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Archive for July, 2010

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What to Look For in Faecal Incontinence Products

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

If you suffer from faecal incontinence, you will need appropriate absorbency from your incontinence products. You will also likely need a comfortable fit. Most of all, you will want to feel secure in the knowledge that the product you choose will offer security and discretion.

Faecal incontinence is estimated to affect approximately 2% of the population, with more women than men being affected. The social stigma associated with faecal incontinence means that the condition causes embarrassment for the individuals who experience loss of bowel control. However, incontinence products have come a long way, and people who suffer from faecal incontinence can rest assured that there are faecal incontinence products that can allow them to live their lives to the fullest.

Tena incontinence products are known world wide for their supreme comfort and absorbency, even in cases of faecal incontinence. Many people who suffer from faecal incontinence choose to use Tena’s disposable all-in-one incontinence pads. These pads offer many advantages, such as an elastic, comfortable waistband, the ultimate in absorbency and curved leg bands to prevent leakage. They are made of a breathable material that allows air to circulate, protecting the skin. They also have a rustle-free backing for added discreetness. Being disposable, they can simply be discarded when soiled. These faecal incontinence products are popular due to the comfort and security they offer.

DryForLife is proud to include Tena products in their line of superior faecal incontinence products. DryForLife offers decades of personalized service and quality products at an affordable price. Best of all, DryForLife offers an invaluable service to their customers, store-to-door delivery, saving you the hassle of shopping for your faecal incontinence products. To learn more about the products offered by DryForLife, including Tena products, visit online at www.dryforlife.co.uk and see for yourself the difference that quality makes.

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Common Causes of Bowel Incontinence

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Bowel incontinence, also known as faecal incontinence, can be caused by numerous conditions, such as diarrhea, constipation, nerve damage to the anal sphincter, muscle or nerve damage to the rectum and anus and surgical procedures. Identifying the cause of bowel incontinence is important when determining the correct treatment for the condition.

Diarrhea: It is much easier to “hold” your bowels when stool is solid. When an individual experiences frequent diarrhea, the ability to control bowels may be partially or completely absent. Diarrhea itself can be caused by many conditions, such as chronic laxative use or abuse and gastrointestinal disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Getting to the bottom of what is causing the diarrhea may aid in regaining bowel control.

Constipation: It may seem incongruous that constipation can lead to bowel incontinence, but constipation can actually be a common cause of bowel incontinence. When constipation occurs, stool can become trapped in the rectum, which causes stool behind the impaction to leak around the impaction, resulting in the leakage of liquid stool.

Nerve damage: Nerve damage to the anus or rectum may result in incontinence. Nerves supplying the anus or rectum can interfere with the ability to sense when a bowel movement is imminent, and may also prevent the anus from closing properly as it should between bowel movements. Nerve damage may occur in an individual who has Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, diabetes or spinal cord injury.

Muscle Damage: The muscles surrounding the anus, which prevent stool from exiting the body without conscious control, can become damaged resulting in bowel incontinence. Childbirth is one event that can lead to muscle damage. These muscles may become damaged by giving birth to a large infant, especially if forceps are used or an episiotomy is done.

Surgery: Surgery performed to treat hemorrhoids may result in damage to the anus or rectum, causing bowel incontinence. Surgery to treat anal or rectal cancer may also result in bowel incontinence.
Many of the causes of bowel incontinence can be easily identified and treated, making it imperative that anyone suffering from bowel incontinence seek advice from their physician.

For the full range of Incontinence Products please browse the catalogue at DryForLife.co.uk

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Choosing Incontinent Pants

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

Incontinent pants are preferred by some people with incontinence for the simple reason that they function as normal underwear. The incontinence market has grown steadily, and the result has been a wider variety of incontinent pants to choose from.

