“Incontinence is a common condition that,
with the right help,
can always be managed, treated and sometimes cured”.¹

Umbrella

What may the Incontinence Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Incontinence

What is incontinence?

DotS the definition of incontinence may vary. The Continence Foundation of Australia’s definition is:

Urinary Incontinence

What is urinary incontinence (UI)?

DotS the definition of UI may vary. In What Is Incontinence? What Is Urinary Incontinence? the World Federation for Incontinence and Pelvic Problem’s (WFIPP) Support In Continence explain:

“Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary release of urine at the wrong time or the wrong place”.³

Faecal Incontinence

What is faecal incontinence (FI)?

DotS the definition of FI may vary. In What Is Incontinence? What Is Faecal Incontinence? WFIPP’s Support In Continence explain:

“Faecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary loss of liquid or solid stools causing social or hygienic inconvenience. You might also hear it referred to bowel or stool incontinence”.⁴

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and increased difficulty with bladder and bowel control?

The Continence Foundation of Australia note:

“Menopause is a time of change in a woman’s life. One of the changes that many women notice is increased difficulty with bladder and bowel control”.⁵

Symptoms

What are the most common menopause bladder and bowel control symptoms?

In Menopause: Symptoms the Continence Foundation of Australia elaborate on:

“During menopause, passing urine frequently and the urgent need to pass urine are the most common incontinence symptoms. Other symptoms include:

• Leakage of urine with coughs, sneezes, or exercise
• Leakage of urine on the way to the toilet
• Getting up one or more times per night to pass urine (nocturia)
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Rushing to the toilet to open bowels
• Being unable to control wind
• Constipation”.⁶

Treatment

What is it important to note about incontinence treatment?

In Therapies and Procedures: Managing Your Conditions the (United States) National Association for Continence note:

Helpline

May some Countries have a national continence/incontinence Helpline?

Yes. Your Country may have a Helpline similar to the Continence Foundation of Australia’s National Continence Helpline.

Toilet Maps, Cards or Apps

May some Countries have toilet maps, cards or Apps?

Yes. Your Country may have a toilet map similar to Australia’s National Public Toilet Map which in National Public Toilet Map: About the Toilet Map explains:

“The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 23,000 public and private public facilities across Australia, including toilets, adult change and baby care. Information is provided about each toilet, such as location, accessibility details, opening hours and features like sharps disposal and showers”.⁸

Or your Country may have a card or App similar to the (United Kingdom) Bladder & Bowel Community’s (B&B) Free Just Can’t Wait Toilet Card.

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have incontinence?

If you think you have incontinence, it may be in your best interest to talk to your health care provider about this. The Continence Foundation of Australia encourage us to seek help and note:

“Incontinence is a common condition that, with the right help, can always be managed, treated and sometimes cured”.⁹

In What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Bladder Health the JH also encourage us to seek help and explain:

“You don’t have to put up with incontinence. You can ask your doctor for a referral to a continence nurse or pelvic floor physiotherapist to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles”.¹⁰

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Incontinence?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Incontinence?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at: