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Archive for September, 2010

Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Urinary incontinence is a common problem. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for those who suffer from bladder weakness, including home remedies, medications and surgery as a last resort. Urinary incontinence treatment options have come a long way!

Self-help remedies are often all that is needed to improve or cure urinary incontinence. Self-help remedies may be suggested by your physician. Self-help remedies for urinary incontinence treatment are safe and often effective. They may include the following:
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which may irritate the bladder and also act as mild diuretics

Avoiding foods that may irritate the bladder, such as citrus fruits and juices

Decreasing fluids consumed before bed, which may decrease the likelihood of nighttime incontinence

Quitting smoking (coughing may worsen stress incontinence)

Losing weight, which decreases the amount of stress on the bladder

Bladder retraining, in which the time between voids is gradually increased

Kegel exercises, which help to strengthen pelvic floor muscles

Medications for urinary incontinence treatment may include antibiotics if infection is present and is contributing to incontinence symptoms. Medications that decrease bladder spasms may also be prescribed for urge incontinence. For men, medications that decrease swelling of the prostate or prevent further swelling are often prescribed. Although there are many medications that may be tried, they are not without side effects, such as dry mouth, drowsiness and constipation, therefore self-help remedies are often tried first.

Surgery may be performed as a last resort when self-help remedies and medications fail or when incontinence is severe and adversely affects quality of life. Before considering surgery as a urinary incontinence treatment option, possible complications should be discussed, as well as success rates. No surgery is without risk, and individuals should be fully informed before considering surgery.
Urinary incontinence treatment options should be tailored to the individual suffering from incontinence and may also be dependent upon the type of incontinence that is present (urge, stress, overflow or a combination of these). For this reason, it is a good idea to visit your physician so that the type of incontinence can be determined and the most effective urinary incontinence help can be prescribed.

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A Charming Solution for a Not So Charming Adult Incontinence Problem

Monday, September 27th, 2010

A new incontinence aid is being developed with the hopes of allowing people who are suffering from adult incontinence to live more confidently. The device is a detector that looks just like a little, plastic charm, and it can be attached to a key chain, a watch or a wallet. It works by alerting the wearer to an episode of urinary incontinence. The plastic changes colour when an incontinence problem occurs.

One of the main things that people with adult incontinence worry about is public embarrassment, and this device can help an incontinence sufferer do something about their problem before anyone else notices it. With the worry of urine leakage and tell tale odour removed, a person suffering from incontinence can get back to living a normal life.

These devices will be most valuable to older people giving them the confidence of knowing that if they do have a continence problem, they will be the first to know so that they can do something about before it turns into an embarrassment. The device is being tested at The Bristol Urological Institute, which is a registered charity set up to support urological research. While the institute delves into urological cancers, they are also striving to improve the plight of people, most especially the disabled and the elderly, trying to find ways to live with incontinence. Not only does the institute research the problem looking for new products and practices to help manage incontinence, but they also push healthcare professionals to learn more about adult incontinence by developing continuing education training programs for them.

With millions of people in the the population ageing, incontinence is a problem that is not going away any time soon, so finding ways to manage it is essential. Devices like the little, plastic charm, being tested at The Bristol Urological Institute and continuing education for healthcare practitioners regarding the management of incontinence is more important now than ever. New materials and incontinence products are constantly being developed and tested, and by training medical personnel to proactively offer help and information to their patients when incontinence may be an issue allows those people who are afflicted with incontinence to have the tools necessary to properly deal with their adult incontinence situation quite successfully.

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Healthcare Professionals Falling Short Dealing with Adult Incontinence

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

When it comes to adult incontinence, one in five adults in the UK suffers from it. Between both types of incontinence, faecal and urinary, that statistic translates into literally millions of people who are dealing with this problem. As it turns out, the treatment of incontinence is still more of a problem than healthcare providers would like to see, and because it is frequently not treated correctly it can actually degrade a person’s health.

A recent audit of about 20,000 adults suffering from incontinence highlights some disturbing facts regarding how well the healthcare industry is addressing this issue with its patients. Citing organisation issues and deficient training as real problems among healthcare providers, the audit finds that while people in every age group are affected by this gap in care, elderly people are most especially affected.

Because of poor organisation and training, healthcare providers are not proactive enough when dealing with elderly patients who may be embarrassed to broach the subject of incontinence themselves. Since many of these patients are too humiliated to bring up their issues with incontinence, many elderly people continue to suffer from a condition that is treatable and is often curable.

With over a million and a half of adults over the age of 65 negotiating their way around some sort of incontinence issue, healthcare professionals typically do not consider continence a priority when providing service to their patients. Since a much larger percentage of older people are adversely affected by some sort of incontinence, this silent suffering is disproportionately shared among the elderly.

Identifying the problem is the first step towards finding a solution for it, and now that the gap in services for incontinence sufferers has been brought to light, healthcare providers can take steps to upgrade patient care. By improving the organisation of incontinence support services and providing the proper training for caregivers to be more proactive in identifying and treating incontinence, especially among the elderly many elderly adults will be able to get the help that they need to successfully deal with the challenges of adult incontinence.

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Bladder Weakness and Intimacy

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Bladder weakness alone can be an embarrassing topic to discuss. If you add intimacy to the mix, the combination can be a very difficult subject to broach. Many people are not comfortable speaking about either matter, a fact that can lead to stress or unhappiness for partners in a relationship when one person suffers from incontinence.
The person who is suffering with incontinence may suffer from depression and low self-esteem or may be worried that their partner no longer finds them attractive. They may be embarrassed about their condition and may worry that they may have an episode of bladder weakness during an intimate moment.

The partner of the person suffering from bladder weakness may be confused by a partner who no longer seems to desire intimacy. If their partner is withdrawn or depressed, they may feel hurt or angry when their partner spurns their efforts at intimacy.

Both partners are affected by bladder weakness in different ways. Communication is crucial to all relationships, and being able to speak openly and honestly about fears, needs, and feelings is important to both partners in a relationship. Communication can go a long way to resolving issues having to do with intimacy and may provide each partner with a better understanding of how the other person is feeling.

Suffering from bladder weakness does not mean an end to intimacy. In fact, both partners may gain strength from coping with the issue together and the relationship may be stronger for it. If you suffer from bladder weakness and are wondering how bladder weakness will affect intimacy, or if you are looking for tips on how to make being intimate more comfortable for both partners, consider speaking to a healthcare professional, who will be able to offer guidance in this area. There is no need to feel embarrassed, and healthcare professionals are a wealth of practical knowledge as they counsel many people who are coping with the same issues. They can also recommend where to find incontinence products to help make the situation easier to manage.

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Not So Sweet when You Need Urinary Incontinence Pads

Monday, September 20th, 2010

When you find yourself needing to use urinary incontinence pads, you might want to think about what you are eating and drinking. Many types of incontinence are exacerbated by what you eat and drink on a daily basis. Most commonly spicy foods are blamed for irritating the bladder, along with caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea, which are well documented diuretics. However, another ingredient that aggravates a lot of incontinence problems does not get the recognition that it deserves, and this ingredient is aspartame, an artificial sweetener.

This sweetener is marketed under many different brand names, including Equal, Nutrasweet, and Spoonful. There have been many reports of people having adverse reactions to this ingredient, yet it is still widely used in many products to cut their sugar and calorie content.

While irritating the bladder lining is certainly enough of a reason to suspend the use of aspartame in anyone’s diet, it has also been linked to seizures, convulsions, dizziness, migraines, tremors, memory loss, slurring of speech, chronic fatigue, depression, panic attacks, asthma, hypertension, and impotency, just to name a sampling of symptoms attributed to aspartame toxicity. This toxicity can mimic many serious diseases like arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimers, and depression just to name a few. The most worrisome part about this problem is that aspartame is found in many different foods, which span from instant breakfasts, to diet drinks, to breath mints, to yogurt. Always read product labels and stay away from using products that contain aspartame if you are experiencing problems with incontinence.

While many people are able to eat and drink products that contain aspartame with no apparent, adverse side effects, it is certainly worth cutting this ingredient form your diet if it means the difference between using urinary incontinence pads and being continent. So, at the first signs of incontinence, assess what you are eating and drinking, and make some minor adjustments cutting aspartame from your diet. You may be happily surprised by the results. However, if the problem persists, it is always a good idea to have a medical professional evaluate the situation to help pinpoint the cause, and there are many helpful incontinence products from which to choose while managing the symptoms of urinary incontinence.

