DO YOU leak when you laugh? One in four Australians do - and it's no laughing matter.
However, a new campaign by the Continence Foundation of Australia uses comedy to help take the stigma out of incontinence and urges people with bladder, bowel and pelvic health problems to ask for help.
And the good news is that the majority of these troubles can be helped or even cured.
"We know that many people laugh off their leaking as a normal part of getting older or after having a baby," said foundation chief Rowan Cockerell.
"But it is not normal and has a serious negative impact on daily life for millions of women, men and children. Don't put up with it!"
Mrs Cockerell said most bladder and bowel problems can be better managed, better treated and, in many cases, even cured without surgery.
"The first step is asking for help," she said.
Laugh Without Leaking ambassador, actress comedian Bev Killick, knows from personal experience that living with incontinence for many of us is no joke.
"I have been getting a lot of laughs at stand-up shows in my new role as the Comedy Queen of Continence," she said.
"As a mother and a comedian, I know what it is like to have a 'wee accident' when you laugh, sneeze, cough or jump.
"Sadly, my trampolining career is on hold!"
To get help: Call the free National Continence Helpline 1800-330-066, visit continence.org.au or talk to your doctor
Fast facts
- About 5 million Australians - one in four people aged over 15 - are incontinent
- By 2030, this is estimated to increase to 6.5 million
- 70 per cent of incontinent people do not seek help
- 80 per cent of people who report they are living with incontinence are women
- Half of those women are aged under 50
- One in three women who have ever had a baby wet themselves
- One in five leak when they laugh
- A quarter of men say they are, or were, incontinent