Incontinence pads require regular changing due to their smaller size and lesser ability to absorb urine readily. Incontinence pants, on the other hand, may be worn for longer periods of time between changes. In addition, incontinence pads often require the addition of an incontinent pant worn over the pad to help keep the pad in place; therefore, some people prefer to wear incontinent pants only.
Incontinent pants come in a variety of styles and most are made to resemble normal underwear. When properly fitted, incontinence pants may fit more comfortably than a pad alone. Incontinence pants can be worn underneath virtually any type of clothing discreetly, and wearers appreciate the sense of security that incontinence pants provide, even for those who suffer from heavy incontinence.

For women, incontinence pants may be made out of a mesh material that helps to hold pads in place. Also available are cotton or polyester blend incontinence pants with built-in pads. These types of incontinence pants can be washed in the machine. Disposable incontinence pants are simply discarded when they become wet, and they are likely the most popular incontinence pants available due to their convenience and ease of use.

For men, incontinence pants come in the varieties described above: the disposable type or the pad-in-pant variety that can be washed and reused. Men will appreciate some of the newer styles of incontinence pants that are made to resemble boxer shorts or briefs. These incontinence pants look and feel like regular underwear and are generally the washable variety.

Whichever incontinent pant you choose, whether of the disposable or washable variety, you will want to ensure a good fit. Comfort is also important, as is price. If you are looking to save money the washable type of incontinent pants may be best for you. If your main concern is convenience, the disposable kind may be most suited to your lifestyle.

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Male Incontinence Pads for Today’s Active Man

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Incontinence in men, although less common than in women, is more frequent than most men might think. Men can suffer from the same types of incontinence that plague women, including stress incontinence, overflow incontinence and urge incontinence. Regardless of the type of incontinence experienced, today’s men expect the same level of comfort and security from male incontinence pads as women do from products designed for them.
Men who suffer from incontinence will be glad to know that male incontinence pads are designed with them in mind. Because their anatomy is different and more wetness is expected to occur at the front of the pads, male incontinence pads today are designed with extra protection in the front, where it is needed most. Discreetness is just as important to men, and male incontinence products are designed to resemble normal undergarments and securely hold male incontinence pads in place. Male incontinence pants look and feel like normal underwear and come in a variety of styles, including boxers and briefs.
Here are some examples of popular styles of male incontinence pads and incontinence pants that can be used with pads:
Male Guard for Men- These disposable shaped male incontinence pads fit in regular pants and are held securely in place with an adhesive strip. They are absorbent and men will feel secure and comfortable, no matter what activity they are involved in.
Premium Pouch Pants for Men- These washable incontinence pants look and feel like regular underwear and contain a pouch that holds a disposable pad securely in place. Men will enjoy the fact that these pants feel like normal underwear and can be worn discreetly under any pant type.
Boxer Short Pants for Men- Prefer boxers? Many men do, which is why these incontinence pants are so popular. These pants feature a highly absorbent built-in pad and look just like popular boxers sold everywhere. Men will appreciate their style and comfort.
Complete Pants for Men- Many men choose briefs over boxers, and these briefs contain a built-in male incontinence pad.  Made of comfortable polyester, these pants have a fly front that looks like the real thing.
Today’s active man can pursue virtually any activity, secure in the fact that DryForLife male incontinence pads and incontinence pants will protect him while keeping him dry and comfortable. There are more choices than ever for men who suffer from incontinence.
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How to Choose the Right Incontinent Products

