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Incontinence and continence problems affect people of all ages, gender, cultures and backgrounds. Despite popular beliefs, older people are not the only ones affected.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is a term that describes any accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or bowel motion, faeces or wind from the bowel (faecal or bowel incontinence).

Some incontinence facts include:

ü  One in three women who have had a baby experience loss of bladder control.

ü  One in five children wet the bed at some time.

ü  One in 100 adults never achieve bladder control at night.

ü  One in 20 adults experience bladder and bowel control problems.

ü  Bladder and bowel control problems are not an inevitable part of ageing. Visit your doctor to discuss treatment and management options.

Think you might have a problem?

If you experience bladder or bowel problems, but are not sure if you should seek help, try the questionnaire below:

·         Do you sometimes feel you have not completely emptied your bladder?

·         Do you have to 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 to bowel?

·         Do you sometimes soil your underwear?

·         Do you plan your daily routine around where the nearest toilet is?

·         If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions you may have a bladder or bowel control problem.

 

The first step is to talk to your doctor or contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66. The National Continence Helpline is staffed by a team of continence nurse advisers who offer free information, advice and support and can provide you with a wide range of information resources and referrals to local services.

 

Font: https://www.continence.org.au/pages/what-is-incontinence.html

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/incontinence-and-continence-problems

 

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