Aussies urged to break the silence on incontinence for greater support and awareness

During this year’s World Continence Week (June 16 to June 22), Continence Health Australia (CHA) is urging communities to break the silence, challenge common misconceptions, and encourage open conversations about continence health.

By promoting education, raising awareness, and providing support, CHA aims to help Australians take continence health seriously, seek early assistance, and overcome the stigma often associated with this condition.

With one in four Australians experiencing some form of incontinence, the impact on personal wellbeing, social connections, and daily life is significant for a large portion of the population.

Despite its widespread nature, many people hesitate to seek help—often due to embarrassment.

A recent Deloitte Access Economics report, commissioned by Continence Health Australia, reveals that incontinence costs Australia’s health system an estimated $2.6 billion annually, with a staggering $53 billion lost in productivity.

While the financial burden is considerable, the personal toll on wellbeing is even more profound. Many individuals face social and emotional challenges, including feelings of shame and isolation, which can seriously affect mental health.

These feelings often prevent people from accessing necessary support, deepening feelings of loneliness and depression—a frequently overlooked aspect of living with incontinence.

A recent consumer survey conducted by Continence Health Australia found that:

• 75 per cent of respondents believe incontinence only affects older people

• 63 per cent think it mainly occurs in women who have given birth

• 63 per cent associate it solely with prostate issues in men

These beliefs don’t reflect reality. In fact, 71 per cent of people living with incontinence are under the age of 65.

Jim Cooper, CEO of Continence Health Australia, emphasised: “Incontinence isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a national health priority. Investing in early intervention and access to support services is economically responsible. By supporting people to manage their continence health early, we can reduce long-term costs to the health system, ease the burden on carers, and most importantly, improve quality of life for millions of Australians.”

The Deloitte report also projects that by 2032, the number of Australians living with some degree of incontinence will increase to 8.6 million—34.1 per cent of the population.

This rise, driven largely by an ageing population, highlights the urgent need for proactive strategies to address the growing impact of incontinence on individuals and society.

Greater effort and investment are essential to better document the effects of incontinence and to ensure that support and treatment are accessible to all Australians.

“Incontinence is a common health issue that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing,” Cooper said.

“World Continence Week is an important reminder to prioritise open conversations, break the silence, encourage early intervention and access to care.

“Our National Continence Helpline is free and confidential and staffed by nurse continence specialists, it’s a safe first step for anyone experiencing bladder or bowel concerns. We want all Australians to know they’re not alone and support is available with a simple telephone call.”

Consumers and health professionals can reach the Continence Health Australia Helpline at 1800 33 00 66 for confidential advice and support.

Read more: Finding strength and control: How yoga and exercise can help older women manage incontinence

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.