Ep79 Continence: Facts, Myths, and Support Strategies

<p><em><strong>The episode transcript is unavailable at this time.</strong></em></p><p>Today’s episode spotlights the essential topic of continence, examining its effect on quality of life, including for people living with <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/what-is-multiple-sclerosis-ms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">multiple sclerosis (MS)</a>.</p><p>We feature an engaging conversation with <a href="https://www.continence.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Continence Health Australia</a> and a powerful personal account from a <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/leep/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP)</a> member and share practical tips and <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/symptom/bladder-and-bowel-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">resources</a>.</p><p>With <a href="https://www.continence.org.au/about-us/key-services-and-initiatives/world-continence-week/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">World Continence Week 2026 (June 15–21)</a> on the horizon, our episode highlights this important yet often overlooked issue. Many Australians—those with MS included—face bowel or bladder challenges during their lives. Continence means managing bladder or bowel function; incontinence is losing this control. While this is a common symptom for people with MS, the right resources and support can make a healthy, active life possible.</p><p>Guest host Dr Tennille Luker, MS Australia’s Head of <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Research</a>, outlines <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/symptom/bladder-and-bowel-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">typical bladder and bowel problems for people living with MS</a>, the underlying causes, and steps to take when these concerns appear. <a href="https://www.continence.org.au/about-us/our-people/#management" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Cooper</a>, CEO of Continence Health Australia, offers ways to improve life for those managing continence issues and details the popular National Public Toilet Map. <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/anne-cooper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anne Cooper</a>, a LEEP member from Western Australia, shares her personal journey with continence, her connection to our Member Organisation <a href="https://mswa.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MSWA</a>, management strategies including catheters, and how humour has played a vital role.</p><p>Our panel discusses the high prevalence of incontinence in Australia (over seven million people affected), living with MS and continence concerns, the importance of plentiful, accessible public toilets, how continence can impact sleep, common misconceptions and stigma, community and family support, innovative campaigns like the <a href="https://www.continence.org.au/events/great-dunny-hunt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Great Dunny Hunt</a>, and why early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach matter.</p><p>For those living with MS with new or ongoing bladder or bowel symptoms, please reach out to your neurologist, MS nurse, or GP for advice and support. Visit MS Australia&#39;s <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/supports-and-services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support and Services</a> page for helpful MS contacts in your local area and explore our new <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lifestyle Guide</a>.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.continence.org.au/help-and-support/national-continence-helpline/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Continence Health Australia helpline</a> is free and confidential, their <a href="https://www.continence.org.au/events/34th-national-continence-health-conference/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2026 National Conference</a> includes a <a href="https:/