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.

World Continence Week runs from Monday 16 June to Sunday 22 June, 2025 and this year Continence Health Australia is shining a spotlight on a condition that affects millions but remains widely misunderstood and under-discussed.

Despite its prevalence, many do not seek help, often due to embarrassment. A recent report from Deloitte Access Economics, commissioned by Continence Health Australia, has unveiled the economic burden of incontinence on Australia’s health system is estimated at $2.6 billion, with a staggering $53 billion lost in productivity.

The financial costs are significant, but the toll on personal wellbeing is even greater.

Many individuals face social and emotional challenged with feelings of shame and social isolation that can severely impact mental health.

Such embarrassment often prevents people from accessing support, worsening loneliness and depression – a hidden aspect of incontinence.

A recent consumer survey carried out by ContinenceHealth Australia showed that:

· 75% of participants believe incontinence only affects older people

· 63% think it is mostly experienced by women who have given birth

· 63% associate it solely with prostate issues in men

These perceptions do not reflect reality. In fact, 71% of people living with incontinence are under 65.

Jim Cooper, CEO, Continence Health Australia, said: “Incontinence isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a national health priority. Investing in early intervention and access to support services is economically responsible. By supporting people to manage their continence health early, we can reduce long-term costs to the health system, ease the burden on carers, and most importantly, improve quality of life for millions of Australians.”

During World Continence Week, Continence Health Australia calls on communities to break the silence, challenge misconceptions and foster open conversations about continence health.

Through education, awareness and support, CHA is encouraging Australians to take continence health seriously, seek help early and break the silence that surrounds this condition.

The Deloitte Access Economics report also projected that by 2032, the number of Australians living with some degree of incontinence will rise to 8.6 million, representing 34.1% of the population.

This increase is driven by the ageing population and underscores the need for proactive measures to manage the growing burden of incontinence on individualsand society.

More effort and investment are required to ensure that the impact of incontinence is better recorded, and support and treatment is made available for all Australians.

Continence Health Australia, CEO, Jim Cooper said; “Incontinence is a common health issue that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing. World Continence Week is an important reminder to prioritise open conversations, break the silence, encourage early intervention and access to care.

“Our National Continence Helpline is free and confidential and staffed by nurse continence specialists, it’s a safe first step for anyone experiencing bladder or bowel concerns. We want all Australians to know they’re not alone and support is available with a simple telephone call.”

Continence Health Australia works to ensure healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public prioritise incontinence as a significant health issue. The organisation is committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for better diagnostic and treatment options for all Australians.

Consumers and health professionals can contact the Continence HealthAustralia Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for free, confidential support and advice.

The Helpline is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm AEST and is staffed by nurse continence specialists offering expert information, guidance on managing symptoms, referrals to local services, and connections to support networks.