Don’t take Life’s Little Spills for granted

Loss of bladder and bowel control regularly affects nearly four million people in Australia. Mothers and children are especially at risk, which is the focus of this year’s Continence Awareness Week (3 – 9 August).

Hunter New England Health continence nurse advisor Bernadette Grattan, said mothers have the highest risk for bladder and bowel control problems because of the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth.

"About one in three women who had a baby have an incontinence problem. The pelvic floor muscles can become weakened through child bearing. These muscles are important for bladder and bowel control. Problems can be experienced around the time of childbirth but can also recur or worsen in later life," she said.

"Incontinence is not only embarrassing, and can lead to anxiety and social isolation. For many it also represents a financial burden and puts strain on close relationships. Leakage can interfere with sexuality and intimacy enjoyed by partners," she said.

Childhood bed-wetting can be another sensitive continence issue for many parents.

"This is why health professional guidance such as phoning the nurse advisors who staff the National Continence Helpline is recommenced by the Continence Foundation. The Helpline can provide advice on toilet-training, bed-wetting and how to help children establish good bladder and bowel habits for life," Ms Grattan said.

The Continence Foundation is the peak national body for the promotion of continence and operates the National Continence Helpline on behalf of the Australian Government.

Ms Grattan said incontinence is never normal at any age and ‘life’s little spills’ can get bigger! While some health conditions and medications might cause or worsen incontinence, the Continence Foundation encourages people to take ‘life little spills’ seriously and to seek professional help

"When signs are dismissed as ‘just a part of getting older" or "because I have had children" or ‘something children will grow out of" an opportunity to prevent or reduce incontinence can be lost," Ms Grattan said.

People seeking help or further information about continence issues are encouraged to see their doctor or call the National Continence Helpline (1800 330066). Some physiotherapists also provide treatment for continence problems in women.

Continence advisors are available in major Community Health Centres of Peel, Tablelands and McIntyre Clusters. For more information contact your local Community Health Centre.

Inverell Community Health is organising a health promotion week from August 26 – August 30 at Inverell Town Hall ‘Look Great 2008. Feel Fine 2009’. During the week there will be talks on continence, prostate disease, pelvic floor exercises, childhood bedwetting and bowel problems in children. For more information contact Inverell CHC on 6721 9600.