In September each year, we take part in Women’s Health Week to support all women to make informed decisions about their health.
In 2026, Women’s Health Week is 7 to 11 September.
Setting the scene:
Women are more likely to experience incontinence, particularly those who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth, hysterectomy and menopause. Significantly more women than men live with incontinence and women are more likely to be affected by severe incontinence.
In Australia
of the population with incontinence are women
are estimated to be living with some level of incontinence
of people with incontinence are female
Women’s Health Week 2025
In 2025 we were delighted to continue our community partnership with Jean Hailes.
We wanted to remind women of all ages there is much they can do to reduce their risk of incontinence. In many cases incontinence may be prevented, better managed, or even cured.
Say yes to your pelvic floor
During Women’s Health Week 2025, we offered a free webinar ‘Say yes to your pelvic floor’.
Watch the webinar recording to see Janine Armocida (Manager of the National Continence Helpline) speak with Dr Jodie Dakic (physiotherapist) and Kimberley Smith (elite netballer and mother of three).
They discuss:
- how a healthy pelvic floor can support your continence health
- healthy pelvic floor function for women
- why seeking treatment early is a good idea (hint, you only get one body)
- the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66), a free telephone service that offers confidential information, advice and support to anyone living in Australia.
The viewpoints of the presenters in this webinar are reflections of their own personal experience and/or professional expertise. The information provided is general in nature and Continence Health Australia recommends you consult your medical professional or healthcare provider if you require medical advice or treatment.
Personal stories of incontinence
At Continence Health Australia, we believe personal stories can drive real change.
Julianne’s story
Julianne ran athletics at state level, but after giving birth she couldn’t run, jump, cough or even sneeze without experiencing leakage.
Mandy’s story
Mandy was a full-time carer for her husband George, who lived with complex medical problems stemming from rheumatoid arthritis.
Maureen’s story
Maureen is a bladder cancer survivor living with a stoma. Her journey started with frequent urination at night (nocturia).
Sharon’s story
Sharon experienced a life-changing birth injury which resulted in her living with undiagnosed faecal incontinence for a decade.
Sara’s story
When Sara was pregnant, she was told her unborn baby, Kezia, had spina bifida. Sara shares her journey as a carer, mother and nurse continence specialist.
Read these personal stories and more in our free quarterly magazine, Bridge. Subscribe to receive digital copies of Bridge, or request free printed copies delivered to your address.
Help for incontinence
National Continence Helpline: 1800 33 00 66
The National Continence Helpline is staffed by nurse continence specialists who offer free and confidential information, advice and support to people affected by incontinence. They also provide a wide range of continence resources and information on local continence services.
Media enquiries
Please send any media enquiries to media@continence.org.au.
Thank you to our community partner, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
