Adult incontinence is incredibly common, but is also a taboo subject. Embarrassment and a sense of failure are often reasons why both faecal and urinary incontinence are rarely discussed. Yet adult incontinence is not something to be ashamed of, with around 65% of women and 30% of men suffering from it by the age of 65. Men wait on average 4.2 years after bladder leakage, with women waiting 6.5 years before seeking their doctor’s advice on the problem. Sadly however, 70% of sufferers do not seek any assistance at all.
What is Adult Urinary and Faecal Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine from our bladder. Injury or illness, certain medications, pregnancy and prostrate problems are all causes of urinary incontinence. There are four main types of urinary incontinence:
- Overactive Bladder – also called urgency incontinence, our bladder tells our brain it is full, even if it isn’t. Involuntary leakage then occurs, as well as the need to urinate frequently.
- Stress Urinary Incontinence – weakened pelvic floor muscles allow urine to escape when exercising, sneezing, bending or lifting.
- Mixed Incontinence – a combination of both stress and overactive bladder urinary incontinence.
- Overflow Incontinence – more urine is made than our bladder can hold, causing it to overflow. Or our urethra may be blocked and unable to empty our bladder, also causing an overflow.
Faecal incontinence is the involuntary passing of faecal matter from our bowel. It can be caused by illness or injury, prolonged constipation, medication, lifestyle or severe diarrhoea.
Managing Adult Incontinence Discreetly at Home and Work
Your first step in manging your incontinence is to contact your health professional. While it may be embarrassing, once your doctor knows they can work towards identifying the type of incontinence you have. If medical treatments can help, then these can be commenced. They may also suggest different exercises and dietary habits to introduce to reduce the symptoms. One option is to try our our Texi Disposable Pants, they can give you the independance and assurance of protection from accidents.
At home, there are several ways you can manage both urinary and faecal incontinence. If slight bedwetting is an issue, Brolly Sheet bed pads or waterproof mattress protectors can be used to prevent your mattress and bottom sheets becoming wet. For larger urinary incontinence problems, a waterproof duvet cover and a pair of waterproof sheets may be more suitable. These products can also be used for faecal incontinence problems too. Both are beautifully made and unable to be identified as an incontinence product.
To protect your furniture at work or at home, a combination of adult waterproof boxers or absorbent underwear and absorbent chair pads will work extremely well. Both are discreet ways of preventing others learning about any incontinence problems you have.