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Taking the first steps
The Deloitte ‘Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia’ report estimates that 4.8 million women experienced some level of urinary and/or faecal incontinence in 2023, with women 2x more likely than men to have incontinence.
Menopause increases the risk of a woman experiencing incontinence as a result of the hormonal changes that occur. Some of the common symptoms a woman may experience include leaking with coughing, sneezing and exercise, rushing to the toilet to pass urine or open their bowels, leaking or soiling on the way to the toilet and getting up more than once at night to use the toilet.
If you are experiencing symptoms of incontinence and need help, speaking to your general practitioner (GP) is a good starting point. It can, however, be difficult knowing how to speak to your GP about your incontinence, and what to expect from the consultation. Here are my tips to start seeking help.
Preparing for your first consultation
Being prepared for your first consultation is important. In the lead up to your appointment, write down as much information as possible to help you describe the problem. This could include:
- Writing down your symptoms and notes of what you are experiencing, including how often they occur and what activities (exercise, laughing, coughing) seem to bring them on
- Keeping a chart of your bladder or bowel pattern for a few days
- Bringing a fresh sample of urine to be tested or even taking a picture of a bowel motion you are concerned about.
Further tests
During the consultation, your GP might require further tests. This might include a urine test to make sure you don’t have a urinary tract infection, blood or changes to your urine.
Additionally, you might need a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working. You could also benefit from a renal tract ultrasound or an ultrasound of your bladder and kidneys. You might need an x-ray or scan of your bowel.
It might also be helpful for your GP to check your abdomen (or tummy), vagina (or birth canal), anus (or bottom hole) and/or general genital area to make sure there are not any obvious changes such as leakage with cough, a prolapse or skin irritation.
Your GP may start some treatment based on what they find or they may decide to refer you to a continence service to see a nurse continence specialist or a pelvic health physiotherapist. They might think you need to see a specialist such as a urologist, gynaecologist, urogynaecologist, gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon and will organise a referral. There are public and private continence related services throughout Australia that may be able to improve your situation or even cure your incontinence.
Continence products
It may also be suggested that you use continence products. There are many continence products available in supermarkets, pharmacies and specialist suppliers. It can be confusing to determine what is the right product for you as everyone is different with different needs and preferences. A lot of the companies who manufacture or supply disposable continence pads, for example, will provide free samples to try to help you work out what is the right product for you. If you are using pads, try to make sure you are using continence pads and not period pads as they are designed differently. You want to make sure the pad is comfortable to wear, does not leak, does not need to be changed too often, does not cause any skin irritation and is affordable.
National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66
You can also call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 (8am-8pm AEST) to speak to a nurse continence specialist for some initial advice and direction, including what to ask your GP and where to go to get a continence assessment to suit your situation in your local area.
The National Continence Helpline is funded by the Australian government to provide free and confidential information, advice and support to people in Australia living with incontinence or bladder and bowel control issues as well as their carers.