About Female 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.
It’s important to understand that incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging, nor is it necessary to accept long-term incontinence after bearing a child. In many cases, it can be cured, and it can always be managed.
When you understand your body, it’s easier to take control and get the help you need to live your life, as you want.
We’ll start out with a snap shot of how your waterworks actually function. Then we’ll identify some of the most common causes and types of bladder control loss among women.
Knowing the basics will help you understand your needs and how best to talk with your doctor or health care professional. In many cases, bladder control loss can be cured and in all cases it can be managed.
- 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.