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Questions About Incontinence

Although it’s a common condition, fewer than 40 percent of incontinent individuals seek medical advice. Rather than seek treatment, the vast majority adapt to their “problem” by altering their lifestyle. Reasons for failing to report symptoms include the perception that incontinence is “normal” with advancing age or that symptoms are not severe enough to treat.

How common is urinary incontinence?
Over 3.8 million people in Australia and 280,000 people in New Zealand have urinary incontinence, and it affects women seven to eight times more often than men1.
Is it just a natural part of aging?
Incontinence is not an inevitable part of the aging process. However, some age-related changes such as the loss of oestrogen in post-menopausal women and enlargement of the prostate in men, may contribute to urinary incontinence.
Isn’t this simply a matter of controlling wetness and odour?
Incontinence is more than a hygiene concern. Individuals with incontinence should always see their health professional for a thorough evaluation.
Will I need surgery?
Although surgery is one of several available treatment options, it is usually reserved for suitable candidates who are unable to take advantage of the many non-surgical alternatives. Your health care professional can assist you in determining the best treatment for you.
What are my options?
Available treatment options include pelvic muscle rehabilitation, bladder training, lifestyle modifications, medications and more. In addition, incontinence may be a complication of certain diseases, conditions or medications and may be reversible.
Is anyone working on a cure for incontinence? How close are they?
Medical science continues to discover more options for incontinence treatment and management everyday. Surgeries are less invasive with fewer side effects and quicker recovery; more medications are available; and absorbent products have improved a great deal over what they were just a few years ago. Research funding from the National Continence Management Strategy and other sources is helping speed the process.

For more frequently asked questions, also see the Depend® Products FAQ.

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Canberra, Australia incontinence data analysis and development (March 2006). P.Chiarelli, W.Brown, P.McElduff, Leaking urine: Prevalence and associated factors in Australian women (1999). P.Chiarelli, W.Bower, A.Wilson, D.Sibbritt, J.Attia, The prevalence of urinary incontinence within the community: A systematic review – New Zealand Continence Association Inc.