Incontinence products from Keys DryForLife range - Call for discreet advice on incontinence management

Posts Tagged ‘Bladder Weakness’

« Older Entries

Vinyl Incontinence Pants – Don’t Let These Words Scare You!

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

The term “vinyl incontinence pants” does not sound at all appealing, yet incontinence pants made of vinyl are much more comfortable than the name would suggest. Vinyl incontinence pants can be just what the doctor ordered to help you cope comfortably and securely with bladder weakness.

If you are dealing with bladder incontinence on a regular basis, you will want to find products that can let you go about your usual routine without fear of embarrassing leakage. Vinyl incontinence pants can give you the security you need at a price that will not hurt your pocketbook.

Vinyl incontinence pants are designed to be used with incontinence pads, which allows for added protection. They are waterproof and feature elastized legs and waist. They are simple to wash and can be reused, helping you save money. They are comfortable to wear, soft and durable. Due to the fact that they are waterproof, they offer ideal protection during the night, during long trips and any other time you want to be sure that your protection will last. Vinyl incontinence pants may be worn discreetly under almost any type of clothing.

DryForLife offers the highest quality in vinyl incontinence pants that you are sure to feel comfortable wearing. DryForLife understands that the primary needs of people who are incontinent are products that are comfortable, discreet, and trustworthy, not to mention cost-effective. That is why DryForLife PVC incontinence pants, made of a light and breathable vinyl are a popular item in DryForLife’s collection of incontinence products. Need assistance finding the right product to suit your incontinence needs? No problem! Simply check online to see the extensive collection of DryForLife incontinence products, or call the free help phone to ask for advice at 0800 180 4325. Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to answer any questions to assist you in finding a product that will allow you to live your life to the fullest!

Additional Articles Dealing with Incontinence Pants

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Incontinence Pants | Comments Off

Bladder Weakness Products

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

If you suffer from bladder weakness, as millions of people around the world do, there are several products that you may find helpful. Bladder weakness is the involuntaryurinary leakage that may occur for a wide variety of reasons. You will want to visit your doctor to find out why you may be suffering bladder weakness; in the meantime, you may find the following bladder weakness products useful.

Incontinence Pads – Many people with bladder weakness like to use incontinence pads. Much like sanitary napkins, except incontinence pads are more absorbent. They are also small and discreet and can be tucked away into a purse easily and conveniently. Incontinence pads come in different absorbencies ranging from mild to heavy and combat any degree of incontinence.

Incontinence Pants – Incontinence pants are often used for incontinence that is heavier in nature. Incontinence pants may be used alone or in conjunction with incontinence pads. They are often designed to look like normal underwear and are constructed of comfortable material that feels soft and natural. Some are washable, so that they can be thrown in the washing machine; and some are disposable, so that they can simply be thrown out after being used.

Mattress Pads and Covers – If you suffer from bladder weakness, mattress covers and pads will protect your mattress from becoming soiled. Again, some mattress pads are disposable while others are washabl. Regardless of which type you choose, mattress pads and covers are bladder weakness products that can save you a lot of money down the road by preventing you from having to purchase a new mattress.

Bladder weakness is a common condition, which requires some investigation to discover the cause. It is important not to ignore bladder weakness as it may be the sign of a more serious health condition. If you require bladder weakness products, you will want to choose the right incontinence products to suit your needs. If you are unsure of what product will best suit you, visit DryForLife to view our full line of incontinence products.

Additional Articles Dealing with Bladder Weakness

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bladder Weakness | Comments Off

Bladder Weakness in Men Affects Millions

Monday, October 4th, 2010

Bladder weakness affects millions of men around the world. Many people assume that bladder weakness in men is a normal consequence of aging; however, bladder weakness is never normal and should not be thought of as an aging issue.

