- Incontinence is the accidental or involuntary loss of urine (wee) or faeces (poo).
- Incontinence is common and affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
- There are many causes including pelvic floor muscle weakness, constipation and medical conditions.
- Incontinence can be prevented, managed and often cured with the right treatment.
On this page
What is incontinence?
Incontinence is when it is hard to control the bladder or bowel, and leaks may happen by accident. The bladder is a part of the body that holds urine (wee). The bowel is a part of the body that stores faeces (poo).
Loss of control can include:
- urine (wee) – called urinary incontinence
- faeces (poo) or flatus (wind) – called bowel incontinence.
Incontinence can be different for each person. Some people may have:
- leaking of urine (wee) or faeces (poo) or both
- rushing to the toilet
- going more often than usual.
Other people may have a complete loss of bladder or bowel control. Many people find that simple steps and support can help them feel more in control again.
Incontinence is common
Incontinence affects people of all ages, genders, cultures and backgrounds. It is not a normal part of ageing or childbirth.
- 1 in 3 people in Australia over 15 years old experience incontinence
- Almost 4 in 10 women* and 2 in 10 men* in Australia experience incontinence
- Women* are 2 times more likely to experience incontinence than men
- Although there’s a higher rate of incontinence among older people, 7 in 10 people with incontinence are younger than 65 years
- The average age of people experiencing incontinence in Australia is 51 years.
Symptoms of urinary incontinence
If holding on is hard or urine (wee) leaks, this may be a sign of urinary incontinence.
You may notice:
- leaking urine (wee) when you cough or exercise
- rushing to the toilet and not always getting there in time
- going to the toilet ‘just in case’
- waking more than once at night to use the toilet
- dribbling urine after going to the toilet
- a urine stream that stops and starts
- leaking urine during sleep.
Types of urinary incontinence
The main types of urinary incontinence include:
- stress incontinence – when urine (wee) leaks during activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or exercise. It often happens when the pelvic floor muscles are weak or have changed, such as after pregnancy, menopause or surgery
- urge incontinence – a sudden, strong need to pass urine (wee) that can lead to leaking before reaching the toilet. It may be linked to lifestyle factors (eg stress, drinking too much caffeine) or some health conditions (eg Parkinson’s disease, stroke or multiple sclerosis)
- urinary retention – when the bladder does not fully empty. This can lead to leaks, straining or a feeling that you still need to go.
Symptoms of bowel incontinence
If faeces (poo) leaks, there are stains on underwear or wind sneaks out, these may be a sign of bowel incontinence.
You may notice:
- leaking faeces (poo) before reaching the toilet
- needing to rush to the toilet
- leaking when passing wind
- straining when going to the toilet
- feeling like the bowel has not emptied fully.
Issues that may affect bowel control include:
- constipation – when faeces (poo) are hard, dry or difficult to pass. It’s often linked to a diet that’s low in fibre, not drinking enough fluids, lack of exercise or ignoring the urge to go to the toilet. With long-term constipation, hard faeces can build up in the lower bowel, and softer faeces may leak around it, seeming like diarrhoea.
- diarrhoea – when faeces are loose and watery and pass more often than usual. It’s usually short-term and often due to diet, infection or other health conditions.
Practical steps to improve bladder and bowel control
- Talk to a health professional
It’s important to talk to a GP (doctor) or other health professional if you notice changes such as:
- leaking urine (wee) or faeces (poo)
- going to the toilet more or less often than usual
- getting up more than once at night to use the toilet
- needing to rush to the toilet
- ongoing constipation or diarrhoea
- pain, bleeding or difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel
- losing weight without trying
- you are worried about your bladder or bowel control.
Your health professional can:
- check how your bladder and bowel are working
- suggest tests to identify any issues
- suggest treatments based on the cause
- refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Keep a or bowel
A diary can help you track:
- when you go to the toilet
- how much you pass
- any urgency or leaking before reaching the toilet.
Take it with you when you visit your health professional. This helps identify patterns and guide treatment.
- Pelvic floor exercises
Regular pelvic floor exercises can:
- improve control
- reduce urgency
- help prevent leakage.
Doing pelvic floor exercises correctly takes practice – you need to tighten, hold and fully relax the muscles. Getting this technique right can make a big difference to your results. A pelvic health physiotherapist or nurse continence specialist can teach you how.
- Healthy diet and fluids
For bladder and bowel health:
- eat high-fibre foods such as wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and seeds
- drink enough fluids throughout the day – your health professional can tell you how much is right for you. Water is the best choice
- talk to your health professional before making big changes to your diet.
- Move your body
Aim for 30 minutes of movement each day, doing what you enjoy when it suits you – every bit counts.
- Healthy toilet habits
These simple toilet habits can improve bladder and bowel health:
- go to the toilet when your bladder or bowel feel full
- sit comfortably on the toilet, with knees slightly higher than hips and lean forward
- avoid pushing or straining
- take your time and relax.
It can be useful to sit on the toilet for a few minutes 30 minutes after eating a meal. Do not use a foot stool if you have a risk of falls.
*Continence Health Australia recognises that the words we use can impact how people feel seen and heard and, in turn, how they engage in conversations about health. References to ‘women’ or ‘girls’ or ‘men’ or ‘boys’ include all people with similar health needs – those assigned female or male at birth and anyone who identifies as a woman or man, regardless of sex at birth.
Where to get help
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
