Do you know that over 5 million people in Australia experience incontinence ? Continence is the ability to control your bladder and bowel. Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder and bowel control. It can be caused by issues of the bladder or bowel, but there are other issues that can lead to people not making in to the bathroom in time. For example, having a hand injury or limited hand use can mean that someone could struggle to take off their clothes in time to use a toilet, or communication issues mean that the need to use the toilet is not understood by caregivers.

The Continence foundation of Australia states that over 5 million Australians, 1 in 4 people aged 15 years or over experience bladder or bowel problems. Of those people, 70% will not seek help. Incontinence can have long-term physical and emotional impact; affecting self-esteem, motivation and independence.

If you experience bladder or bowel problems, but are not sure if you should seek help, try this quick quiz (source – Continence Foundation of Australia.  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?


For those who are nervous about discussing continence issues with people they may know, the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) is staffed by Nurse Continence Specialists who offer free and confidential information, advice and support to people affected by incontinence. They also provide a wide range of continence resources and information on local continence services. Language interpretation services are also available.

At Acacia Medical our team will assist with finding a tailored solution for you, your client or your loved one. If you would like to know more information please do not hesitate to contact us.