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How to Choose an Incontinence Brief

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Choosing the right incontinence brief to suit your needs can be difficult. There are many styles, levels of absorbency and materials to from which to choose, which can make the right selection difficult. Here is how to choose an incontinence brief that will allow you to accomplish all that you want to in your life without feeling burdened by incontinence.

In choosing an absorbency, you will want to ask yourself what your requirements are. Do you suffer from mild bladder incontinence with only the occasional leakage problem, or do you leak constantly and heavily? Answering this question will help to steer you towards the right absorbency incontinence brief.

Style is also important and can help you to focus less on your bladder weakness. These days, incontinence briefs are designed to look like normal underwear, so that no one except you need know that you have an incontinence problem. For women, choices include PVC incontinence briefs, polyester-cotton blends that resemble normal underwear and others. Men can choose between incontinence briefs that resemble normal men’s underwear or boxer-style briefs.

One of the most important decisions you will need to make concerns whether you wish to use disposable or washable incontinence briefs. Disposable pants offer convenience as they can be discarded when soiled, but they may be more expensive. A washable incontinence brief may be washed and used multiple times, saving money.
It may sound complicated, but deciding on an incontinence brief does not have to be difficult. If you require assistance choosing an incontinence brief, you may wish to call DryForLife’s free advice line for help. DryForLife’s courteous and friendly staff members will be happy to assist you in finding the right incontinence products to suit your lifestyle.

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Just Can’t Wait – All About Urge Incontinence

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Do you have sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate? Do you sometimes have difficulty making it to the toilet on time? If so, you may be suffering from urge incontinence, a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide.

Urge incontinence occurs when an individual leaks urine following a strong urge to urinate. The urge cannot be ignored; often, urine leakage occurs despite rushing to a washroom. Urge incontinence is caused by a spasm of the bladder, which occurs even when the bladder is not full. Urge incontinence may occur during the day or night.

Several conditions may cause urge incontinence, such as:
Bladder infection
Bladder stones
Bladder cancer
Neurological conditions (i.e. Multiple Sclerosis)
Spinal cord injury
Stroke
Inflammation of the bladder
Bladder outlet obstruction (i.e. from an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH)

There are several treatments for urge incontinence. Medications are often prescribed to decrease spasms of the bladder and reduce the urgent need to void. Although these medications may help, they may also cause unpleasant side effects such as blurred vision, constipation and dry mouth.

Self-help remedies may be tried before medications. Bladder retraining may be helpful. This technique involves gradually increasing the time between voids, even if leakage occurs. Begin with 1 to 1 ½ hours and try to gradually increase the time between trips to the washroom, until you can comfortably hold your urine for at least 3 to 4 hours.

Kegel exercises are sometimes prescribed to strengthen the muscles controlling urination. Kegels take some time and practice to perfect, but many patients suffering from urge incontinence find these exercises helpful. Your healthcare practitioner can help you learn how to perform these exercises.

Avoiding foods that are known bladder irritants may also help if you suffer from urge incontinence. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, citric fruits and juices, spicy foods and carbonated beverages. However, you should not decrease fluid intake overly, as many people with incontinence are tempted to do, as dehydration may add to the sense of urgency that you experience.

If you suffer from urge incontinence, you should be evaluated for the conditions listed above. A thorough physical exam will rule out many of these conditions. Expect to undergo an examination of your genitals and abdomen, as well as to answer a lot of questions regarding your symptoms. Together, you and your physician may be able to discover the cause of your urge incontinence and will be able to devise a plan of treatment.

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What is Double Incontinence?

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

As if suffering from one kind of incontinence were not enough, some people suffer from both urinary and faecal incontinence. When a person suffers from both types of incontinence, they are said to have double incontinence. Double incontinence may affect both women and men and is less common than suffering from one type or the other.

Studies have shown that quality of life for people who suffer from double incontinence is more greatly impaired than in those who suffer from urinary incontinence alone. This may be due to the fact that there is a social stigma attached to faecal incontinence, and faecal incontinence brings more feelings of embarrassment and shame. People who suffer from double incontinence may isolate themselves more due to embarrassment over their condition. Double incontinence is not limited to men or women but occurs with almost equal prevalence amongst both sexes, according to studies.

