30 July 2007

Hunter New England Health is joining with the Continence Foundation to urge men to check their ‘waterworks’ during Continence Awareness Week (5-11 August), as research has shown that while up to a million men live with incontinence, only one third of these ever seek help.

Bernadette Grattan is one of Hunter New England Health’s Continence Nurse Advisers working for the Continence Service in Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell and Tenterfield. She said research shows that up to 30 per cent of men who visit the doctor experience bowel or bladder problems.

"I’d like to let them know that they needn’t think they have to put up with it. We have strategies that can make a real difference to their quality of life," Ms Grattan said.

"Most bladder problems in men are due to prostate disease. However other health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, chronic coughs and constipation can also affect continence.

"Any bladder and bowel symptoms should be treated along with the underlying condition," she said.

Ms Grattan said that while it may be embarrassing to talk to a health professional about continence problems, it may mean the difference between getting effective management or cure, and allowing the problem to get worse.

Men and women with bladder or bowel problems should visit their local doctor or make an appointment with the Continence Service at their local Community Health Centre, by calling Bernadette Grattan on 6776 9820.

People can also contact the National Continence Helpline for further confidential information about continence on 1800 330066 or visit www.continence.org.au

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817