Over 5 million Australians are affected by bladder leakage. Let’s repeat that figure……five million Australians! And it is only getting worse, with that number expected to rise to 6 million by 2030. In fact bladder leakage, also known as incontinence, is more common than back pain in Australia, and costs the Australian economy well over $40 billion. But the numbers don’t really tell the whole story. For many people, incontinence can be embarrassing and debilitating and can impact work, social interaction, activities and relationships.
However while incontinence is common, it is certainly not normal and many cases of incontinence are both avoidable and treatable
Alarmingly, 8 in 10 Australian women affected by bladder leakage fail to seek help for the problem, with 72% preferring to laugh off the issue. Many are too embarrassed to speak out. Many mistakenly perceive that incontinence is a normal part of aging or motherhood. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, most urinary incontinence can be improved or cured with conservative treatment.
This year the Continence Foundation of Australia has launched an awareness campaign called “Laugh Without Leaking.” The aim of this campaign is to open the lines of communication about incontinence, help people suffering from this stigmatised health condition, and urge people of all ages and genders to stop “laughing off” bladder leakage and take action. With World Continence Week upon us (17 to 23 June), now is a great time to take control of your bladder health and seek professional help.
So, where can you get help? The best place to start is with a qualified Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist. Pelvic Floor and Continence Physiotherapists specialise in the assessment and treatment of bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, pre-&-post gynaecological/urological/colorectal surgery and pre & post pregnancy conditions. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is supported by the highest levels of research evidence and recommendation (Level 1/ Grade A) . So in simple terms, it works. And guess what? Here at MGS we have not one but two experienced pelvic floor physiotherapists on staff who are keen to work with you on your healing journey from bladder leakage to regain control of your pelvic health and your life.
Liane Fenwick (B.App.Sc (Physio), Grad Cert (Pelvic Floor Physio), Grad Cert (Exercise & Women’s Health), Grad Cert (Nutrition), Grad Dip (Ergonomics)