Understanding incontinence

WHAT IS INCONTINENCE?

If you experience involuntary bladder or bowel leakage you may have incontinence.

Incontinence describes any accidental or involuntary loss of:

• urine (wee) from the bladder – known as urinary incontinence
• faeces (poo) or flatus (wind) from the bowel – known as faecal incontinence.

Incontinence is a common condition that, with the right help, can always be managed, treated and sometimes cured

Incontinence can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but help is available.

The Continence Foundation of Australia offers a wide variety of information in English and other languages covering:

• bladder, bowel and pelvic floor health
• tips for preventing and managing incontinence
• advice for carers
• financial assistance

WHO’S AT RISK?

Lots of people experience incontinence

Incontinence affects women, men and children of all ages, physical ability and background. There are however some health conditions and life events that can put you at an increased risk of developing either urinary or faecal incontinence.

If you fall into one of these risk categories and have concerns about bladder or bowel control speak to your family doctor, a continence health professional or contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.

PREVENTION

A healthy diet and regular exercise promote good bladder and bowel health

Plenty can be done to improve or in some cases cure incontinence. Changes such as adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise, and practicing good toilet habits can all lead to improvements.

Visit our prevention page for more information.

KEY STATISTICS

Incontinence in Australia

• Over 5 million Australians – 1 in 4 people aged 15 years or over – experience bladder or bowel control problems. This number is predicted to grow to 6.5 million by 2030.
• 80% of people with urinary incontinence are women.
• 1 in 3 women who ever had a baby wet themselves.
• Strong pelvic floor muscles are necessary for bladder and bowel control and good sexual function.
• Pelvic floor muscle exercises have been shown to prevent and treat incontinence at any age.
• Less than 2 out of 10 women (17.6%) do their pelvic floor exercises daily.
• 70% of people experience incontinence do not seek help.
• Bladder and bowel control problems are not a natural part of ageing or having a baby.
• Incontinence can have long-term physical and emotional impact; affecting self-esteem, motivation and independence.

SEEK HELP

Think you might have a continence issue?

If you experience bladder or bowel problems, but are not sure if you should seek help, try this quick quiz. If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions you may have a bladder or bowel control problem.

• Do you sometimes feel you have not completely emptied your bladder?
• Do you rush to use the toilet?
• Are you frequently nervous because you think you might lose control of your bladder or bowel?
• Do you wake up twice or more during the night to go to the toilet?
• Do you sometimes leak before you get to the toilet?
• Do you sometimes leak when you lift something heavy, sneeze, cough or laugh?
• Do you sometimes leak when you exercise or play sport?
• Do you sometimes leak when you change from a seated or lying position to a standing position?
• Do you strain to empty your bowel?
• Do you sometimes soil your underwear?
• Do you plan your daily routine around where the nearest toilet is?