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

There is often a lot of trial and error that goes into choosing the right incontinent products. After all, you want to be sure that your incontinent products do what you need them to do, at a cost that won’t stress your wallet. The following are some factors you may want to consider when choosing incontinent products:
What level of protection do I need?
It is important to consider how much protection you require. For example, are you constantly wet, or do you suffer from mild incontinence only when you cough or sneeze? Here’s a breakdown of incontinence levels.
Level 1 (Light or Mild Incontinence) – This type of incontinence is often the result of stress on the bladder (stress incontinence). It often occurs with sneezing, coughing or lifting a heavy object. Level 1 incontinence involves only small losses of urine or drops of urine associated with the activities mentioned.
Level 2 (Moderate Incontinence) – This level of incontinence includes losing the partial contents of your bladder, but not the entire amount. Moderate incontinence often occurs with overflow incontinence or urge incontinence.
Level 3 (Heavy Incontinence) – Most people with heavy incontinence have little control over their bladders. They may experience urine loss at night and their bladder may empty completely without warning.
Level 4 (Severe Incontinence) – People with severe incontinence may have other medical conditions, suffer from heavy incontinence and may also suffer from bowel incontinence.
Washable or Disposable?
Another important factor to consider is whether to choose washable or disposable incontinent products. Disposable incontinent products are simply disposed of after use, which many people find more convenient. Washable incontinent products require rinsing and washing, and although they may be more cost effective, many people do not want the hassle involved in constant laundering.
Absorbency
Absorbency can be used as a guide to help you choose an incontinent product. If you discover that the incontinent product you are using is not absorbent enough, you can simply try a product with a higher absorbency.
These guidelines can help you choose the DryForLife incontinence product that is just right for you. If you are still unsure of which product to choose, you can call us for free advice over the telephone, or email us if you prefer.
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Making Sense of Mixed Urinary Incontinence

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

There are many different variables to consider when you are considering the underlying causes of incontinence. Most common in elderly men and women, incontinence is by no means isolated to this age group. It can also be found in younger people, and might even be more common than you think. Women tend to suffer from the symptoms of incontinence more frequently than men, because of toll that pregnancy and childbirth take on the body. However, incontinence can also be caused by infection, disease, injuries and surgery in both women and men of all ages.

Sometimes the manifestation of incontinence is a little fuzzy in that it is not clearly one type or another. Rather it seems to be a combination of two different types. For example, there are three main types of urinary incontinence, which are stress, urge and overflow incontinence. Stress incontinence happens when a sudden pressure is inflicted on the area of the abdomen affecting the bladder. Something like a sneeze, laugh, cough, or straining when lifting a heavy object is enough to cause stress incontinence. Weak or damaged pelvic floor muscles are usually the culprit of stress incontinence. This type of incontinence is very common after pregnancy and childbirth or prostate surgery.

The problems associated with urge incontinence appear seemingly out of nowhere, and if you cannot find a restroom immediately, you are very likely to have an accident. Since this type of incontinence is marked with a sudden and uncontrollable bladder contraction, it is frequently managed with medication to quiet the spasm of the bladder. This type of incontinence most frequently occurs in older men and women.

When you have the symptoms of two types of incontinence intertwined and manifesting themselves in concert, the condition is known as mixed incontinence. While mixed incontinence can be a combination of any of the three types of incontinence, it is most often stress incontinence mixed with urge incontinence. When a doctor is treating a case of mixed incontinence he or she will first treat the dominant symptoms, and then address the less dominant symptoms.

Then treatments for mixed incontinence are the same as they are for each individual type of incontinence, and your medical professional can help you define whether behavior modification, physical therapy, medication or surgery is the appropriate course of action for your specific case of incontinence. The treatment recommendation will change depending on the underlying cause of your incontinence.

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What Qualities Do You Look For in Incontinence Supplies?

