Consumer survey highlights the silent epidemic of incontinence in Australia

Consumer survey highlights the silent epidemic of incontinence in Australia

Media release Wednesday 30 July 2025

Over 7.2 million Australians are affected each year by incontinence impacting their daily lives, emotional wellbeing and social participation according to a nationwide survey, commissioned by Continence Health Australia.

Continence Health Australia announced the release of its latest survey on the health and social impact of incontinence across Australia, which revealed the following key findings:

• Even though one in four people are affected by incontinence, 70% of people in the community lack awareness about incontinence.
• Females (69%) continue to be more than twice as likely as males (31%) to report incontinence.
• One in three people experiencing incontinence have had it for over five years.
• 57% of people say having incontinence makes them not want to leave the house.
• Age continues to be a significant factor, with 39% of those currently experiencing incontinence aged 60 or older.

Jim Cooper, CEO of Continence Health Australia, said, “This data underscores the urgent need for action.”

“While the Commonwealth Government has been a trusted partner of Continence Health Australia for 38 years, there is still much work to be done to address incontinence in Australia.”

“Our 2025 survey highlights the scale of this silent epidemic of incontinence. It’s a challenge that requires strong, unified leadership.”

“Incontinence is costing Australia over $100 billion annually in health and wellbeing impact and the numbers are set to rise as our population ages.”

Supporting these findings, Dr. Jana Pittman, a two-time Olympian and registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology, highlighted her personal experience and the importance of addressing this issue at the highest levels.

“We need to start talking openly about incontinence to encourage more people to seek help,” Dr Pittman said.

“Addressing incontinence requires comprehensive, national action, not just across health services, but through public awareness as well.”

Continence Health Australia is calling for six new key priorities that can transform incontinence care, including:

• Advocate for multidisciplinary clinics for holistic, person-centred care.
• Drive better outcomes for NDIS participants.
• Create a national dataset to understand the true impact of incontinence.
• Normalise conversations about bowel and bladder health.
• Upgrade public toilet facilities to be more accessible and inclusive.
• Host the inaugural national summit on continence health in Canberra in 2026.

Jim Cooper added, "By working together, policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities, we can improve lives and significantly reduce the societal and economic burden of this condition."

• Over 7.2 million Australians are affected by incontinence, that is one in 3 women and one in 6 men impacted.
• The majority of people affected by incontinence can be treated and better managed, or even cured
• The total economic cost of incontinence was estimated to be $100.4 billion (2023)*

To seek assistance:

Call Continence Health Australia’s National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for free, confidential advice from Nurse Continence Specialists, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm AEST, or ask your GP or health professional.

*Source: Deloitte, Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, June 2024