. Patients are often required to complete a bladder diary to track symptoms and treatment effects, which helps to inform clinical and shared decision-making.

“Being taken seriously changed everything — to hear you have options and a potential solution gives you hope, and to feel understood is truly life-changing.”

First-line treatments include lifestyle adjustments, such as pelvic floor exercise,
followed by medications and several minimally invasive treatments, such as Botox injections

Sacral neuromodulation

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive therapy that uses a small implanted device to send gentle electrical pulses to the nerves controlling the bladder and bowels. For patients like Rebecca, it can restore communication between the bladder or bowel and the brain, regulating normal function.

“I was finally told I was a candidate for SNM due to an overactive bladder, and after years of monitoring and considering a life of self-catheterisation or lifelong medication, the InterSim device seemed like a no-brainer to me,” explains King. “I was sent for Urodynamic testing under Dr Forde and his team at Beaumont Hospital, following which I received a test device for two weeks to check it was going to work for me before the permanent device was fitted.”

“Getting the device isn’t as scary as you’d imagine. And when it works, you get your life back,” explains King. “While some steps can be quite intrusive, Hannah Graham, an advanced nurse practitioner at the Beaumont Hospital, made the process feel so easy and comfortable.”

Looking back, King notes that the treatment has resulted in far more than just physical symptom relief, but the emotional and social benefits have allowed her to regain her life. 

“There is a stigma around urinary issues, which makes it extremely isolating, and it can be very depressing,” says King. “Not being offered options is incredibly diminishing to people’s wellbeing and hope. When you are finally taken seriously and shown a treatment pathway, it changes your whole life. I can finally go horse riding again, play with my children, go to the shops and travel, things most people take for granted.”

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Consultant urologist Dr Bianca Barea discusses the importance of shared decision-making for bladder dysfunction and the life-changing intervention of sacral neuromodulation.

Urinary and faecal incontinence affect millions, yet stigma and embarrassment mean many never seek help or discuss their symptoms,” says Bianca Barea, consultant urologist at Beaumont Hospital. “Patients need to know that treatment options are available, empowering them to take that first step to initial assessment.”

Raising awareness of sacral neuromodulation

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive procedure in which an implanted device sends mild electric impulses to stimulate the nerves that control your bowel and bladder. “Alternative treatments for bladder control often require repeat procedures, but the SNM device can last for many years, providing long-term relief, giving patients their quality of life back,” explains Barea.

“SNM is typically a third-line option for patients who haven’t responded to conservative or medication-based treatments, but it can be life-changing, helping patients regain normal bladder or bowel function. Patients who undergo the SNM procedure often report dramatic improvements; some go from waking five times a night to not waking at all, or from being unable to void to emptying normally again.”

Beaumont Hospital has a comprehensive SNM service, including a highly experienced team — Dr Barea, Dr Forde, Dr McCawley and advanced nurse practitioner Hannah Graham — equipped to provide patients with expert assessment, individualised treatment planning and seamless management of both trial and permanent SNM implants. “We also run workshops for GPs to ensure they know that SNM is an option for patients in practice.”

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive procedure in which an
implanted device sends mild electric impulses to stimulate the nerves that control your bowel and bladder.

Importance of shared decision-making

Shared decision-making is important, aligning treatment discussions with the expertise of the healthcare professional and the patient’s preferences. “Making patients aware of their treatment options is one of the most important parts of the consultation,” explains Barea. “Each treatment option has its pros and cons, and what’s right depends on the patient’s age, gender, lifestyle and the specific characteristics of their condition. Patient preferences are key, and treatment should be tailored to everyone’s needs.”

Raising awareness of potential treatment options can influence patient outcomes, whether through information aids such as leaflets or via online resources such as BAUS or BBUK, which ensure that patients fully understand their choices, feel supported in decision-making and can access the most appropriate therapies for their individual needs.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the umbrella term for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, affects around 50,000 people in Ireland, yet remains one of the most misunderstood chronic illnesses.

These conditions cause persistent inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, joint pain and weight loss.

IBD doesn’t discriminate by age. While most diagnoses occur between ages 15 and 35, we also see a second peak in later adulthood, and cases in children are rising. This means IBD can impact anyone at any stage of life, often striking during critical periods for education, career and family.

Hidden costs and stigma of living with IBD

Despite advances in treatment, there’s no cure for IBD, and its impact extends beyond physical health. A recent survey by Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland revealed that 52% of patients experienced a flare in the past year, and 35% reported stigma or unfair treatment. Alarmingly, 60% face financial hardship, spending over €3,000 annually on care, while nearly half delayed treatment due to cost. These figures underscore the urgent need for systemic change — from expanding medical card eligibility to recognising IBD under the Long-Term Illness Scheme.

