Continence assessments

A continence assessment is a key part of understanding what’s happening and finding the right strategies to support your health and wellbeing.

What happens in a continence assessment

A continence health professional will take time to understand your experience. You’ll be asked to:

• describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life
• tell them about your toilet habits
• fill out a bladder or bowel diary to track when you go to the toilet or experience leakage
• have a physical exam (if you’re comfortable).

Your continence health professional will work with you to create a personalised management plan based on your goals and needs.

Questions you may be asked

During your assessment, you may be asked:

• how often you go to the toilet
• if you have to rush to the toilet
• if you leak when you cough, sneeze or exercise
• what your faeces (poo) look like (the Bristol Stool Chart can help you with this)
• how often you leak urine (wee) or faeces (poo)
• if you use continence products (pads) and how often
• about your eating and drinking habits
• what medicines you take
• if you have other health problems
• if you’re able to get to the toilet, dress yourself and clean or wash yourself.

Bladder and bowel diaries

You may be asked to keep a diary to track:

• when you pass urine (wee) or faeces (poo)
• any accidents or leaks
• how much fluid you drink.

A bladder diary is usually kept for 2 to 3 days in a row, and a bowel diary for 7 days. These help your health professional understand your patterns and make a plan for your care.

This content has been reviewed by sub­ject mat­ter experts in line with Continence Health Australia’s established process. Read about our clinical content review protocol.