Women and Urinary Continence
Clearinghouse Connector – February 2007
This edition of the Clearinghouse Connector profiles information resources that explore the issue of women and urinary continence.
Incontinence affects around four million Australians, and women are 7 or 8 times more likely to be affected than men. In women, most continence problems happen around pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, and have serious impacts on quality of life. The good news is incontinence can be treated, better managed and sometimes prevented and cured.
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Information resources
As well as significant costs to the health care system, this study found that the cost borne by individual women with incontinence is also substantial. Economic costs if urinary incontinence in community-dwelling Australian women details this study.
The constraints of a normal life: the management of urinary incontinence by middle aged women explores the social experience of women living with urinary incontinence.
In 2001 Women’s Heath Victoria conducted a pilot project, called ‘Strengthen your Inside’ that aimed to raise awareness of continence related issues and prevent ‘stress incontinence’ in young women by promoting regular use of pelvic floor exercises (PFE). An information brochure was developed, and a final report written, outlining the scope of the project, a review of the literature, how the project was conducted, findings and some recommendations for the future.
Related websites
Search the Cochrane Collaboration website for systematic reviews on the effectiveness of treatments for urinary incontinence.
The Continence Foundation of Australia provides a National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) and resources for consumers and health professionals. Call the Helpline for a copy of their consumer education resource on Pelvic Floor Muscles.
How our Clearinghouse can help you
Women’s Health Victoria’s Clearinghouse has a wealth of information on gender in health in various forms. Our experienced health and information professionals can assist you to access this information.
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Content Reviewed: 1 February 2007
Last Updated: 1 March 2009