loo rolls in a basketIncontinence - What's Normal As We Age?

Nobody likes to talk about toilet problems but incontinence is a common problem that affects both men and women of all ages.

Incontinence can range in severity from a small leak to complete loss of bladder or bowel control, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but help is available.

Webinars on the subjects of bowel and bladder incontinence

Bowel incontinence

World continence week 20-26 June 2022 - Let's get to the bottom of it. 

In June 2022 the Trust held a webinar about bowel issues as part of this awareness week. Helen Wall, former continence nurse, delivers this no nonsense, down to earth webinar about bowel issues and bowel incontinence.

There are lots of possible causes of bowel incontinence. Often, it’s caused by a combination of problems which can include :

  • Severe or long-lasting constipation or diarrhoea
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease – such as Crohn’s disease
  • Severe piles
  • Childbirth or surgery damaging the muscles or nerves you use to control your bowels
  • Conditions that can affect the nerves in your bottom, such as diabetes or  stroke

Treatment can help improve bowel incontinence and reduce the impact it has on your life.


Bladder incontinence

Learn more about incontinence and find out what signs to look out for.

During November 2021 the Positively Connected group held a webinar on this topic.

Join Helen Wall for this relaxed discussion about what is normal as we age and what to look out for. Helen’s warm approachable manner helps remove the taboo from what can be an awkward and embarrassing subject to talk about.

This is an empowering session which will enable you to understand your body better.


The World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems have set up a Support in Continence website providing honest, straightforward and reliable advice about urinary (bladder) and faecal (bowel) incontinence.

Visit the Support in Continence website here


Additional Information

Thalidomide Trust Bladder And Bowel Research

person needing toilet

The Trust has published research into incontinence issues experienced by beneficiaries and how they have addressed them

Read Trust research

NHS Urinary Incontinence Information

Blue and white picture of the NHS logo

Find out more about urinary incontinence, symptoms and diagnosis, how it can be treated and tips to help stop leaks

Read NHS information

NHS Bowel Incontinence Information

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Find out more about bowel incontinence, symptoms and diagnosis, how it can be treated and tips to reduce its impact

Read NHS information