Living with incontinence can be a challenge, but you're not alone. Millions of Australians of all ages experience some form of bladder or bowel weakness. With the right treatment and management options, you don't need to be held back by incontinence in your day-to-day life.
Understanding Incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine or bowel control. There is not only one reason for why a person may suffer with incontinence, and while most common in females and in the elderly, it can affect people of all ages. Incontinence can either be a temporary or long-term condition, depending on its cause, which will also vary from person to person. Some factors which may cause incontinence include:
- Weakened pelvic floor muscles;
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs);
- Neurological conditions;
- Diabetes;
- Pregnancy and childbirth; or
- Certain medications.
If you are experiencing incontinence, it is important that you visit your local doctor to identify the reason for it, and also to develop a medical plan to meet your needs and work towards managing your symptoms.
Symptoms of Incontinence
Depending on the cause of incontinence, the symptoms may also vary. As a result, management and treatment will vary from person to person, as incontinence is not experienced in the same way by all. Some common symptoms of incontinence may include:
- Stress incontinence: Leaking urine during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
- Urge incontinence: Sudden and strong urge to urinate, followed by involuntary loss of urine.
- Overflow incontinence: Frequent dribbling of urine due to an inability to completely empty the bladder.
- Mixed incontinence: A combination of two or more types of incontinence.
- Fecal incontinence: The inability to control bowel movements.
Do I Have a Weak Bladder?
If you experience any incontinence symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. A doctor can perform a physical exam, urine tests, and other tests to determine the cause of your incontinence.
Here are some signs that you may want to see a doctor:
- You experience frequent urinary tract infections;
- You have difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels;
- You experience blood in your urine; or
- You have pain or burning during urination.
Living with Incontinence
There are many ways to manage incontinence and live a full and active life. Treatment options may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels): These exercises can strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and bowel.
- Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, managing fluids, and avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol can all help improve incontinence.
- Medication: Medications can help relax the bladder muscles or increase urine storage capacity.
- Continence aids: There are a variety of continence aids, such as incontinence pads, available to absorb or collect urine or stool.
Continence Aids from Superior Healthcare
If you are looking for products to help manage symptoms of incontinence and don't know where to start, Superior Healthcare has a wide range of continence aids on our online store. Many of these products are covered under the NDIS. Some of the products that Superior keeps include:
- Pads: Absorbent pads that come in various sizes and absorbencies for different types of incontinence;
- Pants: Pull-up style incontinence underwear that provides more coverage and discretion than pads;
- Liners: Thin, lightweight pads for light bladder leakage;
- Catheters: Medical devices used to drain urine from the bladder;
- Leg bags: Bags used to collect urine drained from a catheter;
- Bed and Chair Protection: Protects your furniture from any potential leaks; and
- Toilet Aids: To assist patients while rising and sitting on the toilet if they have difficulties with mobility.
Superior Healthcare is a proud provider of TENA products, Depend products, and Coloplast products, each of which provide a wide range of incontinence products to help meet your needs.
Conclusion
Living with incontinence can be a significant challenge, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. With the right information, support, and products, you can manage your condition and maintain a high quality of life.
By consulting with a healthcare professional and exploring the various treatment options available, including continence aids from Superior Healthcare, you can find the best solutions for you.
Superior Healthcare is a registered NDIS provider, and can assist in coordinating the supply of these incontinence products. To find out more, call 1800 87 87 22 or email ndis@superiorhealthcare.com.au. Alternatively, leave your contact details on the enquiry form on our site.
