Urinary incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine, independent of conscious decision. It is always an abnormal symptom and needs to be assessed by a doctor, usually a urologist and, in the case of a woman, also a gynaecologist. There are many adult incontinence products on the market - for example adult nappies, women nappies.
Table of content:
- What is adult incontinence?
- Adult Incontinence Products – There’s Much More to Them than Just Adult Nappies
- Incontinence products
- Incontinence liners
- Incontinence pads
- Incontinence underwear
What is adult incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary passage of urine (micturition), independent of a person's conscious decision, leading to partial or complete emptying of the bladder. Urinary incontinence occurs at any age and in both sexes, but the problem is most common in older and elderly people. In addition, urinary incontinence is more common in women (up to 1 in 5 women over 40) than in men. Above the age of 80, half of women and a third of men suffer from incontinence. Probably only one in two people with incontinence reports the problem to a doctor.
The main types of chronic urinary incontinence are:
- stress urinary incontinence
- urge urinary incontinence
- overflow urinary incontinence.
Adult Incontinence Products – There’s Much More to Them than Just Adult Nappies
Adult incontinence is much more common than you may think, especially in women. Did you know that more than 1 in 3 women over the age of 35 experience some degree of urinary incontinence? Choosing the right incontinence nappies for adults is an extremely important matter. It is not only about comfort, but also about health - the urinary tract and sensitive intimate areas are badly affected by contact with wetness and urine. The absorbent pad, the type of product and its size are important - absorbent briefs and nappies need to be correctly sized to fulfill their purpose.
Finding the right incontinence product to address your symptoms can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’re only familiar with old-fashioned adult nappies. Many people think that adult nappies are the only solution for adult incontinence – but that’s not the case! Products that help to manage incontinence symptoms have improved significantly. Now, there is a range of incontinence products designed to meet your specific needs, whether you experience occasional drips or full bladder loss - including very nice and practical adult diapers for women.
Here’s a guide to help you to make sense of what’s what on the shelf at the store:
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Light drips - liners
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Small spurts – light and moderate pads
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Streams – heavy pads
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Sudden gushes – extra heavy pads
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Large gushes (up to a full bladder) – extra heavy pads or underwear
You can also choose to use adult diapers for women or incontinence nappies for adults. You can buy very modern models adult nappies, which you will not be ashamed to wear.
Incontinence products
Incontinence liners
Liners are thin and flexible, similar to the feminine hygiene pantyliners you may be familiar with, but with more absorbency. Liners are great for those small sprinkles that can happen when you cough, sneeze or exercise.
Incontinence pads
Pads are great for heavier bladder leaks, like spurts or streams. Pads are thin and comfortable, and a lot less bulky than adult and ladies nappies so you can be comfortable and confident wearing them under your clothes. Pads come in several absorbencies and lengths depending on your needs.
Incontinence underwear
Unlike what you may think, not all incontinence protection feel like adult nappies. You can find very comfortable incontinence underwear that fits smoothly under your clothes – so no one will notice. These are perfect for long trips or when you don’t have fast access to a toilet.
In addition to urinary incontinence products, you may want to consult your doctor about medical treatments, like medication or surgery, to help to alleviate your symptoms.
Don’t let the stigma of adult nappies deter you from getting the protection you really need. Hopefully, now you know what to look for when you’re shopping. Adult nappies are not the only solution!
