Popular topics

Our qualified continence advisors have over 20 years of experience in providing information that is evidence based and in line with current research. We deliver presentations on a wide range of bladder and bowel health issues, as well as promoting the importance of developing and maintaining good bladder and bowel habits. Research shows that people may wait as long as seven years before seeking help. We stress the importance of having a continence assessment and provide details of local services.  

We are very flexible and are happy to tailor our presentations to meet your group’s needs. 

We share our expertise to provide better understanding of bladder and bowel issues, allowing participants to gain knowledge and skills to improve their bladder and bowel health. 

Our presentations are delivered with sensitivity in a relaxed but professional manner.  

We are experienced in delivering our presentations to a range of Aboriginal and multicultural groups and are sensitive to cultural concerns. 

Examples of topics we have presented on are as follows: 

Let’s talk heathy bladder and bowels

Did you know that over 70% of bladder and bowel problems can be cured or improved by dietary, fluid and exercise strategies? In this presentation we discuss how the bladder and bowels work, what may go wrong and what can be done about it. We promote good bladder and bowel health messages and dispel common myths. 

We provide strategies to prevent and address many common bladder and bowel health issues, including incontinence. 

Water and well-being  

This presentation focuses on the importance of good hydration to prevent bladder and bowel issues including urinary tract infections, constipation and incontinence as well as other health issues such as falls. 

We provide strategies to increase fluid intake for people who don’t like drinking or who restrict their fluid intake (as they fear wetting themselves or are trying to avoid going to the toilet so often). This talk is not aimed at people who are under medically controlled fluid restriction due to certain heart or kidney problems.  

Overcoming bladder and bowel problems in women 

This gender specific presentation addresses bladder and bowel issues experienced by one in three women. Topics include the role of female hormones and influence of life stages such as pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. We also discuss prolapse, what it is, and what can be done about it. We have a strong focus on preventing and treating bladder and bowel health problems, including the role of diet, fluid intake, good toilet habits and pelvic floor muscle training.  

Overcoming bladder and bowel problems in men 

This gender specific presentation addresses bladder and bowel issues experienced by men. The type and causes of bladder and bowel problems specific to men is discussed, including the impact of prostate health on bladder function. 

Prostate and bladder issues in men 

This presentation discusses the differences between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).  Medical and surgical treatments of these conditions, along with management of bladder issues after prostate surgery is discussed. 

The impact of menopause on bladder and bowel health in women 

This presentation focuses on the impact of menopause on bladder and bowel function. It also discusses diet, fluid intake and physical activity approaches to improving bladder and bowel function during this time. 

Bowel problems – assessment, management, and treatment

This presentation focusses on the bowels – how they work, what might cause them to not work so well, and what can be done about it. The influence of fluid intake, stress, physical activity and diet will be discussed, including topical issues such as FODMAPS and the gut microbiome. 

Strategies for Successfully Toilet training children 

Children are generally achieving toilet training at a later age than their parents. Parents may be unsure of when or how to start toilet training, and need support in this important time in a child’s life. This presentation will discuss these issues as well as providing practical strategies for success.  

Bedwetting in children 

Bedwetting is common in school aged children, and rates of bedwetting decline as children grow older. It is expected that most children will have achieved night -time control of their bladder by the age of five and half. This presentation discusses various causes and contributing factors for bed wetting and the treatments that are available for those children who still wet the bed. 

Strategies for day wetting, soiling and other toileting issues in children 

This presentation provides an overview of bladder and bowel function and development in children. Types and causes of bladder and bowel issues are discussed along with strategies to promote healthy bladder and bowel habits. The importance of medical assessment and treatment is also discussed.   

Bladder and bowel health issues in senior’s

Whilst it is a myth that incontinence is due to ageing, there are age related changes that can have a negative effect on bladder on bowel function. 

We discuss positive ways in which seniors can improve their bladder and bowel health and provide strategies to assist in overcoming common bladder and bowel health issues. 

Understanding the impact of medical conditions* on bladder and bowel health (*e.g. diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease etc) 

Many diseases and conditions can affect bladder and bowel function. These presentations can be tailored to address a wide range of chronic health or medical conditions. Some support groups may request a presentation tailored to discuss the relevant aspects of specific conditions in relation to bladder and bowel care, such as diabetes support groups, stroke support groups etc.  

Dementia - strategies to manage associated bladder and bowel health issues

Dementia can have many effects on the person with dementia. Our presentation focuses on the effects that dementia may have on bladder and bowel function. We discuss strategies to improve bladder and bowel control for the person with dementia, including toileting programs, encouraging adequate fluid intake and appropriate selection of incontinence aids and appliances. We also discuss household environmental considerations including lighting and signage. 