Often the cause of bladder weakness in men is a problem of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized organ that contributes fluid to sperm. As men age the prostate often grows, putting pressure on the urethra. The prostate surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder, so it stands to reason that any swelling in this area will affect the bladder and urination. Swelling of the prostate does not always signify cancer; in fact, swelling of the prostate is usually benign and is referred to as benign prostatic hypertrophy. This condition commonly affects men beginning in the 40s, although symptoms of bladder weakness in men may not show up until decades later.

Symptoms of bladder weakness in men may include occasional dribbling of urine, difficulty in urinating, difficulty in starting their stream, or an inability to fully empty their bladder. These symptoms may begin gradually and worsen over time. Men who experience bladder weakness should notify their physician immediately, when problems begin, rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.

Treatment for bladder weakness in men may include limiting fluid intake, avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, bladder training, weight loss and smoking cessation. All of these self-help remedies can help ease the symptoms of bladder weakness in men and, in some cases, will cure the problem.

When self-help remedies fail, medications may be needed. Medications may help to shrink the prostate or prevent further swelling, or may be used to inhibit the bladder spasms that may cause urinary leakage. These medications may be helpful for some, but also carry some risk of side effects, such as dry mouth, drowsiness and constipation.

Surgery is usually done as a last resort when other measures have failed. Surgical procedures should be carefully researched and possible complications discussed. Men who suffer from bladder weakness should be aware of all of their options in regards to treatment and should make their decision based on all of the available facts. Although bladder weakness in men is a common problem, it should be not be assumed to be “normal”.

Additional Articles Dealing with Men’s Health

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Mens Health | Comments Off

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.

Additional Articles Dealing with Bladder Weakness

Tags: ,
Posted in Bladder Weakness | Comments Off

5 Ways to Help Limit Bladder Weakness in Men

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

If you are a man, you may find that as you age you begin having problems with urinary incontinence, and while this condition certainly becomes more common as the years pass, it should never be considered a normal side effect of ageing. Of course muscles weaken with age, and your bladder and pelvic muscles are no exception. So whether you are just starting to deal with urinary incontinence, or if you have been managing it for a while, here are five things that you can do to stack the continence deck in your favor and limit the effects of bladder weakness in men.

1.Drink Plenty of Liquids
As your bladder muscles begin to weaken it is tempting to cut back the amount of liquids that you consume. Unfortunately while this idea may make sense on paper, it will not work in practice, and here is why. As you drink less water, your urine becomes more concentrated, and this concentrated urine further aggravates the bladder increasing the likelihood of adult incontinence. However, you do not want to drink too much water either, because this will increase the amount of urine that your body makes, which also increases the chances of incontinence. So the best rule of thumb is to drink in response to your natural thirst signals.

2.Stay Away from Party Drinks
There are certain foods and drinks that can aggravate the bladder, and it is a good idea to stay away from them if you are noticing a weakening in your bladder. Carbonated drinks, alcoholic drinks and caffeinated drinks all act as diuretics, which make you go the the bathroom even more. So if your bladder is already weakening, you will simply overtax your system by eating and drinking things that irritate your bladder.

3.Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight is a sure way to make everything a little harder on your body, so if your bladder is already weak, eating too much and drinking too much is just making your bladder work that much harder. If you are noticing some symptoms of urinary incontinence, this may be the perfect time to start eating a little healthier.

4.Stop Smoking
If you smoke, stop. Of course this is easier said than done, but if you are suffering from urinary incontinence, the effort will be well worth it. While smoking itself is bad for many other systems in your body it does not directly affect your bladder. The cough that comes along with smoking, however, puts undue pressure on your bladder and can contribute to urinary incontinence.

5.Exercise
As you age and your muscles weaken, your pelvic floor muscles are no exception, and just like the rest of your muscles you can keep them in shape by exercising them. Up to three quarters of mild to moderate cases of incontinence can be dramatically improved and even cured by doing pelvic floor muscle exercises. You will have to be patient for the these exercises to pay off, because the results of your hard work will probably not be realized for three to six months. However, all of the hard work is certainly worth it when you regain full bladder control. Regardless of how old you are or how weak your muscles are, you can improve your condition by regularly exercising these muscles to keep them functioning properly.

