Improving the quality of life
for those experiencing incontinence.
Are you experiencing bladder or bowel issues that affect your daily life?
Incontinence can take many forms — from leaking urine when you laugh, cough or exercise, to a sudden or frequent urge to pass urine, difficulties fully emptying the bladder or bowel, bedwetting, or ongoing bowel control problems. It can affect women and men, young and old, and often occurs after pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, illness or with ageing.
These symptoms are common, but they are not something you have to live with. The Continence Foundation of Ireland is here to provide trusted information, guidance and support to help you understand your symptoms and take the first steps towards effective treatment and better quality of life.
The Continence Foundation of Ireland (CFI) is a national organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of people suffering from incontinence. The Foundation was created in 2005 by a group of Irish urogynaecologists, urologists, colorectal surgeons and physiotherapists with the aim of supporting women of all ages across Ireland, who are affected by urinary and faecal incontinence.
The CFI work together to raise awareness, increase public understanding, reduce stigma and ensure that everyone has access to the evidence-based information, care and support. The CFI works closely with healthcare professionals, allied health specialists, advocacy groups and organisations working in continence care. Combining this wealth of expertise, knowledge and resources, the CFI aims to improve prevention, treatment and management of incontinence, and to advocate for better support and value in continence services nationwide.
The CFI is dedicated to helping people live fuller, more confident lives by ensuring incontinence is recognised, understood and treated as a vital public health issue.
Bladder control problems have a significant impact on quality of life at a physical, emotional and social level. Continence is essential for comfortable social functioning and independence; conversely, lower urinary tract symptoms such as urinary incontinence and overactive bladder frequently result in profound psychological distress, embarrassment and social withdrawal (Wyman et al., 1990). The International Continence Society (I.C.S.) defines urinary incontinence as the complaint of any involuntary leakage of urine.
Stress urinary incontinence is a condition where urine leaks during physical activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising. Overactive bladder is a condition where a person feels a sudden, strong need to pass urine and may need to go to the toilet very often, including during the night. Some people may also leak urine before they reach the toilet. These symptoms can interfere with everyday activities and disturb sleep.
Many women experiencing urinary symptoms following pregnancy and childbirth, do not seek medical advice. A common reason is the belief that bladder problems are an inevitable consequence of childbirth or normal ageing and therefore untreatable. This misconception can delay diagnosis and intervention. Both incontinence and overactive bladder have been strongly associated with impaired quality of life, reduced work productivity, social isolation and increased rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Despite the prevalence of symptoms, fewer than half of women with bothersome urinary incontinence, such as leakage during walking, coughing or sneezing, seek professional help. Similarly, women with overactive bladder may normalise urgency and frequency or attempt to self-manage symptoms by restricting fluid intake. Bladder dysfunction presents significant psychological, physical and social challenges and can substantially diminish quality of life. These conditions should not be accepted as an unavoidable part of ageing or life events.
Once bladder problems are recognised and properly checked, most people can be helped. Assessment usually involves talking through symptoms in detail, along with relevant medical history and any medications being taken. In some cases, special bladder tests may be used to understand how the bladder is working and to identify the type of bladder problem, such as leakage with activity, urgency, or a combination of both.
Non-specialist investigations include urine testing, completion of a bladder symptom score, pad testing and measurement of residual urine volume. Specialist investigations include urodynamic studies (conventional and ambulatory), ultrasonography and video-urodynamics.
Urodynamic studies test how well the bladder, and bladder neck hold and release urine. These tests can show how well the bladder works and why there could be leaks or blockages. This study also shows how well the bladder empties. A health care provider may recommend you to have this test based on your symptoms.
Physiotherapy often focuses on strengthening and retraining the pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder and bowel habits, and offering practical advice on everyday activities and lifestyle. Pelvic floor physiotherapists work in hospitals, private clinics and community settings, and are fully qualified professionals, giving you confidence that you are receiving safe, expert and evidence-based care
Surgery for stress urinary incontinence supports the bladder neck to reduce leakage. Options include Burch colposuspension and autologous fascial sling surgery, which do not use mesh; mesh mid-urethral sling surgery; and bladder neck bulking injections. A specialist will help decide the most suitable option based on individual circumstances.