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

There are many qualities that may make certain incontinence supplies attractive to you. These qualities are quite universal and might include the following:
Comfort – If you have a need to wear incontinence products, chances are that comfort is high on your list of priorities when choosing incontinence supplies. Incontinence supplies should be made of materials that are soft against the skin and absorb moisture efficiently and effectively. Cheaper brands of incontinence products may save you money, but may be less comfortable to wear, especially if you wear incontinence products “around the clock”.
Absorbency – You need to be able to trust that the incontinence supplies you choose perform as advertised; that is, that they are as absorbent as they say there are. Some products priced lower may not absorb leakage as effectively as they should, leaving you less than satisfied when clothing or furniture becomes wet.
Cos t – The cost of incontinence supplies is an issue for many people. Choosing incontinence supplies should not come at a price that means you have to “go without” in other areas. Cost effective incontinence supplies should be absorbent enough that you are not forced to change them too frequently, but should also not be so expensive that you feel as though you are being extravagant if you change them when necessary. Purchasing well made and high quality incontinence supplies should come at an affordable price, and you should not have to substitute quality for affordability.
Variety – Incontinence supplies come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles to suit a wide variety of need. One size does NOT fit all, especially when it comes to incontinence products. You want to be able to choose from different styles to suit your lifestyle, wardrobe and activity level.
Accessibility – You may choose an incontinence product based on its availability. For example, many people prefer to have their incontinence supplies shipped directly to their door, so that they always have a ready supply of products available, and they are not forced to shop in a store for products that they need that very day. This quality may be very important to someone who is not able to get about easily. Others may simply prefer the discreetness that a service such as home delivery provides.
Regardless of which of these qualities is most important to you, DryForLife has you covered! With many varieties of incontinence supplies to choose from, our product line is affordable. Our products offer superb comfort and absorbency. Best of all, you can have your incontinence supplies sent directly to your home, saving you the hassle of having to shop for them in the store. DryForLife welcomes your business, and we believe in treating our customers like family.
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Frequent Causes of Urge Incontinence in Men

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Urge incontinence in men can be a frustrating problem. Symptoms may include a sudden, urgent need to urinate, followed by incontinence if a toilet is not readily available. Many men suffer from urge incontinence to varying degrees without understanding that, in many cases, it can be helped or even cured with proper treatment. What causes urge incontinence in men? There can be many contributing factors, which include the following:

Diabetes – Diabetes can damage the nerves that affect control of bladder function.

Stroke, Parkinson’s disease and MS (multiple sclerosis) – All of these conditions can lead to problems with emptying the bladder that cause the bladder to become overly full. This overfilling can, in turn, lead to urgency and incontinence.

Prostate Disease – The prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra at the bladder neck, is a frequent cause of urge incontinence in men. Enlargement of this gland, cancer of the prostate or treatment to cure cancer of the prostate may all cause the symptoms of urge incontinence in men.

Overactive Bladder – In overactive bladder, the urge to urinate may occur frequently and may be so strong that the urge cannot be ignored. Overactive bladder symptoms may be due to nerve damage, as discussed above, or may be caused by an unknown factor.

Infection – A bladder or kidney infection can cause symptoms of urge incontinence in men. This condition is generally very treatable with appropriate antibiotics, but may be overlooked as a simple cause of the problem.

Obesity – Being overweight can put increased pressure on the bladder, and may worsen symptoms of urge incontinence in men.

Constipation – Being constipated can also cause urge incontinence. Stool that impacts in the lower intestine may place extra pressure on the bladder and urethra, causing the sensation of urgency.

Urge incontinence in men should always be addressed by a physician. Although it may be embarrassing to admit this problem to your doctor, discussing the issue may lead to a cure. However, if the problem cannot be entirely resolved, your doctor may be able to improve symptoms so that they are less bothersome.

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Looking at Urinary Incontinence in General Terms

Monday, July 5th, 2010

There are three main types of urinary incontinence, and they focus on the actual cause of the urine leakage. In elderly folks urge incontinence is probably one of the most prevalent types of incontinence that can be found. It manifests itself as an immediate urge to urinate followed by a violent spasm of the bladder and incontinence. This episode of incontinence can vary from very light to heavy. In younger folks stress incontinence is the most common type of incontinence, which is caused when sudden pressure is placed on the bladder causing urine leakage. This sudden pressure is usually caused by something like a sneeze, laugh or cough, and it can even be caused when exerting the stomach muscles as in the case of lifting a heavy object. The third main type of incontinence is overflow incontinence, and it happens when the bladder does not empty all of the way, or when there is an obstruction in the urethra. This type of incontinence occurs when the bladder never fully empties, so it frequently overfills, leaks and causes incontinence. As you can imagine, it is important to have a doctor diagnose the type of incontinence that you have so the two of you can outline a course of treatment to cure or at least manage your incontinence condition.

