National Public Toilet Map makes looking for a loo a whole lot easier

You're not alone - one in 10 Australians have incontinence to some degree and that rises to one in three women who have ever had a baby; and for some the problem can cause them to fear an excursion or everyday outdoor activities.

Even if it's just a dash to the supermarket for a loaf of bread and bottle of milk, it's a relief to know where the nearest toilet is and that's why the National Public Toilet Map is so valuable.

The map - available online and as a mobile app - shows the location of more than 22,000 toilet facilities across Australia and has proven to be a useful resource for all Australians, but especially those with incontinence, travellers, and young families. It allows users to filter and search for specific toilet features, including opening hours, wheelchair accessibility and adult change facilities.

The Continence Foundation of Australia has announced updates to the map to make it even easier to plan toilet stops while on local adventures or travelling further afield.

The first update is 'specialty maps', a feature which allows users to create and then share custom maps via a unique URL or QR Code. Perfect for those who are travelling in groups or wanting to plan ahead, this function makes it effortless to share your map via email, text or social media.

The second update is 'distance by route', a feature which shows the quickest route to a facility, on foot or by car.

"The National Public Toilet Map is a useful website and app for everyone," said Rowan Cockerell, chief executive of the Continence Foundation of Australia. "It is especially helpful for those who experience incontinence and would otherwise restrict themselves to familiar places, for fear of not having access to a toilet."

Manager of the National Continence Helpline and Nurse Continence Specialist Janie Thompson said it was very challenging for people who live with incontinence to plan their daily activities never mind plan a holiday.

"The fear of having an accident makes you very nervous to go out. Basically you are focused on your bladder or bowel.

"You end up in this vortex of fear and anxiety which makes things even worse," she said. "And I think people often don't realise there's help out there."

Greg Ryan was born with a congenital abnormality known as Imperforate Anus (IA) also known as AnoRectal Malformation (ARM) which meant he had no anal opening or any sphincter muscles or nerve control in the rectum/anal area.

The condition affects one in every 5000 births worldwide and without surgery, Greg would have died in 24 hours. He also has associated major urological issues.

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Despite surgery, Greg has lived with incontinence all his life, leading to a life of shame, secrecy and mental health issues.

He's found the NPTM to be invaluable. "When you have incontinence it's really stressful to go out. l've learned the first thing you do is look for is where the toilets are," he said. "But this app is incredibly useful."

Recently Greg decided to 'come out' publicly by writing a book called A Secret Life - Surviving a Rare Congenital Condition he also created a foundation - the ONE in 5000 Foundation to encourage a dialogue and arrange better support for all IA/ARM sufferers across the world. The Foundation has a website, podcast, Facebook page and is presently working to send unused Stoma products to patients in Ghana.

Among the information about toilets on NPTM is male/female/all gender, opening times, adult change facilties/ baby change, dump point, ambulant facilties, showers, drinking water, sharps disposal, sanitary/incontinence product disposal, right or left transfer and Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) accessible which allows people with disabilities to access dedicated public facilities 24 hours a day.

The National Public Toilet Map can be accessed via www.toiletmap.gov.au, or by downloading the National Public Toilet Map app available on Google Play or the App store.

For help with incontinence call the Continence Foundation of Australia helpline 1800 330 066 to speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist, or visit www.continence.org.au