Incontinence Products and Urinary Incontinence
Uncontrollable leaking of urine is how urinary incontinence is defined; 25-33% of men and women in the United States suffer from it, and 33 million Americans have a related condition called an overactive bladder. With an overactive bladder, also known as OAB, sufferers notice symptoms of frequency and urgency, with or without urge incontinence.
What Increases the Risk of Urinary Incontinence?
There are some groups of people who are at higher risk of suffering from urinary incontinence than others: Aging is a major contributing factor, as is pregnancy, delivery, and the number of children a woman has had. The risk of incontinence increases as the number of children increases, and this is true for both vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections.
Women may also develop incontinence after menopause, possibly due to the drop in estrogen. Men with prostate problems are also at increased risk, and some medications can contribute to the condition as well. Other contributing factors include diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor overall health.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
There are various types of incontinence; it is important to remember that incontinence in itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of many different conditions. Stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, is caused by weak pelvic muscles that let urine escape. SUI is one of the most common types of incontinence, and is most common in older women.
Overactive bladder, or OAB, is another common type of urinary incontinence, and it affects more than 40% of women and 30% of men in the United States. With OAB, the brain sends a signal to the bladder to empty, even when the bladder isn’t yet full. Sudden, strong urges to urinate is the most common symptom of OAB. Some people suffer from mixed incontinence, which is both OAB and SUI.
Overflow incontinence is a condition where the body makes more urine than the bladder can hold. It also classifies conditions in which the bladder is full but cannot completely empty. There may be something blocking the flow of urine, or the bladder may not contract as it should to allow for emptying. This type of incontinence is more common in men who have had or currently have prostate problems.
Managing OAB and SUI with Incontinence Products
There are many incontinence products and devices available to help men and women cope with urinary incontinence of all types; these products are important to people who suffer, as oftentimes using the products is a means to attain more freedom and personal comfort and health.
Catheters are used by some sufferers of incontinence, and there are several varieties available. A Foley catheter, or indwelling catheter, is a thin tis that are placed in the urethra to help drain urine out of the bladder. There are also external collecting systems available, which collect escaped urine in a small bag or pouch that is discretely attached to the leg via Velcro straps.
By far, the most common products used to manage incontinence are the absorbent products; these include items like incontinence pads, adult diapers, and related items. There are diapers for adults that are made specifically as incontinence products for men, and there are also incontinence products for women available. Many people choose to purchase their incontinence supply via the Internet, but products are also available at grocery stores, big box stores, and pharmacies. However, many people prefer to purchase products online for privacy reasons.
If you or someone you know suffers from any type of urinary incontinence, be sure to speak with a doctor about treatment options. Golden Years at Home offers an expansive incontinence supply of products at affordable prices, all of which are packaged and shipped discretely for your privacy.
Questions about incontinence or any of our products? Contact us – we’re happy to help!