Incontinence is a medical condition where the body loses the ability to control the bladder or bowels. Incontinence can be a sole issue or it can be a result of something that’s either happening or has happened within your system. It can often be a result of following a poor and improper diet, aging, suffering from certain diseases (especially those affecting the muscles and the nerves), giving birth, and others.
Records show that over 5 million Australians deal with incontinence, with 4.2 million being affected by urinary and 1.3 dealing with bowel, or faecal, incontinence.
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Types of Incontinence
Stress, urge, overflow, and functional are the four types of urinary incontinence that most people experience. Each of these has its own characteristics and is difficult in a unique way. There is also a fifth type called mixed incontinence which results in a person experiencing more than one type of urinary incontinence daily.
Bowel incontinence involves five types which include urge, flatus, rectal, passive, and overflow incontinence. Much like urinary ones, bowel types also have unique characteristics and can affect the body differently. The final type of incontinence is dual incontinence, which is a condition where both urinary and bowel incontinence is experienced at the same time.
Even though it is extremely life-changing and stressful, incontinence isn’t something that can’t be treated, especially when it’s not a result of aging or a serious disease. The important thing to remember is that, no matter how distressing, this condition is something that happens to a lot of people and is completely normal to experience.
In case you notice any signs of it, it’s important to consult with your healthcare professional. Your doctor will be able to examine you and propose an effective treatment to help ease the symptoms and ultimately eliminate the condition itself, if possible.
However, while you’re doing your treatment, there are various incontinence products you can try to help yourself feel better and minimize the effects of this condition. Incontinence supplies come in a diverse range of options and can help anyone, regardless of their age, sex, or cause for the condition.
Benefits of Using Incontinence Products
Provide Comfort
One of the first things that incontinence causes is the loss of comfort. Not being able to control your bladder can really affect your day-to-day life, so quality-made incontinence products can help you feel more confident and comfortable.
Incontinence doesn’t really know age or gender, it just strikes. No matter if you’re an older person and age has taken its toll, a young man suffering from a disease, or a woman that has just given birth – incontinence can be equally uncomfortable for everybody. Instead of worrying about whether your bladder will decide to act on its own and ruin your clothing, bed, home, or anything else, with the proper incontinence supplies, you will feel safer and able to go about your daily business.
Effective and Diverse
The companies that manufacture incontinence supplies are well aware of the effects incontinence can have on people suffering from it, so they’ve considered all aspects when designing them. For example, if you’re constantly on the go, there are different types of incontinence panties and underwear you can buy to ensure the ultimate protection. The panties and underwear come in different sizes, designs, and models and are made for both men and women.
What’s more, these supplies are constantly being upgraded, so if in the past incontinence panties were basically just a bulky diaper, nowadays you can get ones that are virtually undetectable but offer the same performance and level of protection as their bulkier ancestors. The same goes for men’s incontinence underwear.
Furthermore, for some extra security and protection at home or at the office, there are chair pads that can be placed underneath you to protect the furniture. These products come in a variety of sizes and interesting patterns which make them look nothing like medical aid and more of an accessory you’ve chosen to just put there for comfort. Paired with panties, these supplies are an excellent combo to bring back your comfort. Easy to clean and leak-proof, they will also bring your confidence back and help you go about your days normally.
Another great incontinence product is barrier creams. These aren’t meant to stop leaking but to protect your skin from irritations and keep it healthy. By using barrier creams, you’ll make sure the areas that are most affected by your incontinence stay dry and no further medical issues can develop.
The Quality of the Product Matters
It’s important to mention that incontinence supplies should only be bought at pharmacies and other stores that specialize in medical supplies. This is the only way to ensure that the product you’re getting is of good quality and will perform best. There are many retailers out there that advertise different incontinence supplies that are highly effective, but not all of them really offer what they advertise.
To make sure you’re getting the most for your money, read the online reviews for the company you’re buying from as well as any product feedback from customers you might find. If you’re not sure which incontinence supplies to buy, you can always consult with your healthcare professional.