Before We Start: Some Quick Information on The Difference Types Of Incontinence
You don’t have to go through bladder control issues alone.
In fact, some 20 million Americans are also struggling with this condition – and of those 20 million, 80% are women. Though we don’t yet know why adult bedwetting affects more women than men, the treatment options you pursue will likely change depending on your gender.
There are a couple of different types of accidents that incontinence products can help to manage:
- Stress incontinence is common in older women and is caused by the weakening of the bladder muscles. It can also occur when pelvic floor muscles are stretched. It’s often associated with the sudden leaks you get when working out, sneezing, coughing, or jumping.
- Overactive Bladder/Urgency Incontinence is the term used to refer to your constant, disruptive need to go to the bathroom. It affects 40% of women and 30% of men in America, and can be one of the most frustrating forms of bladder control problems.
- Overflow Incontinence is when your body produces more urine than your bladder has the space to hold. It may also refer to your bladder’s inability to properly constrict and hold urine in, which can lead to constant dribbles or leaks.
- Mixed Incontinence, as the name implies, refers to people who suffer from both the constant need to use the restroom as well as frequent leaks and accidents.
- Fecal Incontinence is when you have an accidental bowel movement.
No matter what type of bladder control issue is bothering you, there is a wide range of incontinence products out there that can help you manage your problem and get back to your life.
Because half of the world’s female population will deal with bladder control problems during their lives, it may be a good idea to stock up on them now, before you have a problem.
Incontinence Product 1: Adult Diapers/Absorbable Underwear
While these may look a lot like the underwear in your drawer, they pack a hidden punch that can handle even a severe accident: they’re made with both a waterproof liner for extra absorption, as well as a cloth pad for an extra layer of protection.
Many can hold up to ten ounces of urine, meaning they’re a great solution for those needing overnight care from their incontinence products. They’ll also control any unpleasant odors, keeping your secret safe from those around you.
They usually come with an adjustable strap on the sides, so you can comfortably fit them to your body shape and size. Absorbable underwear may be disposable, or it may be a product you can wash and reuse. It’s up to you which style you prefer.
Product 2: Healing Ointments/Creams
Often, bedwetting is a symptom or side effect of another disease, illness, or even may be caused by the medication you’ve been prescribed.
Healing ointments, especially those containing Vitamins A and D, are incontinence products that can soothe any irritation you’re experiencing.
Creams also help to promote healthy skin, which can prevent infection, rashes, and irritation that can occur if you’ve used ill-fitting incontinence underwear or if you’re bedridden for long periods of time.
Creams and ointments create a barrier between bacteria and your skin, so they’ll keep you healthy while relieving any itching, burning, or pain.
Product 3: Underwear Liners
For those who are suffering from occasional leaks, or those who are dealing with lighter accidents (especially stress incontinence patients) underwear liners are the ideal incontinence product.
For both women and men, these liners can stick right in your underwear, and they won’t budge. (They’re similar to menstrual pads in that way, as well as in feel.)
They’re also a more affordable option for than heavy-duty incontinence underwear – though if you’re facing more severe leaks, they may not be the best option.
Product 4: Protective Gloves
Incontinence products aren’t only important for the hygiene and care of patients suffering – they also help to make sure those caring for any elderly or disabled patients are equally protected.
If you’re a caregiver, helping a parent, or providing assistance in the home or hospital, make sure you’re always wearing a pair of gloves while providing intimate care.
This won’t just help to protect you and keep you clean – if you’re under the weather, gloves will help to make sure no germs pass on to your patient.
Product 5: Underpads
Underpads aren’t worn on the body.
Instead, they are designed to protect your bed, mattress, furniture, and other surfaces by absorbing urine. You can use them on their own or in combination with another incontinence product.
They come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and like the underwear mentioned above, there are options that are disposable, and ones that you can wash and reuse.
Many also come with sticky pads to make sure they stay in place, even if you’re tossing and turning throughout the night. They’re especially ideal for those patients or sufferers with limited mobility, and who may not be able to get up and change as frequently as others can.
Product 6: Intimate Wash
As stated earlier, cleanliness is an incredibly important part of staying healthy when you’re dealing with incontinence problems.
That’s why, when you’re in the shower, it’s important to pay close attention to washing your genitals to prevent infection and the spread of bacteria.
An intimate wash will also help to rid you of any odor, and may also contain soothing ingredients that won’t burn when you’re washing raw or sore areas of the body.
Be sure to reach for intimate wash as soon as you can after an accident, and that you’ve thoroughly dried the area after cleansing and before you put on another pad or liner.
Product 7: Gentle Intimate Wipes
One in 12 people struggle with fecal incontinence in their life, and though this is perhaps the most stigmatized and unpleasant form of bladder control problems, it is absolutely something you can handle with the right incontinence products.
Hygiene is incredibly important when facing these issues, but if you’re stuck out in public, you may not always have access to what you need. We suggest picking up a few packs of cleansing wet wipes and tossing them in your purse or car.
Since you may be using them often, it’s important to make sure you’ve found an option that will be sensitive to your skin. Wipes containing aloe or those with quickdry features are always a safe and healthy bet.
What Else Should I Know?
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about the different types of products out there, we’d like to provide you with some quick information on how to get the most out of them.
- You will most likely wear between two and three different incontinence products every day – so buying in bulk may be a better financial strategy. Plus, you won’t have to run to the store every week.
- You should aim to change your products about every 5-8 hours – though of course, this might vary depending on the level of accident and the type of product you’re using.
- Even the best products will occasionally leak. Most often, this happens overnight as products become full or as the body’s urine production goes into overdrive. As such, when you’re sleeping, it’s a good idea to toss an underpad over your mattress in addition to using a diaper or liner. Better safe than sorry.
- No matter what you think, nobody knows you’re wearing an incontinence product other than you. Products can’t be seen through clothes, most offer odor protection, and they won’t add bulkiness that’s noticeable to others. Don’t panic – just relax, and soon you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
- Usually, pads and diapers are changed by caregivers. Incontinence is an issue that largely (though of course not exclusively) impacts the elderly. But often, busy and tired caregivers can forget to use wipes, ointments, and creams when they change a patient. If you notice your caregiver overlooking this important step, don’t be shy about speaking up.
Incontinence Products Protect Your Privacy While Managing Your Discomfort
We understand that the stigma around incontinence can be emotionally hard to take, in addition to the physical discomfort you’re suffering from. But quality incontinence products can help to make it all a little bit easier.
We offer a wide variety of products from brands that have stood the test of time – all at prices that don’t make taking care of yourself seem like a financial strain.
Don’t put off talking to your doctor to get on the road to recovery. In the meantime, pick up the supplies you need and check out the many online support groups where you can go to connect with and seek advice from other people suffering from bladder control problems.
Nobody wants to deal with bladder control issues, but they’re not uncommon nor are they something to be ashamed of.