Latest reports suggest 3.8 million Australians suffer from incontinence.

 

This involuntary loss of control of the bladder and/or bowel affects all ages and both sexes, but as we mature in years, some problems may increase and add together to become even more troublesome.

 

The extent of the incontinence can vary in amount and frequency but invariably it is either socially embarrassing or at worst, totally disabling.

 

There are many different causes of incontinence - some have an inherited basis, some due to trauma such as childbirth, fractured pelvis etc., and some related to other disease states such as bladder tumours, polyps, stones, prostate problems and multiple sclerosis to name just a few.

 

Sometimes the cause may be obvious and other times certain investigations may be required to clarify the cause to assist in management.

 

There are many different management strategies available to help control incontinence problems. These include improving the pelvic floor structure and function, behavioural modification, medication, surgery, continence aids and appliances, or combinations of these treatment modalities depending on the underlying cause.

 

It is almost invariably possible through careful planning and assessment, to  markedly improve bladder and bowel control and limit the impact of incontinence.

 

The SA Continence Resource Centre is staffed by trained continence nurse advisors who can assist in providing professional advice, and suggest further options to improve continence control.

INCONTINENCE

National Continence Helpline

1800 33 00 66

National Continence Helpline

1800 33 00 66