By Northshore Care Supply
Incontinence. Even the word sounds sterile, clinical, abnormal. It’s no wonder so many people dealing with leaks will feel embarrassment, shame, and anxiety. Many with incontinence will postpone treatment, hoping it will go away on its own. While incontinence is not normal, it’s essential to understand that incontinence is manageable. With the right knowledge, strategies, and products, you can regain control and confidence in your daily life. In this guide, we’ll share our tips on how to find the right solutions to manage incontinence so you can live life to the fullest without worry about leaks.
What Is Incontinence?
Incontinence comes in different types, and its causes can vary from person to person. Simply put, incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control resulting in leaks or accidents. These leaks can be brought on by physical stress or can be the result of bladder muscle spasm or neurological issues. Incontinence is most common among older women, but can be experienced by men and women of any age.
Managing Incontinence
The good news is that incontinence is manageable, and several strategies can help individuals regain control and minimize its impact on their lives:
- Talk with your Doctor: Your healthcare provider can help diagnose the cause and type of incontinence and provide treatment options and support.
- Make Lifestyle Changes: Certain lifestyle changes have been known to improve incontinence. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods), and practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to strengthen the muscles that control urination.
- Use Incontinence Products: Disposable absorbent products like pads and adult diapers collect the fluid preventing it from leaking to your clothes or furniture. These products can be used as an immediate solution while seeking treatment or part of your long-term management plan.
Managing Incontinence With Absorbent Products
Preventing leaks, eliminating odors, and being stuck at home for fear of ‘having an accident’ are some common concerns experienced by those managing incontinence. Absorbent products can help eliminate leaks and odors, so you can get back to your regular routine. Here are some products to consider:
- Adult Diapers or Briefs: These tab-style products are designed to handle heavy incontinence. They offer maximum protection against leakage and odors. Some styles are cloth-like while others are plastic-backed. The adjustable tabs allow you to refit the product as needed throughout the day.
- Protective Underwear: Also called pull-ons, this style of protection is the most similar to traditional underwear, but feature an absorbent core. Because these products stretch to fit your body, it’s important to ensure you have a snug fit.
- Pads, Liners, and Guards: Typically used for lighter incontinence, these products are used with your existing underwear. They have an adhesive backing to secure in place.
- Bedpads & Underpads: Waterproof pads can help protect bedding and furniture in the event of an accident, providing peace of mind and easy clean up.
Tips for Choosing the Right Products
There are many different types of absorbent products on the market, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs.
- Consider your activity level, skin sensitivity, and level of output when making your decision. Remember, it is more important to stop the leak than wear the smallest product possible.
- Learn how to properly fit diapers. Sizes can be wildly different across brands, make sure you’re measuring your hips and waist and choosing the right size and style for your body type. A poor fitting product will leak. For help, check out this guide on how to measure for adult diapers.
- Determine how often you’ll change your products. Long-wear adult diapers are available for overnight use, travel, or if you’re trying to get through the workday without changes.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match products. For many people a combination of products works best. Some people choose protective underwear during the day for a more discreet option, and wear adult diapers for overnight protection. Find what works for you.
- Explore your options. There are hundreds of options on the market, and many brands offer free samples. Try a variety of products to find what works best for you.
- Shop online for a wider selection. Online retailers allow you to shop from the privacy of your own home and offer discreet home delivery. They also usually carry a wider selection of products compared to your local pharmacy.
Incontinence can be a stressful condition, but it is manageable. With the right knowledge and products, you can reduce the fear, anxiety, and embarrassment of leaks, and minimize the impact of incontinence on your daily activities. Remember that you are not alone on this journey, and there are resources and support available to help you manage incontinence with confidence and dignity. Live your life to the fullest, worry-free from leaks, and enjoy the freedom that effective incontinence management can bring.
Learn more about NorthShore Care Supply and our mission to help individuals manage incontinence with life-changing products and initiatives.
About NorthShore Care Supply
NorthShore was founded in 2002 to empower people to live with the freedom and dignity they deserve and has helped over 2.5 million families keep their loved ones protected from leaks. The company is committed to helping 80 million Americans manage bladder or bowel incontinence, especially those with the heaviest control problems. Our featured NorthShore® brand is the leading premium adult diaper brand in the U.S. and is available at NorthShore.com or by calling (800) 563-0161. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
