Angelique Wauer, a vibrant young woman in her early 20s, never imagined that her life would be disrupted by a condition she associated with the elderly. Yet, incontinence became a daily battle, altering her life in ways she could never have anticipated. In June, she underwent surgery to implant a nerve-stimulation device, a procedure performed by Dr. Tanaka Dune, South Australia’s only public health system urogynaecologist.
Wauer’s story is a stark reminder that incontinence is not exclusive to the elderly or postpartum women. “The misconception of incontinence only happening to older people or women after childbirth means younger people often fall through the cracks,” she explained. “Incontinence can happen to anyone, at any age and any gender.”
The Unseen Impact on Daily Life
Incontinence affected every aspect of Wauer’s life. At just 22, she discovered she had a neurologically driven bladder condition that led to severe urinary retention. “My bladder didn’t signal to my brain that I needed to go to the toilet, so I was constantly setting alarms to remind myself,” she shared. “Leaving the house wasn’t as simple as grabbing my keys… I needed to carry enough catheters, mentally plan my day around bathroom access, and factor in the anxiety of ‘what if I run out?’.”
Her experience is not unique. Over five million Australians live with incontinence, with women being twice as likely as men to suffer from the condition. Despite its prevalence, stigma and shame prevent many from seeking help.
Breaking the Stigma
Dr. Tanaka Dune is at the forefront of advocating for open discussions around incontinence as a public health issue. “It’s really important to recognise that incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction is not just a postpartum or post-menopausal woman’s issue, it is an important public health and cost issue,” she stated.
“If you are incontinent, it disrupts your activities in daily living and quality of life, and it can also contribute to mental health issues. You may not know who to get help from,” Dr. Dune emphasized.
She advocates for normalizing the conversation around incontinence, comparing it to other health conditions. “If we can say ‘diabetes’ or ‘asthma’ without judgement, then we should be able to say ‘incontinence’ the same way,” she said. “No one should feel ashamed of a condition that is fundamentally just a part of their health.”
Looking Forward: Addressing the Challenges
The journey towards breaking the stigma surrounding incontinence involves education and increased awareness. According to experts, public health campaigns and better access to healthcare resources are crucial in addressing this issue.
For individuals like Angelique Wauer, the path to managing incontinence involves both medical intervention and societal support. Her story highlights the need for comprehensive healthcare solutions that cater to all demographics, not just the traditionally affected groups.
As awareness grows, the hope is that more people will feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgement. The conversation around incontinence is slowly shifting, but there is still much work to be done in ensuring that it is recognized as a significant health issue that deserves attention and resources.
Angelique Wauer’s courage in sharing her story is a step towards a future where incontinence is no longer a hidden struggle, but a condition openly discussed and addressed with the seriousness it deserves.