The burden on our healthcare system is significant. Delays in diagnosis remain common, with 14% waiting more than a year for confirmation, and almost half presenting to A&E before being diagnosed. Beyond clinical care, mental health support and workplace accommodations are lacking, leaving many patients isolated and struggling to maintain wellbeing and employment.

IBD can impact anyone at any stage of life, often striking during critical periods for education, career and family.

Call for urgent action and inclusive support

This week marks Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week (December 1–7), an opportunity to challenge misconceptions and advocate for better supports. Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland is leading the charge with education campaigns, peer support groups and resources for patients and families. We’re calling for investment in specialist services, equitable access to healthcare and public facilities that accommodate hidden disabilities.Policymakers must prioritise IBD in national health strategies, employers must create inclusive workplaces and the public must stand with us to break the stigma. Together, we can ensure that living well with IBD becomes the norm — not the exception.

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James Forde

Consultant Urologist, Blackrock Health/Beaumont Hospsital

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leak of urine and is a common problem affecting people of all ages. People should not suffer in silence, as healthcare professionals are there to help.

There are three types of urinary incontinence. The first is called stress incontinence; this is the leakage of urine with exertion such as coughing, sneezing or exercise. This is more common in women and can especially be an issue after pregnancy or post-menopause. Urge incontinence is the second type; you might leak on your way to the bathroom or have the need to pass urine. This can be associated with an overactive bladder. Finally, there is mixed incontinence, which is a mixture of both types.

Who can I talk to about urinary incontinence?

A lot of people suffer in silence and can feel embarrassed or upset about their symptoms. However, it is important to know there are treatments that can help, and healthcare professionals are used to talking about this problem. If you are suffering from incontinence, discuss it with your general practitioner, see a urologist or urogynaecologist or see a chartered physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic health and continence. The Continence Foundation of Ireland website contains helpful information and links to other websites and resources.

Management of incontinence usually starts with small lifestyle changes

Incontinence management options

Management of incontinence usually starts with small lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine intake, fizzy drinks and alcohol, as these can irritate the bladder. It is important to see a healthcare professional, so any conditions that may worsen incontinence can be ruled out or managed, such as infections. Physiotherapy can also be helpful to re-train the bladder, strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce urinary symptoms.

If these management options are not improving symptoms enough, some people may need medication or surgery to help. There are well-established guidelines with safe and effective treatments available to help with symptoms. Anyone who thinks they may have incontinence or urinary problems should not be embarrassed about asking for advice or treatment.

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Bowel screening aims to find signs of bowel cancer at an early stage, when there are no symptoms.

Bowel screening involves taking a sample of your poo (stool sample) using a home test. Place the sample in a special tube, and send it back in a sealed envelope for laboratory testing. This test looks for blood in your poo and most people get a normal result. If the amount of blood found in your poo is above the screening limit, you will be referred for a further test called a colonoscopy.

Who can get free bowel screening?

You are eligible if you are aged 59 to 69, live in Ireland and are on the BowelScreen register. To check that you are on the register and your details are current, contact 1800 45 45 55 (freephone) or info@bowelscreen.ie.

Limitations of bowel screening

The bowel screening test looks for a certain level of blood in your stool. If the amount of blood is below the screening limit, or no blood is found in your sample, it is not a guarantee that you do not have bowel cancer. Not all cancers or polyps bleed all the time. No screening test is 100% reliable. Changes can also happen between screening tests.

If bowel cancer is found early,
it’s easier to treat and there’s
a better chance of recovery.

Facts on bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is also known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer. Around 2,600 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland every year. Bowel cancer is the second most common of all cancers in men and the third most common of all cancers in women in Ireland.

If bowel cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your GP and do not wait for your next screening test:

• Changes in your poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is unusual for you
• Needing to poo more or less often than usual
• Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
• Bleeding from your bottom
• Tummy pain
• Feeling a lump anywhere in your tummy
• Bloating
• Losing weight for no reason
• Feeling very tired for no reason
• Breathlessness

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Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) can help patients with bladder issues. With professional support, ISC may help contribute to reducing infection risks and could be an alternative to permanent indwelling catheters. Learn more about ISC benefits and guidance.

When can ISC help patients with bladder conditions?

