The 5 Best Incontinence Products

How to Choose the Right Incontinence Products for Your Needs

Urinary incontinence can be the result of a rather wide range of medical conditions and other factors. Any person who experiences involuntary urine leakage on a regular basis will want to select an incontinence product that will help them maintain a normal lifestyle, as well as prevent unwanted health consequences.

The reason a person experiences incontinence is closely linked to the type of incontinence they are dealing with. For example, it is known that urge incontinence can be caused by cystitis (an inflammation of the lining of the bladder), or by an enlarged prostate, where the bladder drops and the urethra is irritated.

Fecal incontinence can be the result of damage to the muscles and nerves that control bowel movements, which can also be the result of neurological disorders. Other possible causes for fecal incontinence include hemorrhoids and rectal cancer.

Urge incontinence can also be caused by neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

Another type of incontinence, known as overflow incontinence, happens when there is an obstruction or blockage to the bladder. This may be caused by urinary stones, constipation, an enlarged prostate or a tumor pressing on the bladder.

Although starting a discussion about the need for incontinence products may seem difficult, the good news is that it is not an uncommon condition. Your loved one may simply not be aware of all the options available to help them continue living a full and healthy life.

Here are a few tips for broaching the subject:

• Don’t put it off. As soon as you become aware of the problem is the best time to have the talk. The longer you wait, the more uncomfortable you both will become with the “unspoken” subject.
• Understand their emotions. Embarrassment, frustration and guilt often accompany the discovery that one can no longer control their bowels or bladder. Being aware of how your loved one is feeling will help you know how to navigate the discussion.
• Don’t beat around the bush. Start a conversation in a direct, yet compassionate way. For example, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been turning down dinner invitations lately. If you’re worried about having an accident, there are things we can do to help.”

At the end of the day, you know your loved one best. Your approach can be matter-of-fact, humorous, or more “heart-to-heart” - but regardless of how you approach it, having the conversation early is better for everyone.

When choosing an absorbency product, there are a few factors to consider.

• Type of incontinence. Urinary incontinence products are not always the right shape for fecal incontinence, nor are they absorbent enough.
• Gender. Choosing a product with the shape and design that conforms to the wearer’s body will give them the best results, as well as the greatest comfort.
• Absorbency level. There are products for light, medium, heavy, and total incontinence. Some people only lose a few drops of urine, while others have very little bladder control at all. Most products will indicate the absorbency level on their packaging. For those with lighter incontinence, there are thin, discreet pads available. But do not use ordinary sanitary pads, however - they are not equipped for the job.
• Odor control. If this is a concern, select a product that has the ability to minimize odor.
• Skin protection. Skin irritation, inflammation and infection can be concerns for people with incontinence. In particular, if someone is bedridden, incontinence increases the risk of skin breakdown and bed sores. Products with fast-dry capabilities wick moisture away from the skin and help keep it dry, thus preventing these health concerns.
• Washable or disposable. Washable products feel more like “real” underwear, but are often less absorbent than disposable incontinence garments. They also don’t have the odor control and skin protection features that a disposable product will. Also, if washing soiled garments or the thought of re-using them doesn’t sit right with you, then disposables would be a better choice.