Caring for someone with a bladder and/or bowel health issue 

This presentation is tailored to the needs of the group. It can include how to broach the issue with a friend or loved one, an overview of bladder and bowel function, advice on providing personal care (bathing and toileting) from a hygiene and infection control perspective, how to promote good hydration and nutrition, incontinence aids and appliances. Practical strategies such as how to use toileting programs to reduce the risk of incontinence is also discussed. 

Women’s health – the importance of pelvic floor muscles in bladder and bowel control

This presentation focuses on the role played by the pelvic floor muscles in maintaining bladder and bowel health.  We will also discuss pelvic floor muscle training, including advice on technique and training regimes as well as strategies to protect the pelvic floor muscles. 

A weighty issue – the impact of excess weight on bladder and bowel health 

This presentation is aimed at weight loss groups to provide information on the benefits of weight loss related to improved bladder and bowel function. Studies show that a reduction in body weight of even 3% can lessen the incidence of stress urinary incontinence, and that weight loss is a helpful strategy to improve bladder and bowel health. Healthy bladder and bowel habits are promoted in this presentation. 

Incontinence aids and appliances

A range of pads, pants and other incontinence products will be demonstrated. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of using particular products to assist clients in making appropriate product selection choices. 

Please be aware that we do not exclusively promote any company, and items displayed are not sold by Bladder and Bowel Health Australia. 

We strongly recommend clients have a continence assessment and seek treatment for their issues rather than relying solely on the use of incontinence products.    

Falls prevention 

Rushing to the toilet, waking at night to go to the toilet and constipation are some of the bladder and bowel health issues that are associated with an increased risk of falling in seniors. Our presentation will discuss these issues and provide strategies to overcome them.  

Is there a cost involved?

We appreciate financial support to help cover our costs. Please contact us to find out more. 

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Kylie – parent of a child that wets the bed 

Kylie rang our service as she was concerned about her five-year-old daughter, Mia, who was wetting the bed. Kylie had tried limiting Mia’s drinks in the late afternoon and evening and was also getting up at night to wake Mia and take her to the toilet.

Our advisor explained that it may take children until they around 5 ½ years old before they gain bladder control during sleep. Kylie was advised to encourage Mia to drink well throughout the day and was cautioned against cutting out drinks in the afternoon and early evening. Kylie was discouraged from waking Mia at night to take her to the toilet. Kylie was provided with information on obtaining a referral from Mia’s doctor to a bedwetting clinic if Mia continues to wet the bed past 5 ½ years of age.

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Anastasiya’s story

“As a mum of two young children, I have experienced the joys of two pregnancies and postpartum recoveries. I was shocked after the birth of my first child to discover that my pelvic floor muscles had become weak. I sought advice from Bladder and Bowel Health Australia and learnt the importance of exercising these muscles. This knowledge helped, and because I was better informed second time around, I have now fully restored the dignity of my body and truly enjoyed the changes - and my motherhood. Thank you, Bladder and Bowel Health Australia, for informing young families about bladder and bowel health issues.” 

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Doreen – carer of her husband who has dementia 

Doreen was becoming exhausted caring for her husband Tom, who has dementia. Tom was not always making it to the toilet on time and needed his trousers to be changed several times a day. Every day Doreen was also washing bedlinen and the four towels that Tom was laying on at night as he was soaking through his pull-up pants. 

Tom was receiving a high-level Home Care Package, and Doreen was able to arrange with their provider for some of Tom’s package to be allocated to funding continence assessment and management.  

Our advisor went to Tom’s home and conducted a thorough continence assessment. A continence management plan was developed with input from Doreen, and appropriate incontinence aids and linen protection were organised. Doreen is relieved that Tom’s incontinence has reduced, and her washing load has lessened. Doreen is now confident that she can continue caring for Tom in their home. 

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Gary – experiencing leakage after his recent prostate surgery 

Gary met with one of our Bladder and Bowel Health advisors, as he was concerned about his urine leakage that was persisting after his radical prostatectomy five weeks earlier.   

Gary discussed his concerns with the advisor and was reassured that he was making good progress towards regaining bladder control. This reinforced the information he had received from his urologist. Gary was encouraged to switch to a smaller incontinence pad rather than continuing to wear the pull- up incontinence pants he had worn since his surgery. The advisor arranged some smaller pads for him to trial and provided details on where he could buy them close to his home. 

Gary was encouraged to drink plenty of fluid (particularly water) and to increase his fruit and vegetable intake to avoid constipation. Gary was uncertain if his pelvic floor muscles were working properly and he was referred to a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Gary left the clinic in a brighter frame of mind, confident that he was improving and had clear strategies to further support his recovery.