February 2007

This edition of the Clearinghouse Connector profiles information resources that explore the issue of women and urinary continence.

Incontinence affects around four million Australians, and women are 7 or 8 times more likely to be affected than men. In women, most continence problems happen around pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, and have serious impacts on quality of life. The good news is incontinence can be treated, better managed and sometimes prevented and cured.

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Please note due to copyright regulations not all resources listed are available for supply from Women's Health Victoria Clearinghouse.

Information resources

Urinary incontinence: proper assessment and available treatment options provides an overview of the types of incontinence and its prevalence, related impacts on health, guidelines for assessing clients with urinary incontinence, and treatment options.

As well as significant costs to the health care system, this study found that the cost borne by individual women with incontinence is also substantial. Economic costs if urinary incontinence in community-dwelling Australian women details this study.

The constraints of a normal life: the management of urinary incontinence by middle aged women explores the social experience of women living with urinary incontinence.

Did you know that less than 50% of US women with symptoms of urinary incontinence have spoken to their GP abut it? Understand the determinants of treatment seeking behaviour by requesting Factors associated with women’s decisions to seek treatment for urinary incontinence.

In 2001 Women's Heath Victoria conducted a pilot project, called 'Strengthen your Inside' that aimed to raise awareness of continence related issues and prevent 'stress incontinence' in young women by promoting regular use of pelvic floor exercises (PFE). An information brochure was developed, and a final report written, outlining the scope of the project, a review of the literature, how the project was conducted, findings and some recommendations for the future.

Bladder control: a simple self-help guide can be used by both professionals and consumers. It contains easy to read information on the urinary system and causes of incontinence, pelvic floor exercises, and bladder training. This book is available for loan from the Clearinghouse.

The Women's Health Victoria Clearinghouse

Did you know the Clearinghouse holds a diverse range of journal titles - some of which are not held by any other library in Victoria. A selection of titles is available here.

How our Clearinghouse can help you

Women's Health Victoria's Clearinghouse has a wealth of information on gender in health in various forms.

Our experienced health and information professionals can assist you to access this information.

To contact the clearinghouse email your request to clearinghouse@whv.org.au or phone 03 9662 3755.

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