Incontinence affects more than 200 million people across the globe. It’s believed that about 13% of British women and 5% of British men suffer from some form of urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence affects an additional 2% of the population. Incontinence is quite embarrassing for those who suffer from it and as a result, it’s often under reported. While these feelings are quite understandable, they also continue the myth that it only affects other people. In fact, incontinence products are among the most commonly purchased. In part because incontinence is not a disease in and of itself. Rather, it is the symptom of another problem, which can often be cured.

What to Do

If you or a loved one is suffering from incontinence, the first and most important thing to do is seek medical advice. Because incontinence is a symptom of another condition, quickly seeking help from a doctor can provide a diagnosis and treatment that may eliminate incontinence. In addition, you need to understand the type of incontinence as that will drive the precautions, treatments, and devices that are best for your situation.

Incontinence Aides

People with incontinence face many practical challenges. Fortunately, there are a variety of products available to minimize frustration and embarrassment.

Juvenile Bedwetting

Many young children wet their beds, for a variety of reasons. One way to help address this is to help the child and parents be aware that bedwetting has occurred. However, it’s also important to help children develop bladder awareness so they can get up prior to wetting the bed. Enuresis alarms and incontinence monitoring systems are two methods for doing this.

Muscle Control

In many cases, incontinence can be the result of poor muscle control. Using a variety of pelvic exercises, people can regain control of their muscles and reverse their incontinence. This is particularly true when the poor muscle control is a result of surgery, childbirth, or injury.

Bed and Furniture Protection

One of the most upsetting parts of incontinence is the damage caused to bedding and furniture. Products such as disposable bed pads, waterproof bedding, and seat pads all help prevent beds and furniture from becoming soiled.

Protective Clothing

Patients with incontinence are often very concerned about protecting their clothes while preserving their dignity. Modern protective devices such as absorbent pads, ergonomic pads, and stretch pants are discreet and effective methods for protecting clothing.

Toilet Access

In some cases, the biggest incontinence challenge is simply getting to the bathroom in time. In situations like this, radar keys that list a national network of handicap accessible toilets or portable urinals for traveling can be tremendously helpful.

Hygiene

For people suffering from incontinence, personal hygiene is a primary concern. A variety of items exist to make personal hygiene easier. Disposable gloves, hypoallergenic skin wipes, body cleansing foams and soaps, and surface sprays help keep them and their environments clean and safe.