She did not expect that her early 20s would be marred by urinary complications that would completely disrupt her life, health and sense of dignity.Â
"The misconception of incontinence only happening to older people or women after childbirth means younger people often fall through the cracks ... incontinence can happen to anyone, at any age and any gender," Ms Wauer told AAP.
"It completely changed how I moved through the world in terms of social life, intimacy, travel, work.
"People don't realise how expensive incontinence products are and how limited government support can be."
At 22, following years of pelvic pain and health complications, Ms Wauer discovered she had a neurologically driven bladder condition that led to severe urinary retention.
"My bladder didn't signal to my brain that I needed to go to the toilet, so I was constantly setting alarms to remind myself," she said.
"Leaving the house wasn't as simple as grabbing my keys ... I needed to carry enough catheters, mentally plan my day around bathroom access and factor in the anxiety of 'what if I run out?'."
Ms Wauer is not alone, with incontinence affecting more than five million Australians.
Women are twice as likely as men to live with the condition, but many don't seek help due to stigma and shame.
In June, Ms Wauer underwent an operation to implant a nerve-stimulation device, placed by leading surgeon Tanaka Dune.
Dr Dune is the only urogynaecologist working in the public health system in South Australia.
"It's really important to recognise that incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction is not just a postpartum or post-menopausal woman's issue, it is an important public health and cost issue," Dr Dune said.
"If you are incontinent it disrupts your activities in daily living and quality of life and it can also contribute to mental health issues and you may not know who to get help from."
Increasing awareness, having open conversations and encouraging women to speak to their GPs about treatment options were all vital to addressing incontinence, Dr Dune said.
"Women experience pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in many ways that are different from men," she said.
For Ms Wauer, talking about the condition means having genuine conversations about funding, access, equity and support.
"Speaking openly is about challenging the stigma (because) if we can say 'diabetes' or 'asthma' without judgement, then we should be able to say 'incontinence' the same way," she said.
"No one should feel ashamed of a condition that is fundamentally just a part of their health."
23°C