Incontinence in Teenagers

What is Incontinence in Teenagers?

Incontinence in simplest terms is the involuntary leakage of urine or faeces. Incontinence is estimated to affect 7 out of 100 Australians aged 15-19 years¹. Incontinence can result from medical conditions such as overactive bladder, pelvic floor dysfunction, gastrointestinal disease, or neurological disorders². For teenagers, the social and emotional consequences of incontinence can be profound, leading to embarrassment, anxiety, and withdrawal from social activities³.

The effective management of incontinence in teenagers involves medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and coping strategies that help maintain confidence and participation in daily life.

This article explores ways for teenagers to navigate social situations and daily life while managing incontinence, focusing on medical interventions, practical coping strategies, and emotional support.

Seeking Medical Help for Incontinence in Teenagers

In early childhood, incontinence is common and can occur as your body is developing. However, if incontinence continues into the teenage years, it’s essential to seek medical advice, as there may be something more complex at play, such as an underlying medical condition.

What is the First Step in Managing Incontinence in Teenagers?

The first step in managing incontinence in teenagers is seeking medical advice. A specialist healthcare professional can identify underlying causes and recommend treatments. Encouragingly, with specialist intervention incontinence can often be prevented, better managed, and even cured, so chat with your doctor for advice and support.

Treatment Options: Medications, Therapies, and Lifestyle Changes

Depending on the cause of incontinence, different clinical treatments may be recommended.

• Certain medications can help reduce bladder and bowel accidents depending on the cause⁴
• Pelvic floor muscle training may also minimise episodes of incontinence by strengthening the muscles that help control the bladder and bowels.
• Biofeedback therapy is another effective approach, allowing individuals to gain awareness and control over bladder and bowel function⁵
• In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to restore continence after all other options have failed.

Treatment Options: Lifestyle Changes

Teenagers can also implement simple lifestyle changes to improve bladder and bowel health and reduce incontinence. These lifestyle adjustments include:

• Avoiding caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
• Remaining hydrated
• Eating a healthy high fibre diet
• Sitting on the toilet in a relaxed forward leaning position to facilitate complete emptying of the bladder and bowels and not going ‘just in case’ or straining to open your bowels
• Another good practice is timed toileting, going at regular intervals (e.g. every 2-3 hours) to prevent accidents before they occur. It’s important that you’re mindful of going to the toilet before bed, embark on a long journey, or start exercising.
• Similarly, you’re most likely to have your bowels open after eating so you might schedule in a toilet visit after a main meal. Just remember, there many options for managing incontinence.

Even when full continence can’t be restored, there are plenty of available supports to help you live life to the full.

Choosing the Right Absorbent Products for Protection

There are so many continence products on the market that you’re sure to find something that meets your individual needs and preferences, from washable products to disposable products, in all different styles, shapes and sizes. Remembering to keep clean and dry is imperative, so you can be confident that your dignity is protected. With the latest technology, products can prevent leaks, are highly absorbent, control odours, and are comfortable to wear.

What are some Products for Managing Incontinence and Protection?

There are also options to protect your surrounds including:

• Chair covers
• Mattress protectors
• Absorbent bed pads
• If you’re on the go, you might even consider portable and disposable urinals, so you don’t have to stress about finding toilet facilities in places you’re not familiar with.

Whatever your unique continence needs, there is a solution for everyone.

Practical Tips for Managing Incontinence in Daily Life

As a teenager, if you’re anxious about accidents and leaks, the best thing you can do for your confidence is be prepared! Knowing you can manage accidents if they occur will help you relax and enjoy yourself. Here are some things to think about while you go about your daily life:

• Create an emergency kit in case of accidents and keep it close at hand. In your emergency kit include pads, wipes, hand sanitiser, a change of underwear and clothing, and a bag for wet clothing.
• Use scented, opaque nappy bags for wet and soiled pads that can be sealed or tied and discreetly disposed of without anyone knowing the contents. These are great for home, school, at friends’ houses, or when you’re out and about.
• If you’re away from your familiar environment, look up where toilet facilities are located so you’re prepared if you need to get there in a rush.
• Layered, loose, dark clothing hides leaks very well. Also consider access; buttons and zips can hinder removing clothes in a rush, whereas elastic waist bands, skirts or dresses are much easier to remove quickly.

While incontinence can be a tricky topic to talk about, having a support person by your side can help you feel safe and supported. Think about discussing your condition with a trustworthy friend or adult who you know will respect your privacy, protect your dignity, and support you with your needs⁶.

Lastly, support groups and online communities are a great place to connect with other teenagers who have similar challenges. Community groups can offer valuable tips and insights, while ensuring you don’t feel alone on your journey⁷.

Managing Incontinence at School

While discussing your incontinence can be embarrassing, it’s very helpful to let the school know you have a medical issue so that they can fully support you with your needs⁷.  If you don’t feel confident doing this yourself, a parent or healthcare professional can contact the school on your behalf.

Educational settings have a duty of care to support students with health needs. You may therefore be able to have some additional supports in school, including:

• Free access to use the bathroom facilities whenever you need them, with use of a ‘toilet pass’ or similar
• Access to disabled bathrooms, so you have more room to change if you need too
• Extra time in exams to allow for toilet breaks

Some other useful tips when managing your incontinence at school is to remember to drink, becoming dehydrated can make your incontinence worse, and don’t forget to keep an emergency kit at school or in your school bag in case of accidents⁸.

Final Thoughts

Incontinence in teenagers can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s possible to manage daily life, school, and social situations confidently. By seeking medical treatment, using protective products, building a support network, adopting lifestyle changes, and developing management strategies you can navigate your journey with confidence and enjoy daily life to the full.

References

1. Continence Health Australia. 2025. Teenagers and young adults [online]. Available from: https://www.continence.org.au/incontinence/who-it-affects/teenagers-and-young-adults [accessed 20.2.25].

2. Milsom, I., Kaplan, S. A., Coyne, K. S., Sexton, C. C., & Kopp, Z. S. (2017). The burden of urinary incontinence on quality of life, work productivity, and mental health. BJU International, 121(1), 23-32.

3. Joinson, C., Heron, J., Butler, U., & Von Gontard, A. (2018). Psychological differences between children with and without soiling problems. Pediatrics, 121(5), e1180-e1187.

4. Coyne, K. S., Sexton, C. C., Kopp, Z. S., Ebel-Bitoun, C., Milsom, I., Chapple, C., & Kaplan, S. (2018). The impact of overactive bladder on mental health, work productivity, and health-related quality of life in a 6-country population. BJU International, 121(1), 92-99.

5. Austin, P. F., Bauer, S. B., Bower, W., Chase, J., Franco, I., Hoebeke, P., al. (2016). The standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function in children and adolescents: Update report from the Standardization Committee of the International.

6. Children’s Continence Society. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 35(4), 471-481.

7. Bain, M., Couchman, M., Spivak, A., Zivkovic, D., Vukovi, D. (2024). Continence management in adolescence. Continence, 11. Available from:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cont.2024.101683

8. ERIC. (2025). Managing at school and college [online]. Available from:  https://eric.org.uk/help-for-you/teenagers-and-young-people/managing-at-school-and-college/ [accessed 28.2.25].

Jane Clarke

Continence Nurse Consultant

Jane is a Continence Nurse Consultant with over 25 years of experience. She has worked in public health, private enterprise, and industry spheres, and has achieved a Masters in both Nursing and Business Administration. Jane is passionate about health equity and education. In her spare time Jane loves spending time in nature and exploring new places with her family.