It is important for people who suffer from double incontinence to speak to their physician about the problem. Faecal incontinence is thought to be underreported in comparison to urinary incontinence, and double incontinence even more so. However, without sufferers acknowledging to their physician that a problem exists, nothing can be done to address their problem. The physician may be able to help determine the cause and explain different treatment options that may be available. Having an understanding of the cause of double incontinence is important in determining the best treatment available. A physician will likely take a thorough history and performing a physical exam. Tests may be ordered to pinpoint where the problem lies. Treatment options may range from self-help remedies to medications to surgery, but until the individual seeks help, the physician will be unable to offer any assistance.

For anyone suffering from double incontinence, it is important to seek help. There are many treatment options available, which can help to improve the quality of life. There are also many incontinence products available on the market today, which can really help to manage the many challenges of dealing with incontinence.

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The Advantages of PVC Incontinence Pants

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Confused about the many varieties and styles of incontinence pants available on the market today? If so, you’re not the only one! While it is wonderful that there are so many incontinence products to choose from, finding the right style of incontinence pants to suit your needs and lifestyle can be hit-or-miss. Let’s look at a popular style of pants called PVC incontinence pants.

PVC incontinence pants are made from a material that is like a soft plastic. However, don’t let the word ‘plastic’ scare you. These incontinence pants are lightweight and have an elasticized waist and legs for a secure fit. They are soft and extremely comfortable to wear and are discreet under almost any type of clothing. They are designed to be worn with an incontinence pad for extra protection. They are easily donned and removed. The advantage of PVC incontinence pants is that they are waterproof, offering supreme protection, whether they are worn during the day, at night time or during long trips when access to a washroom may be limited. Bands in the most strategic area hold pads securely in place, preventing them from sliding or causing discomfort. Best of all, these pants are washable, saving you money.

Virtually any pad can be worn with PVC incontinence pants. Pads are chosen according to absorbency needs and can be easily placed and secured to prevent shifting. The combination of an absorbent incontinence pad and PVC incontinence pants means that you will never have to worry about embarrassing urinary leakage. If the pants become damp, they can be easily washed. Many people choose PVC incontinence pants, because they love the extra sense of security that these incontinence pants provide.

PVC incontinence pants can be ordered online conveniently at DryForLife. If you are unsure about sizing or ordering, our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in finding pants that are the right size and fit. Best of all, your DryForLife PVC incontinence pants can be delivered right to your door discreetly.

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Incontinence Pants for Men Offer Style and Comfort

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Although incontinence affects women more often than men, there are a significant number of men suffering from urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence in men is often due to prostate problems that occur with aging. As the world’s population ages, more and more men will be living with incontinence. Recognizing this fact, the incontinence market has expanded to meet this growing need, designing incontinence pants for men that are both comfortable and stylish.

DryForLife understands that many men do not want to wear generic, one-size-fits-all incontinence pants. They want incontinence pants for men that offer all the qualities of regular underwear, plus the absorbency needed to live well with incontinence.

DryForLife complete pants for men are made of a soft polyester material, featuring a fly front opening, and it looks and feels like regular underwear. These incontinence pants for men have a built in absorbent pad and the pants are completely washable, which saves money over the long term. They are suitable for light incontinence.

Many men prefer boxers; therefore, DryForLife has designed a product just for them. Boxer short pants for men are made of a comfortable lycra and cotton blend. They have a built in pad that is absorbent and the pants can be machine washed.

When choosing incontinence pants for men, you should consider several factors, such as lifestyle, degree of incontinence, affordability and style. Many men are active and will want to wear incontinence pants that are comfortable and move well with them, while being discreet under their clothing. They will also want to choose incontinence pants that are absorbent enough for their needs to prevent accidental leakage. Some men may consider cost when choosing a product. Style is also important and can mean the difference between accepting incontinence and feeling embarrassed or ashamed.

DryForLife understands that incontinence can be a burden and has designed their product line to make incontinence easier to cope with. Their male incontinence pants are stylish, affordable and absorbent.

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