“The bladder is a muscle that, over time or due to trauma or a neurological condition, may not work how it’s meant to,” explains Natasha Creenan, Country Manager, Coloplast Ireland. “So, some patients may be advised by their nurse to insert a catheter into their urethra, empty their bladder of urine, take out the catheter and then dispose of it. It means there’s less chance of infection. Plus, they don’t need a permanent catheter in place or to carry around a urine bag under their clothes.”

The bladder is a muscle that, over time or
due to trauma or a neurological condition,
may not work how it’s meant to.

Support is also available for ISC patients

ISC can sound like a daunting prospect, admits Emer Molloy, Coloplast Clinical Nurse Manager. However, with the right professional guidance and support, it doesn’t have to be. “The point with stomas and ISC is that support is available to help patients with issues or problems they may have,” she says. “Contact an HSE or company stoma nurse because you don’t have to suffer in silence.”

Patients who use ISC to empty their bladder should also see a healthcare professional if they are experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. “As with a review of technique and device, nurses can also support patients with infection prevention,” reminds Molloy.

The post How self-catheterisation can improve quality of life for patients appeared first on Health News.

If you have a stoma, professional medical support is always available to help you adjust, solve any issues and live life to the fullest.

On social media, people seem to be very happy to discuss every intimate aspect of their lives. Money, jobs, sex, relationships: nothing appears off limits. Yet, for some reason, in the non-virtual world, it’s still taboo to talk about the normal human functions of emptying your bowels and bladder.

Open bladder and bowel conversations

“Part of our mission is to have a more public conversation about bladder and bowel issues,” says Natasha Creenan, Country Manager Ireland at Coloplast, a company that manufactures medical devices and services related to ostomy, urology, continence and wound care. “Talking openly could help people who have a stoma to empty their bowels or a catheter to empty their bladder — because it’s just another way to go to the toilet and nothing to be ashamed of.”

Part of our mission is to have
a more public conversation about
bladder and bowel issues.

Living an independent and normal life with a stoma

A stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen wall that allows urine or faeces to be diverted out of the body and into a bag. Patients may need a stoma for various reasons, including colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, birth trauma or a neurological condition.

“The idea of a stoma can be daunting,” admits Emer Molloy, Clinical Nurse Manager at Coloplast. “People do have to adjust to it, but if they’ve been unwell because of a particular condition, it can give them back independence and improve quality of life.” People can live completely normally with a stoma. “They could run a marathon, go to the gym, swim, go on holiday, eat a varied diet and have sex,” insists Creenan. “They can do everything they did before.”

How nursing services reduce fears and help patients adjust

It is, however, normal for new stoma patients to have worries and questions. “For example, will the bag smell or make a noise? Will people notice it? Could it leak?,” says Molloy. “Thankfully, expert support is available to help people adjust. In hospitals, stoma care nurses do an amazing job supporting and educating patients in the early days post-surgery. There’s also lots of expert support available in the community, to help resolve any clinical issues and advise on lifestyle adjustments.”

It’s recommended that patients have regular check-ins with their stoma team, ideally on an annual basis. This progress check may include a review (via telephone or face-to-face appointment) of skin health, device used, routines and self-care. “If you haven’t seen a specialist for a while, you may be experiencing common problems — such as leaks or sore skin — that are not normal and could be solved with specialist support,” says Molloy. “Please don’t hesitate to contact Coloplast Nursing Service for help with signposting.”

The post Why we need to dispel myths about stomas appeared first on Health News.

Asking for help is not always easy. This may be particularly true when it comes to talking about your bowel habits or stool.

While issues related to bowels vary from person to person, there are a number of symptoms for which to seek medical advice.

When to ask for help with bowel issues

Essentially, it’s important to communicate any new or unusual bowel issues. This specifically refers to any persistent changes in bowel habits, such as differences in how often you have bowel movements or changes in the consistency of the stool. Moreover, passing blood or black bowel motions, unintentional weight loss, tummy pain, bowel symptoms waking from sleep or a feeling of persistent fullness in the back passage all warrant review.

There are multiple modern
options for investigation,
depending on symptom history.

Finding the underlying cause of bowel symptoms

Your doctor will explore such symptoms. Often, the history will suffice for diagnosis. It’s natural to feel concerned about the possible underlying cause, but finding out sooner is always better. The answer may even be a simple test away. Others may require referral to a gastrointestinal specialist.

There are multiple modern options for investigation, depending on symptom history. Blood tests can often be helpful, and non-invasive methods to check bowel movements for blood — such as faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) like BowelScreen — or for inflammation, faecal calprotectin tests, are now widely used.

Colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy options

A colonoscopy will likely always be the standard for direct visualisation of the large bowel. Most people can manage the invasive nature of this test without issue. For various valid reasons, some people may be unable to undergo a full colonoscopy. In certain cases, a limited left-sided colon endoscopy can be sufficient, requiring less bowel preparation.

Other less invasive options include CT colonoscopy and, more recently, intestinal ultrasound and colon capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a pill-sized recording camera that captures images while passing through the gastrointestinal tract. These options may be discussed with your gastroenterologist or GP. Ultimately, if you’re concerned about your bowel symptoms, talk to your doctor who can help find the best tests and treatment for you.

The post Steps to take if you are worried about your bowel symptoms appeared first on Health News.

Sorcha O’Meara

Urology Specialist Registrar, Blackrock Health/RCSI

James Forde

Consultant Urologist, Blackrock Health/Beaumont Hospital

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leak of urine and is a common problem affecting people of all ages. People should not suffer in silence, as healthcare professionals are there to help.

There are three types of urinary incontinence. The first is called stress incontinence; this is the leakage of urine with exertion such as coughing, sneezing or exercise. This is more common in women and can especially be an issue after pregnancy or post-menopause. Urge incontinence is the second type; you might leak on your way to the bathroom or have the need to pass urine. This can be associated with an overactive bladder. Finally, there is mixed incontinence, which is a mixture of both types.

Management of incontinence usually starts with small lifestyle changes.

Who can I talk to about urinary incontinence?

A lot of people suffer in silence and can feel embarrassed or upset about their symptoms. However, it is important to know there are treatments that can help, and healthcare professionals are used to talking about this problem. If you are suffering from incontinence, discuss it with your general practitioner, see a urologist or urogynaecologist or see a chartered physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic health and continence. The Continence Foundation of Ireland website contains helpful information and links to other websites and resources.

Incontinence management options

Management of incontinence usually starts with small lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine intake, fizzy drinks and alcohol, as these can irritate the bladder. It is important to see a healthcare professional, so any conditions that may worsen incontinence can be ruled out or managed, such as infections. Physiotherapy can also be helpful to re-train the bladder, strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce urinary symptoms.

If these management options are not improving symptoms enough, some people may need medication or surgery to help. There are well-established guidelines with safe and effective treatments available to help with symptoms. Anyone who thinks they may have incontinence or urinary problems should not be embarrassed about asking for advice or treatment.

The post Three types of urinary incontinence and how to manage the symptoms appeared first on Health News.

Patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Ireland encounter financial, emotional and health challenges. Many find gaps in healthcare services and experience burdens in both work and daily life.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects thousands across Ireland. The findings of our 2024 IBD Patient Survey reveal the significant daily struggles faced by patients, from health and employment challenges to financial burdens.

The daily impact of IBD

For many IBD patients, symptoms are unpredictable and can severely affect day-to-day life. These include extreme fatigue, severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal issues, making even simple tasks difficult.

Patients often feel isolated and misunderstood, as the condition is invisible to those around them, despite its debilitating nature. Lack of free access to toilets and places to sit for relief from extreme fatigue in public spaces also increases isolation.

The unpredictability of flare-ups adds to the emotional and mental toll of the disease, with many patients reporting feelings of anxiety and depression. Yet, mental health services and support remain limited for people with IBD, leaving many without the help they need.

Employment barriers

Our survey highlights how IBD affects patients’ working lives. Many IBD patients are of working age. Yet, their conditions make it hard to maintain steady employment, with 60% of respondents reporting that fatigue was a significant factor in altering their work situation, whether by reducing hours, changing roles or stopping work altogether. Over half of people living with IBD do not pursue additional career responsibilities or promotions due to IBD. More workplace accommodations are needed, plus greater understanding from employers.

Over half of people living with IBD
do not pursue additional career
responsibilities or promotions due to IBD.

Gaps in healthcare

Despite receiving regular care from gastroenterologists, many patients feel unsupported by their primary healthcare providers. Less than half of those surveyed believe that their GP has sufficient knowledge of IBD and access to specialist care like dietitians or mental health professionals is often limited.

The financial burden

Living with IBD also places a significant financial strain on patients. Over 50% of respondents spend more than €1,000 annually on managing their condition. Despite these expenses, IBD is not officially recognised as a disability in Ireland, meaning patients miss out on potential financial support that could alleviate some of this burden.

Advocacy for change

Recognising IBD as a disabling condition is essential to providing the financial support and healthcare services that patients require. Through continued advocacy, Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland is committed to ensuring that those with IBD are no longer overlooked.

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