Hygiene is important for everyone, and even more for women living with incontinence. There are potential health risks associated with not maintaining proper feminine hygiene. This article discusses the various health risks, tips, and products to help you stay clean and dry safely.
Incontinence in women
Women can experience either urinary or fecal incontinence, and in some cases, it can be both. Common causes of female incontinence are aging, nerve disorders, pregnancy, and childbirth. While it can be managed with lifestyle changes, incontinence products, bladder control exercises, and medications, incontinence may be chronic for some.
Stigma Around Incontinence
While a common disorder, incontinence itself is a socially embarrassing subject. Remember the reaction in school when anyone ‘had an accident’ in class or who was known to wet the bed? It has the same deep impact, maybe even deeper for adults. Hence, it is no surprise that incontinence can significantly reduce a woman’s quality of life. Daily activities such as work, exercise, and intimacy may all be impacted. Their psychological and social well-being can be gravely impacted. Many women may try to avoid social situations or gatherings due to embarrassment or fear of an accident occurring in public or at work. Odor can also become a source of concern, even when a leak has been avoided with an absorbent pad. It can all be emotionally distressing, leading to depression, anxiety, and a decreased sense of self-worth.
Absorbent products such as pads and pull-ups are ways to manage the condition so that women can get on with their daily activities. However, while these sound like uplifting solutions, many women feel that society generally does not accept wearing absorbent products. This may be even more so with pull-ups than absorbent pads since the latter is similar in design to menstrual pads, which women are already used to using. Additionally, pull-ups are often associated with infants or the elderly and are often regarded as a subject for cruel jokes or sarcasm.
Health Concerns
Besides struggling with the stigma, incontinence comes with a wide range of potential health risks if there is no proper feminine hygiene. Women with incontinence risk skin irritation due to constant contact with urine or feces, leading to discomfort and pain. Plus, prolonged exposure to moisture and bacteria increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other infections.
As much as incontinence can be a source of embarrassment for many women, there are ways to manage it. Simple lifestyle changes, exercises, and absorbent products can help overcome some of the symptoms and reclaim the quality of life you aspire to. And, proper feminine hygiene care can help control odors and avoid unwanted infections, and skin irritation.
Consequences of not keeping clean
Not maintaining proper feminine hygiene can lead to various potential health risks.
UTIs
Poor hygiene practices can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria in the genital area, which can increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder. Bacteria can enter the urethra and enter the bladder, causing a UTI. If left untreated, the infection can spread into the kidneys, causing a kidney infection. If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, such as burning during urination, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain, seek medical attention and receive appropriate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys.
Fungal Infections
Groin infection is another potential risk if the genital area is not kept clean and dry. It can be caused by a fungus, and these organisms like moist, warm places such as skin folds. The infection can irritate the skin and may be very painful or itchy.
Besides the discomfort and pain from infections, not maintaining proper female hygiene can result in an unpleasant odor, affecting a woman’s self-esteem and confidence.
Other potential issues
You must seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection or unusual symptoms in your genital area. If left untreated, infections or other health conditions can lead to more severe health problems. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, chronic pain, and in rare cases, even sepsis may all be consequences of poor feminine hygiene. Early detection and treatment can help prevent these complications and may also help reduce the risk of transmission to sexual partners.
Feminine Hygiene Tips
If you’re dealing with incontinence, you likely know it can come with unexpected leaks and unwanted odors. Maintaining good hygiene helps and is simple and easy, something you already do daily. Plus, there are several products, such as wipes and incontinence pads, to help us manage our lives.
Wipe from front to back
After using the toilet, wipe from the front to the back. Doing it the wrong way (from back to front) can bring unwanted bacteria from the rectal area and infection may result. Also, you should only use unscented wipes after urinating, as the scented wipes can increase the chances of irritation and inflammation of the skin of the vulva and vagina.
Wash regularly
Washing the genital area with mild soap and water is vital for maintaining good hygiene and preventing infections. It is essential to use mild soap and water when cleaning the genital area. Harsh soaps or cleansers can disrupt the natural pH balance of the area and lead to skin irritation or inflammation. Additionally, rinse the area thoroughly to remove all traces of soap. The genital area can develop an unpleasant odor if not cleaned properly.
The genital area is prone to sweating, creating a moist environment for bacterial and fungal infections, such as yeast infections. Washing the area with mild soap and water can help remove sweat and bacteria, which can help prevent infections.
pH-balanced wipes or sprays
Using pH-balanced wipes or sprays can help maintain the natural pH balance of the vagina and reduce odor. The vagina has a natural acidity that helps protect against infections. Using harsh soaps or cleansers can disrupt this natural balance and lead to irritation, infection, and odor. pH-balanced wipes or sprays can be beneficial for women who are prone to infections or have sensitive skin.
It’s important to note that pH-balanced wipes or sprays should not be used as a substitute for good hygiene practices, such as regularly washing the genital area with mild soap and water. They should also be used in moderation, as overuse of these products can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Adult Absorbent Products
Adult incontinence products help you stay dry and comfortable, so you are able to enjoy time with your friends and family. And there are many wearable options, with tabs, pull-ups, or pads. Because they absorb odor and bladder leak quickly, you can look forward to feeling more confident and peaceful wearing them. There are bed pads or underpads for furniture and floor that can also be used for extra protection.
