Latest News & Events
New data reveals incontinence affects 1 in 3 adult Australians
Tue 11, Jun 2019A new report on ‘Continence Health in Australia’, released by the Continence Health Australia on the eve of World Continence Week, shows that incontinence affects more than 1 in 3 Australians (38%). This new data from a nationally representative survey, shows that incontinence is now faced by over 6 million Australians and can cause serious long-term physical […]
5 minutes with Louise Owen
Wed 5, Jun 2019Louise Owen is a Sexual Health Physician and Director of the Statewide Sexual Health Service in Tasmania. She was a speaker at the 2018 National Conference on Incontinence in Hobart. In addition to her clinical role, Louise is a lecturer on sexual health and related topics. Could you share how you’ve been working with health […]
Meet the Continence Champion
Wed 5, Jun 2019Bev Killick has been incorporating toilet humour in her comedy for years, but she never thought it would catch the attention of a national health organisation. “I was wondering if I’d ever be approached to be the face of something – a product – ever. And it’s interesting that it has turned out to be […]
Activating your pelvic floor
Wed 5, Jun 2019What are pelvic floor exercises, how do you do them correctly and how often? We spoke with Continence Health Australia member, Brisbane physiotherapist Sue Croft who offered this advice. How often should I do my pelvic floor exercises? In the Laugh Without Leaking video series, we are emphasising the importance of establishing a habit with […]
Helpline Q&A – Winter
Wed 5, Jun 2019National Continence Helpline Manager, Sue Blinman, answers some frequently asked continence questions. Q. I didn’t experience any leaking after childbirth so thought I had avoided pelvic floor issues. I’m now 50 and am starting to experience urinary incontinence when I cough and sneeze. Does this incontinence still have something to do with childbirth? A. Childbirth […]
How to do pelvic floor exercises – radio interview with Dr Marg Sherburn
Mon 6, May 2019Continence Foundation member Dr Marg Sherburn shares with ABC Radio listeners how to do pelvic floor exercises to improve bladder and bowel control. Listen here >
Laugh Without Leaking: making laughter – and pelvic floor exercises – the best medicine
Tue 30, Apr 2019The Continence Health Australia is launching its 2019 national health awareness campaign, Laugh Without Leaking to coincide with World Laughter Day (5 May). It features humour to help the 1 in 4 Australians who today suffer from bladder and bowel leakage, and the millions more at risk of this debilitating condition, to make a simple […]
Nordic walking – an alternative to running
Wed 24, Apr 2019Many people enjoy running for all the excellent physiological and psychological effects, but if it causes issues for your pelvic floor, then Nordic walking is a great alternative. It’s low impact and can increase your upper body strength and endurance. Nordic walking is defined as fitness walking with specially designed poles. It has been used […]
Are pelvic floor exercises and kegels the same thing?
Wed 24, Apr 2019The short answer is yes, the terms ‘kegels’ and ‘pelvic floor muscle exercises’ (PFME) refer to the same actions and are often used interchangeably. In the 1940s, American gynaecologist Dr Arnold Kegel introduced the public to the concept of exercising the pelvic floor muscles. The exercises were then named after him as ‘kegels’. We know […]
How your weight impacts your pelvic floor
Wed 24, Apr 2019Wondering why body weight is often mentioned in information around incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse? The relationship is more significant than you may think. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for a lot – they act as a supportive hammock underneath the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. Diagram of the pelvic organs – in males […]
Incontinence recognised as key women’s health issue
Wed 17, Apr 2019The Australian Government’s newly-released National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 identifies incontinence as a key health risk for women and girls. Whilst there was no reference to incontinence in the National Women’s Health Policy 2010, it is pleasing to see that this important and very common health condition is addressed multiple times in the new 2020-2030 […]
Helpline Q&A – Autumn edition
Thu 28, Feb 2019Q. I am a 62-year-old lady with no bladder problems, but I’m wondering if I’m too old to start pelvic floor muscle exercises? A. You’re never too old. If you’re willing to listen and learn how to do the exercises, then your continence health professional is there to help you as well. I have taught […]
5 minutes with Dr Patricia Neumann
Wed 27, Feb 2019Patricia Neumann is a specialist continence and women’s health physiotherapist and a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. She works as a clinician at Flex Rehabilitation Clinic in Adelaide and has a clinical interest in all types of pelvic floor dysfunction in men and women, including pelvic pain. What is chronic pelvic pain? Can […]
Avoiding prolapse when you are working out
Wed 27, Feb 2019When you think of injuries from working out, the pelvic organs and floor muscles might not be at the top of your list. But in fact, the pelvic floor is like any other muscle and can be placed under strain. Lisa, from Western Australia, was 39 and had been active her entire life: growing up […]
The ‘invisible’ pelvic floor is now in 3D
Wed 30, Jan 2019Learn about your pelvic floor muscles – help prevent leaks and improve sexual fitness Strong pelvic floor muscles are vital for bladder and bowel control as well as good sexual function, but most people never exercise them correctly … and some don’t even know they have them. Locating the right muscles to engage is the […]
Ask the experts at the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66
Tue 15, Jan 2019Q: I was doing a lot of running with friends and when I stopped to catch my breath, I leaked a very small amount of urine. I’m 23 and around 110kg. This has happened twice over the span of a few months. So, I was wondering who I should consult or what to do? A: […]
Rebounding and the pelvic floor
Tue 15, Jan 2019Rebounding exercise is performed on a rebounder or mini trampoline. Exercises on the mini trampoline include running, sprinting, jumping, hopping, single leg knee lifts and kicks. Rebounding technique involves pushing down through the legs onto the mat to increase the work performed by the legs. What are the health benefits of rebounding? Potential health benefits of […]
The hypertonic pelvic floor
Tue 15, Jan 2019What is a hypertonic pelvic floor? A hypertonic pelvic floor occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor become too tense and are unable to relax. Many people with a tense and non-relaxing pelvic floor experience pelvic health concerns such as constipation, painful sex, urgency and pelvic pain. A hypertonic pelvic floor may also be […]
A guide for men undergoing prostate surgery
Tue 11, Dec 2018Getting through prostate cancer truly seems hard enough, but many men find urine leakage is the biggest challenge they must cope with during the recovery process. The loss of self-esteem and stigma attached to incontinence stops them from seeking help and discussing it with people in their lives—including family and friends. In most cases, bladder […]
Helpline Q & A
Tue 11, Dec 2018Q: I’m in my late 60’s and have been told that I need to have surgery on my prostate. The urologist referred me to the National Continence Helpline for advice about my pelvic floor. I’ve only just found out about my prostate, now I must learn about my pelvic floor muscles. Please help me, I’m […]
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Continence Health Australia is the national peak body promoting bladder
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