Life Without Limits Week Continence Awareness 4 ~ 10 Sept
Bladder or bowel problem? Don't let it hold you back!
" Did you know New Zealand is leaking? "
Over 280,000 NZ’ers have poor bladder or bowel control.
One in three women who ever had a baby wet themselves.
About a third of the people waiting in a GPs have an incontinence problem, but 70% of them won't tell their GP about it.
"I don't have incontinence! I just leak a little bit - sometimes."
Yes, you have incontinence! Along with urine leakage, bowel control (soiling) is also an incontinence problem. Other
related concerns include toilet frequency (going to the toilet often, and planning your day around the nearest toilet),
toilet urgency (having to suddenly run to a toilet), constipation or haemorrhoids.
"I know there's nothing that can be done. It's just because I'm getting older. And it's probably to do with having
babies."
These days, incontinence can be treated, improved and frequently cured. It's never "normal" at any age. Talk about it!
There are specially trained continence advisors who can help. They understand the clinical aspects, but also the
sensitive emotional and social issues. Speak to a continence advisor, pelvic floor physiotherapist, your GP or National
Bladder Helpline (0800 650 659).
"It's only a small problem!"
No problem is too small to do something about. Small problems have a habit of getting bigger! Phone a nurse continence
advisor on the National Bladder Helpline 0800 650 659 for free leaflets, and the details of your nearest continence
clinic. Incontinence won't get better on its own.
ENDS