Once these products are soiled, they can be easily changed out and discarded. There is no fixed number of times within a day to change the absorbent products as it is dependent on your level of activity during the day as well as the product you use. However, you should always change your incontinence product when wet, as wearing it longer can contribute to bad odors, poor hygiene, and skin conditions.
Choose cotton underwear as these are breathable fabrics that help keep moisture down, leaving the skin dry and reducing the risk of bacterial growth and infections. Suppose you tend to perspire easily or after completing a physical activity. In that case, you should also change out of sweaty workout clothes and wet swimsuits to help prevent infections.
Role of Diet
Diet and hydration can play a significant role in urine odor.
If you are not adequately hydrated, your urine can become more concentrated, causing a more pungent odor. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help dilute your urine and reduce its concentration, which can help reduce odor. Plus, fluids help flush substances out of your system and reduce their impact on urine odor.
Additionally, eating a balanced and healthy diet can help reduce the amount of odor-causing substances in your urine. Note that certain foods and beverages can also affect the odor of urine. For example, foods high in sulfur, such as onions and garlic, can cause urine to have a strong odor. Asparagus can also cause a distinct urine odor.
Tips on Choosing Absorbent Products
Odor control
When looking for absorbent products for incontinence, consider those with odor protection. Nobody wants to deal with unpleasant smells! So, look for products that have built-in odor control technology. This can include materials like activated carbon or natural fibers that trap and neutralize odors and antibacterial or antifungal agents that reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria. While odor control can be helpful, practicing good hygiene by frequently washing and changing clothes is still much needed.
Choose the right fit
Choosing the right fit for adult absorbent products is necessary to ensure urine leaks are contained until you can change them. Here are some tips to help you find the right fit:
- Determine your size: Most brands offer a sizing chart to help you determine the appropriate size. Take measurements of your waist, hips, and thighs to determine which size will fit best.
- Choose the right style: There are many different styles of absorbent products available, including pads, briefs, and underwear. Choose one that is comfortable for you and fits well with your lifestyle.
- Check the fit: Ensure the product fits snugly, but not too tightly, to ensure it stays in place and doesn’t leak. It is essential to check the fit regularly, especially if you are active or moving around frequently.
- Test different products: Finding the right fit and style for your needs may take some trial and error. Consider trying different products until you find one that works well for you.
Level of absorbency
Besides odor protection and the right fit, you must find one with the right level of absorbency. If you only have a little bit of leakage, you may need a product with a lower level of absorbency. But if you have heavy or frequent leakage, you’ll need a product with a higher level of absorbency to prevent leaks.
You should also think about your daily activities. For example, suppose you’re active and moving around a lot. In that case, you’ll need a product with a higher level of absorbency that can handle your movements without leaking. On the other hand, if you’re not very active, you can use a product with a lower level of absorbency.
Whatever level of absorbency you choose, be sure to change your product frequently to avoid saturation, leaks, odor, and skin irritation.
Manage with ease
Women that have experienced pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, or menopause are more likely to experience incontinence. Those suffering from this condition are often embarrassed and ashamed, but female incontinence does not have to ruin your life. Simple lifestyle changes, lots of fluids, diet choices, weight loss, bladder control exercises, and absorbent products help make living with incontinence easier.
Beyond these measures is the need for vigilant and good feminine hygiene. Practicing good hygiene will help you avoid skin irritation and infections, and can help reduce odors. Additionally, good female hygiene can help you overcome stigma and reclaim confidence.
It is always best to talk to your healthcare provider about the best hygiene practices for your individual needs. Your doctor can address any concerns you may have about persistent urine odor or if the condition is impacting your quality of life. They can help you determine the best action and provide personalized recommendations.
References:
- 2021 NAFC Survey: Patient Perspectives On Absorbent Products, pages 15-17. Reference from https://nafc.org/product/2021-nafc-survey-patient-perspectives-on-absorbent-products/
- https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bhealth-blog/stop-worrying-incontinence-start-living/
- Doris Hägglund, Henny Olsson, Jerzy Leppert, Urinary incontinence: an unexpected large problem among young females. Results from a population-based study, Family Practice, Volume 16, Issue 5, October 1999, Pages 506–509, https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/16.5.506
- https://avacaremedical.com/blog/how-often-should-you-change-an-incontinence-pad-2.html
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/15-tips-keep-your-bladder-healthy
- https://www.aiwhcincinnati.com/services/female-urinary-incontinence
6 Responses
can you recommend anyone for safe cloth or cream to clean my vulva and vagina Please
I used to put my Mom in a Medium pull-up now with an overnight poise pad so then usually if her bladder leaks she is still dry with her vagina
Pull-ups are accually very soft and comfortable. The ones i use are black color so they look just like normal underwear. They absorb so well that if cannot find bathroom i feel totally clean and dry after using it. I can travel and feel very safe.
We actually have a great list of Trusted Partners – brands that we have vetted and know provide high quality products. Check them out here: https://nafc.org/trusted-partners/
Once an itchy, smelly rash develops, what is the best treatment? An ointment to sooth the skin or powder to keep the area dry. Seems that with all the mild cleaning products, used, for example, in nursing homes, and the attention I pay to cleanliness through the day, these annoying rashes would be under control. Any advice on brand names for pads?
Can you recommend brands of incontinence products?