Posted by Caringly Continence Care Team
on August 22, 2026
Quick answer: Incontinence means accidental loss of bladder or bowel control. Urinary incontinence involves involuntary urine leakage, while faecal incontinence involves difficulty controlling bowel movements. It is common, but it should not automatically be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing. Assessment can help identify the type, possible causes and appropriate treatment or management options.
Incontinence is a health issue involving accidental leakage of urine or stool. It can range from occasional small leaks to a more complete loss of bladder or bowel control.
The experience can affect sleep, exercise, travel, work, relationships and confidence. Depending on the cause, treatment or management options may help.
Absorbent products can provide practical protection while a person seeks assessment or follows a management plan. They do not diagnose the cause or replace medical care.
If incontinence is new, changes unexpectedly, is difficult to manage or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, speak with a GP or other qualified health professional. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe or you believe it may be an emergency.
What Does Incontinence Mean?
Urinary incontinence is any involuntary loss of urine from the bladder.
Faecal incontinence is difficulty controlling the bowel, which can lead to accidental leakage or soiling.
Some people experience both. Symptoms can be temporary or ongoing, and the most appropriate response depends on the type and possible underlying cause.
Common Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stress incontinence involves leakage when pressure increases in the abdomen, such as during coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercise.
Urge incontinence involves a sudden compelling need to urinate that can be difficult to delay.
Overflow incontinence can occur when the bladder does not empty properly and leakage happens from an overly full bladder.
Functional incontinence describes difficulty reaching or using the toilet because of mobility, cognition, communication or environmental barriers.
Mixed incontinence means more than one type is present, commonly stress and urge symptoms together.
What Can Cause Incontinence?
Possible contributors include pelvic floor weakness, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause-related changes, prostate conditions or surgery, constipation, urinary tract infection, some medicines, diabetes, neurological conditions, reduced mobility and problems emptying the bladder.
Bowel incontinence may be associated with diarrhoea, constipation and overflow, muscle or nerve injury, inflammatory conditions or other bowel disorders.
This list is not a diagnosis. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so persistent or bothersome leakage should be assessed rather than managed indefinitely without professional advice.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
If incontinence is new, changes unexpectedly, is worsening, is difficult to manage or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, speak with a GP or other qualified health professional.
Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe or you believe the situation may be an emergency.
How Is Incontinence Assessed?
A GP or continence professional may ask about symptoms, medical history, medicines, fluid intake, bowel habits and how often leakage occurs. A bladder or bowel diary may also be useful.
Depending on the symptoms and individual circumstances, assessment may involve further examination, testing or referral to an appropriate health professional or specialist.
Treatment and Management Options
Treatment and management depend on the type, possible cause and individual circumstances.
Depending on the situation, a qualified health professional may recommend approaches such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, bladder or bowel management strategies, changes to everyday habits, reviewing medicines, prescribed treatment or other appropriate interventions.
Changes to fluid intake should be discussed with an appropriate health professional, as individual needs vary.
For everyday protection, choose a continence product according to leakage level, mobility, fit, skin condition and whether changes are independent or assisted.
Caringly Supreme Pull-Ons provide an underwear-style option, while Supreme Slips use adjustable tabs. Purpose-made Adult Incontinence Wipes can support gentle cleansing during changes.
Choosing and Using Absorbent Products
Correct fit matters as much as absorbency.
Measure the waist or hips, follow the exact product size chart and check that the leg openings sit securely without painful tightness.
Change after bowel leakage and when the product is soiled or at capacity.
If you have ongoing concerns about skin irritation or continence management, speak with a GP, continence nurse or other qualified health professional.
Support and Funding in Australia
The National Continence Helpline offers free confidential information and advice on bladder and bowel health, continence products and relevant support options.
Eligible NDIS participants may receive funding for disability-related continence supports where they meet NDIS criteria and those supports are included in the participant's plan.
Caringly provides an NDIS ordering pathway for self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is incontinence a disease?
Incontinence involves loss of bladder or bowel control and can occur for many different reasons. Assessment by an appropriate health professional can help identify the type and possible underlying causes.
Is incontinence a normal part of getting older?
It is more common with age, but it should not simply be accepted as inevitable. Depending on the cause and individual circumstances, treatment or management options may help.
What is the difference between urinary and faecal incontinence?
Urinary incontinence involves accidental urine leakage. Faecal incontinence involves difficulty controlling bowel movements and accidental stool leakage or soiling.
Can incontinence be treated?
Depending on the type and underlying cause, treatment or management may improve symptoms or make incontinence easier to manage. An appropriate health professional can advise on options based on individual circumstances.
Where can Australians get confidential help?
Speak with a GP or qualified continence professional. The National Continence Helpline provides free confidential information and advice in Australia.
Choose Continence Care That Fits Real Life
If you need practical protection while seeking advice or following a continence plan, compare Caringly Pull-Ons and Slips and choose the correct size for the wearer.
Read the Product Selection Guide | Shop Continence Products
This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. Individual needs vary. Speak with a GP, continence nurse or other qualified health professional for personalised assessment and advice. For free confidential continence information in Australia, contact the National Continence Helpline.