There are four basic categories that all incontinence treatments fall into which are, behavior modification, physical therapy, medicine and surgery. Your doctor can ascertain which type of therapy best suits your individual incontinence problem. Generally you will begin with the least invasive treatment option for your incontinence problem and move through to the more invasive solutions as you are looking for relief from your incontinence problem. It is important to have an expert, medical opinion as you make these treatment decisions.

Very likely your doctor will decide to begin treatment with the most basic solution for treating your incontinence symptoms. He may very well have you keep a bladder diary to help determine any pattern of your incontinence. Oftentimes if you can see the pattern of your incontinence, you can make a few behavior adjustments and your incontinence symptoms will subside. At this point if your symptoms persist then physical therapy may also be warranted. Exercising the pelvic floor muscles is much like working out any muscle in your body, and by properly exercising you can make it stronger and help to regain its function, which can directly translate into minimizing your incidence of incontinence. Both of these solutions for incontinence have no bad side effects, so there is absolutely no harm in employing them as you are trying to resolve your incontinence problems.

However, if your incontinence symptoms persist, your doctor may prescribe medication for your problem. Depending on the underlying cause of your incontinence there are several different types of medication that you may benefit from. There are medications to quiet muscle spasms, which would help to correct urge incontinence. There are medications to reduce the volume of urine that your body makes, which would help to correct overflow incontinence. There are medications that rid the body of infection. While medication will help with some types of incontinence, like urge and overflow incontinence, there are other types of incontinence where medication is largely ineffective, like stress incontinence.

There are times when incontinence is caused by an injury where something is physically broken, and in this type of case surgery may very well be the best option for treatment. It is important to remember though, that both medication and surgery can have unexpected side effects, so consider treatment with your physician carefully. Whether it is urge, stress or overflow incontinence that you are dealing with, there is a treatment solution out there for you, so work closely with your physician to find what works best for your incontinence symptoms.

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Keeping Incontinence in Check

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Making frequent trips to the lavatory to avoid and episode of incontinence can be quite frustrating, and it can get to be pretty tiring as well, especially if the trips are during the night. One of the problems with frequent urination is that it may discourage a person from drinking enough fluid, which can lead to dehydration. Of course staying properly hydrated is important, but so is staying dry, and especially in an elderly person whose mobility is limited, the need for frequent urination can end up resulting in light incontinence.

To help frequent urination from ending devolving into incontinence, there are some things that you can do to reduce the frequency of symptoms. Caffeine and alcohol are among the many foods that irritate the bladder, leading to incontinence. Both of these drinks are also diuretics, which cause the body to slough off liquids. If you are taking any medications for high blood pressure, they are normally diuretics also, which can exacerbate the frequent urination symptoms, again leading to incontinence.

There are also a number of diseases that can manifest themselves as frequent urination leading to incontinence, so this is another reason that it is important to discuss any incontinence problem with your doctor. Diabetes and kidney disease are two common causes, and even more common is a urinary tract infection. In men frequent urination is frequently the harbinger of an enlarged prostate gland, which generally leads way to light adult incontinence.

If there is any pain or discomfort connected with your frequent trips to the bathroom, then you should seek medical advice immediately. However, for the elderly, especially as mobility becomes an issue, frequent urination can be just the start a pattern of incontinence. If you are not suffering from an infection or disease, then there are several things that you can do to address the problem of incontinence. First of all you can limit your liquid intake, while ensuring that you are still consuming enough fluids to stay healthy. Next, you can try increasing the holding capacity of your bladder by gradually extending the time in between trips to the bathroom. Try stretching the time by about fifteen minutes and increase the duration every week.

If you do have to take a medication that works as a diuretic, discuss with your doctor the option of taking it during the early portion of the day. That way you will not be awakened every hour throughout the night needing to go to the bathroom, or risk an incontinence episode like bedwetting. By taking your medication early in the day, you may be able to sleep peacefully throughout the night without any worries of incontinence.

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