Why we need to talk about incontinence
When three-time Olympian and mum-of-six Jana Pittman opened up on national TV about her problem with incontinence, it inspired a welcome conversation.
The former athlete had wet herself during the gruelling TV show SAS Australia, but instead of pouring water on herself to disguise the fact, as she’d done in her racing career, she decided it was time to stop hiding a problem that had been bothering her for years.
Jana spoke about her experiences in the hope it would encourage others to seek help.
Now a doctor, Jana said she’d trained hard through her first pregnancy, and returned to the running track too quickly after giving birth, which affected her pelvic floor.
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Why Jana’s incontinence story is not uncommon
Janie Thompson, who manages the Continence Foundation of Australia’s National Continence Helpline, says it’s fantastic when a positive role model is so honest.
“It’s great that she’s real about what she’s experiencing because it makes other people go ‘OK, gosh, she’s lived this life and yet she can still experience what we experience.”
Incontinence – any accidental or involuntary loss of urine or faeces – is more common than you might think, affecting one in four Australians, including women, men and children of all ages.
It can range from a small leak to a complete loss of bladder or bowel control.
Who might experience incontinence?
Janie says some health conditions and life events can lead to an increased risk of incontinence.
Aside from pregnancy, risk factors include menopause, obesity, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, diabetes, stroke and heart conditions.
What is stress urinary incontinence
Women’s health physiotherapist Anna Scammell, who runs The Whole Mother, says stress urinary incontinence is particularly common.
This involves leakage caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as during a sneeze, cough, jump, run – even a good laugh.
Women who are pregnant or postpartum are most at risk.
Anna says it can greatly impact quality of life.
“Too often women suffer in silence, either believing leakage is ‘normal’ and just putting up with it, or feeling too embarrassed to seek help,” she says.
But there are solutions in sight, which might include pelvic floor muscle training, modifying exercise, treating constipation and chronic coughs, weight loss or specialised physiotherapy.
What is urge incontinence
Urge incontinence, a sudden compelling desire to urinate, is caused by an overactive bladder and can become more common as we age, Anna says.
“You may be able to help prevent it by implementing healthy bladder habits of drinking two litres of water spaced throughout the day, and reducing bladder irritants (caffeine, carbonated drinks, energy or sugary drinks),” she says.
Avoiding “just in case” toilet visits, and ensuring your bladder is completely empty after each toilet trip, can also help.
Where to get help for incontinence
In some cases, incontinence can be completely cured, especially if tackled early.
Or at least be better managed, Janie says.
She says too many people, particularly women, unnecessarily put up with incontinence, which can be debilitating.
“Just know that there is help available,” she says.
“And you should really seek that help even if you start off with your GP or the National Continence Helpline (1800 330 066).”
- Three effective ways to strengthen your pelvic floor
- Reasons to do your Kegel exercises
- Healthy habits to keep your bladder strong
Written by Larissa Ham.
