Incontinence and other health conditions

Independence and dignity remain central parts of life, even when living with a complex medical condition or disability.

Understanding how these conditions affect bladder and bowel control can help families and carers provide respectful, informed support.

How medical conditions can affect continence

Some medical conditions can increase the risk of developing either urinary (wee) incontinence or bowel (poo) incontinence, or both. These include dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes and a wide range of other conditions and disabilities.

Some conditions directly impact the bladder or bowel, while others make it harder for a person to manage incontinence due to impacts on mobility (movement) or cognition (thinking).

These challenges may make it harder to:

• recognise the need to go to the toilet
• locate or access the toilet
• remove clothing in time
• communicate the need to use the toilet.

Even with complex medical conditions, continence care can often be improved and effective treatments options are available. Finding the right support can often improve independence and dignity.

Tips to reduce the impact

Depending on the condition, these tips may be useful:

Professional support

Continence health professionals such as your nurse continence specialist, pelvic health physiotherapist, occupational therapist or GP (doctor) can help you by:

• identifying and treating causes of incontinence
• reviewing medicines that may affect bladder and bowel control
• giving advice on the best products to manage leakage
• helping you to access government funding for continence products.

If you’re not satisfied with the advice given by your health professional, you have the option to seek a second opinion from another qualified health professional. This includes if you are seeking help on behalf of your child, and the professional suggests your child will simply grow out of it.

Safe toileting

• use non-spill urine bottles and bedside equipment (such as commode chairs) to reduce risk of falls, especially at night
• keep pathways to the toilet clear and well-lit to support mobility and reduce confusion
• install raised toilet seats and wall rails for easier access.

Choose simpler clothing

• wear easy-to-remove clothing, such as items with elastic waistbands or Velcro fasteners
• avoid zips and buttons that may be difficult to use.

Healthy eating and drinking

• eat food that is high in fibre (such as fruit, vegetables, legumes and wholegrains) to reduce constipation
• drink enough fluids, especially water – check with your GP about the right amount of fluids for you
• avoid drinks that may make symptoms worse such as caffeine (eg coffee, tea, cola), alcohol and sugary drinks
• talk to a dietitian for help with a healthy eating and drinking plan for you.

Keep moving

• exercise regularly, aiming for 30 minutes on most days
• do pelvic floor exercises to improve bladder and bowel control
• talk to a physiotherapist for help with an exercise program.

Toilet habits

• go to the toilet when you feel the need to go, and avoid going ‘just in case’
• sit correctly on the toilet, with elbows on knees, leaning forward and feet supported.
• make sure you completely empty the bladder (wee) and bowel (poo).

Behavioural strategies for you

• don’t put off going to the toilet – aim for every 3 to 4 hours to reduce accidental leaking
• talk to a GP (doctor) about bladder or bowel issues – they may send you to a specialist doctor if needed.

Behavioural strategies when caring for others

• watch for signs of needing the toilet, especially with people who find it hard to communicate. Signs might include being restless or pulling at clothes
• encourage regular toileting (for example every 3 to 4 hours) based on patterns you see, and offer reminders
• make sure medicines are given at the right times, for example to avoid the impact of medicines ‘wearing off’ in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Useful products and resources

• use continence products such as pads, liners and mattress protectors as needed – use our Find a product provider directory
• explore financial support to help with the cost of products
• contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for product and equipment advice.

With the right support from health professionals, people can manage incontinence and maintain comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Resources by health condition

Arthritis

Arthritis and bladder and bowel control (PDF)

Chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure and bladder and bowel issues (PDF)

Dementia

Dementia and bladder and bowel control (PDF)

Resources from Dr Amanda Cross on the management of urinary incontinence in people living with dementia:

• Guiding principles for consumers (PDF)
• Guiding principles for health professionals (PDF)
• Summary of medicines table (PDF).

You can call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

You can also call Dementia Support Australia on their 24/7 helpline, 1800 699 799. Dementia Support Australia provides behaviour support for people living with dementia and their family, friends and health professionals. View their videos on understanding behaviour change.

Diabetes

Diabetes and bladder and bowel control (PDF)

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s and bladder control (PDF)

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.