Incontinence is one of our biggest health issues, affecting one in four Australians over the age of 15 years.WomenMore than 70% of people who experience incontinence are women, with many experiencing problems after childbirth or menpause.Many bladder problems may be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles; resulting in leakage when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or exercise, oran overactive bladder; resulting in an urgent need to pass urine.MenAn estimated 30% of men who visit their GP are affected by incontinence, yet more than two thirds do not discuss the issue.The more common problems affecting men include:bladder weakness following prostate surgery; resulting in leakage or 'stress incontinence' when they cough, sneeze, shout, laugh, lift, walk, bend, push, pull or move from lying to sitting to standing positions, orlack of contraction of the muscles surrounding the urethra; resulting in 'after-dribble' or the loss of a small amount of urine after emptying the bladder.ChildrenThree to five per cent of children aged between 5 and 17 have a daytime wetting problem. One third of these children will also experience bedwetting. Day wetting is more common in girls than boys, however boys have more bedwetting issues than girls.
