NDIS and women's continence care: how to include Orykas in your plan

For many Australian women living with bladder weakness, navigating the support system can feel just as challenging as managing symptoms day to day. Understanding NDIS continence care for women is a crucial first step toward accessing the funding, products and professional guidance that can restore independence and confidence. Whether you've been recently diagnosed or have been managing leakage for years, this guide explains how the National Disability Insurance Scheme can help — and how washable incontinence underwear from Orykas fits naturally into a well-structured plan.

What is continence care under the NDIS, and why does it matter for women?

The NDIS provides funding for Australians with a permanent and significant disability, including conditions that cause chronic urinary or faecal incontinence. Continence support typically falls under the "Consumables" or "Assistive Technology" budget categories within an NDIS plan. For women whose incontinence is linked to a qualifying disability — such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or an intellectual disability — this funding can cover continence aids, assessments by a continence nurse, and related supports.

It's important to understand that incontinence on its own isn't always enough to qualify for NDIS funding. The scheme looks at the underlying disability and its functional impact on daily life. However, when continence difficulties are a direct consequence of an eligible condition, the NDIS can be a transformative source of support — helping women access products and services that might otherwise be unaffordable.

The Continence Foundation of Australia recommends that women speak with a continence health professional to get a thorough assessment before approaching the NDIS. A clear clinical picture strengthens your plan and ensures funding is directed to the most effective aids and therapies.

Who is affected and why it matters across Australia

Urinary incontinence is far more common than many people realise. A significant share of Australian women over the age of 50 experience some form of bladder leakage, and it also affects younger women — particularly after childbirth or pelvic surgery. Despite how widespread it is, many women delay seeking help due to embarrassment or the assumption that leakage is simply something you put up with.

In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, women have relatively good access to specialist continence clinics and pelvic floor physiotherapists. In regional Australia, however, services can be harder to reach — making NDIS-funded telehealth consultations and postal delivery of continence aids all the more valuable.

The emotional toll shouldn't be underestimated, either. Women dealing with incontinence often report reduced social participation, anxiety about odour or visible leakage, and a reluctance to exercise or travel. Addressing continence care through structured plans — whether NDIS-funded or otherwise — isn't a luxury. It's essential healthcare.

Common causes of urinary incontinence in women

Understanding the cause helps guide both treatment and funding applications. The most frequently seen types and triggers include:

• Stress incontinence — leakage during coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting, often related to weakened pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy or menopause.
• Urge incontinence — a sudden, intense need to urinate followed by involuntary loss, sometimes linked to neurological conditions.
• Overflow incontinence — incomplete bladder emptying, which can occur with nerve damage or certain medications.
• Functional incontinence — difficulty reaching the toilet in time due to mobility limitations or cognitive impairment.
• Mixed incontinence — a combination of stress and urge symptoms, which is common among women over 60.

Evidence-based care pathways Australians can access

The first port of call for most women is a bulk-billing GP or a doctor covered under Medicare Australia. Your GP can perform an initial assessment, rule out urinary tract infections or other treatable causes, and refer you to a specialist such as a urogynaecologist or a continence physiotherapist. The RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) includes continence assessment in its guidelines for preventive health checks in older women.

Pelvic floor muscle training, guided by a qualified physiotherapist, is considered first-line treatment for stress and mixed incontinence. Many physio sessions are partially covered by Medicare with a GP Management Plan, or fully funded within an NDIS plan if continence is linked to a participant's disability. Bladder retraining programmes for urge incontinence are also well supported by evidence and can be delivered via telehealth.

For women who need continence products alongside therapy, the key is choosing aids that are reliable, discreet and sustainable. Disposable pads create ongoing expense and environmental waste. Washable incontinence underwear offers a reusable alternative that many women find more comfortable and less conspicuous — an important factor in maintaining everyday confidence.

If you're unsure where to start, the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 provides free, confidential advice from continence nurse advisors. They can help you understand your options and point you toward local services.

How Orykas washable incontinence underwear supports confidence

Managing leakage effectively often comes down to finding products that feel normal to wear and perform when it counts. Orykas designs Women's Washable Incontinence Underwear specifically for this purpose — combining absorbency with the look and feel of everyday knickers.

For women dealing with moderate to heavy leakage, the Women's Washable Incontinence Pants for Heavy Leakage offer a high-capacity option that can replace bulky disposable products. Because they're machine-washable and reusable, they also reduce the ongoing cost of managing incontinence — a consideration that matters whether you're self-funding or stretching an NDIS consumables budget.

