The medical condition of loss of bladder and bowel control is not uncommon. According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, 10% of men and almost 38% of women in Australia are affected with urinary incontinence. Incontinence is something that many adults are wary of. This condition is most often associated with urine leaks and bulky diapers, which leads to embarrassment and low self-confidence.
So what happens if you or someone you know who experiences incontinence refuses to wear diapers or catheters? Are there any alternatives to the most common forms of management for this condition?
Thankfully, disposable pads, liners, bed protectors and similar products are now available and can be used in place of diapers. With these options, people struggling with incontinence can go on with their lives without worrying about being in a catheter for most of the day.
For those men and women, the alternatives to diapers can help them regain self-esteem and live without incontinence, negatively affecting their lives.
Read below some of the options available to help manage this medical condition.
Disposable Incontinence Pads
With similar features as women’s sanitary pads, disposable pads are placed on the inside of the underwear to absorb any urine that leaks. These pads are waterproof, which protects the skin from moisture, and are highly absorbent. Depending on the type, they can protect against mild to severe incontinence.
Disposable Liners
Like pads, liners are worn on the inside of the underwear, but they are recommended only for mild incontinence. Since they are thinner pads, liners can absorb a limited amount of moisture, which allows them to protect against a mildly overactive bladder.
Washable Incontinence Underwear
Besides disposable incontinence pads and liners, other products like washable briefs and panties designed for people suffering from incontinence are also great products to tackle the condition. These underwear come with sewn-in incontinence pads that are 100% absorbent as well as waterproof. They also come in different varieties, such as those for mild or moderate incontinence and in styles like hipster, bikini and more.
Bed Pads and Protectors
Bed pads and protective underpads are effective for incontinence and bedwetting. But, unlike incontinence pads and liners, they can only be used while staying on the bed or a chair for a considerable time. And they are mainly used overnight to protect the bed when sleeping.
Bed pads and underpads are absorbent and waterproof, making them the best tools for protecting your mattresses and sofas from unexpected moisture. They also provide extra support and assurance at night for a comfortable sleep.
Condom Catheters
Condom catheters, designed for men with incontinence, are used just like condoms, as its name implies. However, unlike other types of catheters, condom catheters do not come with tubes that are inserted into the penis to drain urine from the bladder. Instead, they are worn over the penis, and a tube attached to it leads to a drainage bag where urine gets collected.
Incontinence does not just affect people physically. It also has mental effects that can lead to stress and depression.
But now that there are options that can help in both the physical and mental aspects of the condition, it’s best to use it so you or people you know can break free from the stigma associated with incontinence.
While all these products can help reduce the challenge of managing this medical condition, regular check-ups and follow-up treatments with your doctor is most recommended for management, control, and, eventually, curing.
