More About Incontinence

Incontinence is the inability to control either urine or faecal elimination. Essentially this
means that to some degree you may lose urine or bowel movements at times that you do not
choose to do so. It affects men and women, young and old.

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Types of Incontinence

There are six basic types of Urinary incontinence:

1. Stress Incontinence: an involuntary loss of small amounts of urine when you cough, laugh, lift
or exercise. It can be caused by multiple vaginal births, enlarged prostate, pelvic trauma
or loss of pelvic muscle tone.
We recommend using a Bladder Control Pad or Male Guard.

2. Urge Incontinence: inability to control urinating once you feel the need to void. Simply, you may
feel the need to urinate but cannot wait to get to the bathroom. It can be caused by Alzheimer's,
Parkinsonism, enlarged prostate, spinal cord injuries or urinary tract infections.
We recommend using a Bladder Control Pad or Protective Underwear.

3. Reflex Incontinence: This is frequent loss of urine with no warning. This is due to spinal cord
injuries, brain tumors or strokes.
We recommend using Protective Underwear or Adult Briefs.

4. Overflow Incontinence: Leakage of urine when the bladder is full. For example the person
experiences dribbling, frequency, urgency and bladder distention. It is most commonly caused
by diseases that cause a blockage of the natural passageway of urine.
We recommend using a Bladder Control Pad or Protective Underwear.

6. Mixed Incontinence: a combination of forms of incontinence, such as "mixed stress urge incontinence."
We recommend using Protective Underwear or Adult Briefs.

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Talking to your Doctor

If you find that you are experiencing any level of incontinence, it’s important to discuss your
options and possible treatments moving forward. Your doctor will likely work with you to make
a list of any risk factors you may have that could have led to the development of incontinence.

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Managing Incontinence

There are several behavioural techniques that can enhance continence. These include bowel
and bladder training, relaxation techniques, biofeedback and kegel exercise. Kegel exercises are
performed by tightening the pelvic floor muscles in a series of repetitions. These should be
performed 30-80 times daily over a course of eight weeks.

There are also interventional strategies for incontinence if behavioural techniques cannot be
performed. These include surgical interventions, pelvic muscle rehabilitation, pharmacological
therapies and the use of disposable products.

A number of different products may be used to help those living with incontinence to remain
comfortable and dry. The selection of an incontinent product should correlate with the type of
incontinence. The smallest/minimal product should be used to support and encourage continence
and promote an individual's dignity and confidence. Some product options are bladder control pads,
small liners and undergarments, pant liners and protective underwear and disposable briefs.
Brief sizing is critical – the better the fit, the more comfortable the wearer and the better the absorption.