Orykas underwear comes in practical multi-packs, such as the 3-Pack Ultra Absorbent Black Incontinence Briefs and the 3-Pack Ultra Absorbent Beige Incontinence Briefs, making it easy to keep a rotation for daily use while one pair is in the wash. The discreet design means they look like regular underwear — something many women cite as a significant boost to their self-esteem and willingness to stay active.

Washable options also align with the growing preference among Australians for sustainable choices. Reducing the volume of single-use continence pads heading to landfill is an environmental benefit that complements the personal advantages.

NDIS, CAPS and funding options for Australian women

Navigating continence funding in Australia involves understanding several overlapping schemes. Here's a summary of the main pathways available:

1. NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) — for participants with a permanent and significant disability. Continence aids may be funded under Consumables or Assistive Technology. A continence assessment from a qualified health professional is typically required to support the inclusion of specific products in your plan.
2. CAPS (Continence Aids Payment Scheme) — administered by Services Australia, CAPS provides an annual subsidy for continence products for eligible Australians who aren't NDIS participants. You'll need a valid assessment from a continence nurse or other approved health professional to apply.
3. DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) — eligible veterans and war widows or widowers can access continence products through their DVA entitlements.
4. State and territory schemes — some states offer additional aids and equipment programmes that may cover continence products, particularly for older Australians not eligible for the NDIS.
5. Private health insurance — some policies include a benefit for aids and appliances, though coverage varies. It's worth checking your specific policy wording.

For women seeking NDIS continence care, the process generally begins with a conversation with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). You'll need supporting evidence — typically a letter or report from your GP, specialist or continence nurse — outlining why continence aids are a reasonable and necessary support related to your disability. The Continence Foundation of Australia offers resources to help you prepare for this conversation.

When requesting washable incontinence underwear specifically, it can help to outline the long-term cost savings compared with disposable alternatives. NDIS planners appreciate evidence that a product represents value for money over the plan period. Reusable underwear, with proper care, can last many months — potentially reducing the total consumables spend.

If you're not eligible for the NDIS, CAPS remains a valuable option. The annual subsidy may not cover all costs, but it can meaningfully offset the expense of quality continence products. Your GP or continence nurse can guide you through the CAPS application process, which is managed through Services Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Can I include washable incontinence underwear in my NDIS plan?

Yes, in many cases you can. Continence products — including reusable options — can be funded under the Consumables or Assistive Technology categories of an NDIS plan, provided they're deemed reasonable and necessary in relation to your disability. A supporting assessment from a continence health professional will strengthen your request. It's best to discuss specific products with your NDIS planner or support coordinator.

What is the difference between the NDIS and the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)?

The NDIS is a broader disability support scheme that covers a wide range of services and products, including continence aids, for participants with an eligible disability. CAPS is a targeted subsidy specifically for continence products, available to eligible Australians who aren't NDIS participants. It's administered by Services Australia and requires a valid continence assessment. Both schemes can help fund products like washable incontinence underwear.

How do I get a continence assessment in Australia?

Start by visiting your GP, who can perform an initial evaluation and refer you to a continence nurse or specialist. You can also contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for advice on finding a continence professional near you. Many continence assessments can now be conducted via telehealth, which is particularly useful for women in regional or remote areas.

Are washable incontinence products as effective as disposables?

Quality washable incontinence underwear is designed to match or exceed the absorbency of many disposable pads, with the added benefits of comfort, discretion and reusability. Products like Orykas ultra-absorbent briefs are engineered with multi-layer technology to lock in moisture and control odour. Many women find they actually prefer the fit and feel of washable underwear over disposable options — and the long-term cost is typically lower, too.

Taking the next step toward better continence care

Living with incontinence doesn't have to mean living with limitation. Australian women have access to a growing network of healthcare professionals, funding schemes and high-quality products designed to make daily management simpler and more dignified. Whether you're exploring NDIS continence care for the first time or looking to optimise an existing plan, the combination of professional guidance and the right products can make a genuine difference.

Start by speaking with your GP or calling the National Continence Helpline. Get a proper assessment. Understand your funding options — NDIS, CAPS or otherwise. And consider whether washable incontinence underwear from Orykas could be a practical, comfortable and cost-effective part of your continence management strategy.

This article is informational and does not replace advice from your GP, a qualified continence nurse or a specialist.