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We spoke to Associate Professor Bernadette Richards from The University of Queensland Medical School about what new and innovative treatments in medicine really mean for patients.
“Patients often hear 'innovative' and think it means better. But that is not always the case," Assoc Prof Richards tells Bridge. "Depending on the risk involved in a new treatment, how invasive it is, and if it is reversible, the older tried-and-tested treatments are sometimes better for the individual.”
We talk to urologist, Professor Eric Chung, about innovation and technology in continence health. He specialises in the artificial urinary sphincter which can help both men and women experiencing trouble controlling their urine (wee). It involves a surgical procedure to implant the device and can be life changing for people with severe bladder symptoms.
Gerry* was diagnosed with high-grade bladder cancer in 2022. He received an incorrect course of Intravesical immunotherapy (BCG), which treated the cancer but left him with severe urinary tract bleeding and urinary urge incontinence. This is his story.
NAME: Gerry
FAMILY: Adult children and an unconditionally-loving dog.
OCCUPATION: Healthcare worker.
CONDITION: Bladder cancer.
Julianne ran athletics at state level, but after giving birth she couldn’t run, jump, cough, or even sneeze without experiencing leakage. She eventually went on to have surgery to repair the injuries she sustained during childbirth. This is her story.
NAME: Julianne
FAMILY: Husband in the military and two young children. I have an au pair who helps to look after my youngest while I am at work.
OCCUPATION: Former military, now senior program management role for a major consultancy firm.
Urinary or faecal incontinence does not have to rule your life. It can often be treated, better managed, or even cured. There are new and innovative treatments available, as well as the tried and tested methods. From lifestyle changes and physiotherapy, to medications, non-invasive treatments and surgery.
We talked to Dr Bernadette Brown, from Gold Coast Urogynaecology, who specialises in sacral nerve stimulation (SNS)—one of the treatments offered to patients to give them better control over their bladder and/or bowel.
Sharon experienced a life-changing birth injury which resulted in her living with undiagnosed faecal incontinence for a decade. This is her story.
“Our research focuses on delivering healthcare to remote and regional places where people otherwise can’t access it," Professor Russell tells Bridge. "We help educate clinicians on what technology solutions they can add to their practice to increase the geographical distance they are able to support.”
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has had a lot of press over the last few years. In this edition, we are discussing technology and innovation, so it is only right we touch on few of the ways you might see artifical intelligence (AI) interacting with your medical treatments in the coming decade.
Consumer survey highlights the silent epidemic of incontinence in Australia
Media release Wednesday 30 July 2025
Over 7.2 million Australians are affected each year by incontinence impacting their daily lives, emotional wellbeing and social participation according to a nationwide survey, commissioned by Continence Health Australia.
Continence Health Australia announced the release of its latest survey on the health and social impact of incontinence across Australia, which revealed the following key findings:
2025 Continence Health Australia National Survey
The total economic cost of incontinence in Australia is estimated to be $100.4 billion per year.1
7.2 million people living in Australia aged 15 and over are living with bladder or bowel incontinence.1 Females are twice more likely to experience incontinence than males (4.8 million compared to 2.4 million respectively).1
This Men’s Health Week (Mon 9–Sun 15 June), Continence Health Australia is calling on men in Australia to break the silence around bladder, bowel, and sexual health issues that affect many but are rarely discussed.
Incontinence affects 2.4 million men in Australia, yet many are unable to speak out and seek help.
Monday 16 June – Sunday 22 June 2025
Report states an estimated 2.4 million men and 4.8 million women living with some form of urinary or faecal incontinence
With one in four people in Australia experiencing some form of incontinence, the impact on personal wellbeing, social connection, and daily functioning is significant for a quarter of the population.
Paddy Dewan
- Author Affiliations
A PO Box 152, Parkville, Vic 3052, Australia.
Correspondence to: [email protected]
Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal 31, CJ24045 https://doi.org/10.1071/CJ24045
Submitted: 12 August 2024 Accepted: 12 February 2025 Published: 14 April 2025
Incontinence affects many children and adults with autism and/or intellectual disability for a range of different reasons. “The best advice I have for parents around toileting for children with autism and/or intellectual disability, is that independent toileting can be a longer process and taking breaks is normal, as it can be an exhausting task,” said Jessie Smith, school nurse at a specialist school.
Lena became a nurse continence specialist after meeting a patient who had suffered with incontinence for over a decade without telling anyone.
Taking regular breaks from your caring duties is important to avoid burnout and maintain your own health and wellbeing. There are services that can help.
Welcome to the Autumn edition of Bridge magazine, our flagship publication about all things bladder and bowel health. In this edition, we are celebrating approximately three million at-home carers across Australia. Many of these carers are responsible for the complex role of providing bladder and bowel care. They are the silent backbone of our society, offering unwavering support to loved ones with immense dedication.
“Bedwetting once a week is clinically significant, the size of the accident doesn’t matter,” Dr Aniruddh Deshpande, Paediatric Urologist and Head of Surgery at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead tells Bridge.
“Small regular daytime accidents can impact children's mental health, especially older girls and non-caucasian children.”
Mandy recently lost her husband, George, who battled with complex medical problems stemming from rheumatoid arthritis.
After suffering for many years with what he thought were recurrent chest infections and pneumonia, George was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after a work injury. Further tests with the specialist confirmed it was affecting his lungs with a secondary diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).