Bladder weakness in men is more common as you age, and you can find incontinence products that will go a long way towards making managing your problem much easier. At DryForLife we have been helping people find just the right products for their lifestyles, and we are always happy to help. You can order online and have your purchase delivered directly to your front door, quickly, conveniently and discreetly.

Further Bladder Weakness in Men Articles

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bladder Weakness in Men | Comments Off

Bladder Weakness in Women is not Necessarily a Permanent Condition

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

All too often bladder weakness in women is seen as an inevitable part of ageing. It is also considered just plain embarrassing, which causes far too many women to never bother seeking help for their symptoms. This embarrassment is unfortunate, because four out of five incontinence cases can be completely cured.

While age, childbirth and menopause are factors that increase the risk of urinary incontinence in women, these factors do not guarantee that a woman will suffer from bladder weakness. Urinary incontinence occurs in women when they cannot control their bladder, and any number of things can cause this condition. For women, pregnancy and childbirth are two of the biggest threats to continence, and other factors like surgery, infection, genetics or injury can also cause the problem.

You cannot dictate whether or not damage occurs to your pelvic floor muscles when circumstances are out of your control such as in the case of injury, genetics, surgery or childbirth. However, there are some things that you can do to stack the deck in your favor when it comes to staving off bladder weakness as you age.

If you are overweight, you are putting additional pressure on the muscles of the pelvic floor, which eventually leads to bladder weakness. So, one of the best ways to let nature work in your favor is to give it a helping hand. By eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and exercising your pelvic floor muscles regularly, you are giving yourself a fighting chance of maintaining bladder health.

Kegel exercises, which you practice when you are preparing for childbirth, are a great way to maintain strength in your pelvic floor muscles. You are exercising the same muscles that you use to stop the flow of urine mid stream, and by keeping these muscles in good shape, you are keeping the muscles that support your internal organs strong. Keeping these muscles fit not only helps your urinary health, but it helps properly support all of your internal organs.

So while bladder weakness in women may occur at some point in their lives, most of the time, with proper treatment and care, it is only a temporary condition. And as you are working to find a solution for your bladder weakness problem, there are a variety of incontinence products available, which come in many different sizes and absorbencies. Some companies, like DryForLife, even deliver them discreetly right to your front door.

Further Bladder Weakness Articles

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bladder Weakness in Women | Comments Off

Bladder Weakness in Women More Common than you Think

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

There are many embarrassing moments caused by bladder weakness in women, and bladder incontinence is still an untouched subject. Because of the hush-hush nature of bladder incontinence, there is a lot of incorrect information floating around on the subject.

In the UK by the age of thirty-five one quarter of all women have experienced some sort of bladder weakness symptoms. Only about half of the talk to their doctors about their problem, while the rest suffer in silence. The average time that a woman waits before getting some sort of help is about fifteen years.

Bladder weakness in women can occur for many different reasons with pregnancy and childbirth right at the top of the list. Obesity, constipation and nerve damage can also cause the problem, and menopause can be a culprit as well. Frequently women who suffer from bladder weakness may withdraw from life a little passing up on traveling, exercising and even sex.

There are three types of bladder weakness in women, and they are as follows:

Stress incontinence, or unexpected leakage, can happen anytime undue pressure is exerted on the bladder, which can happen from coughing, laughing, exercise, sneezing or picking up something heavy.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not empty all the way, which causes urine to continually build up and dribble out as if the bladder is overflowing.

Urge incontinence presents itself with a sudden strong urge to pass urine. With urge incontinence the bladder tries to empty itself despite a woman’s attempt to restrain the flow.

One of the conditions that all three of these problems frequently share making an environment ripe for incontinence is weak pelvic floor muscles. One of the functions of these muscles is to keep the urethra closed. As they become less elastic over time the slightest amount of undue pressure like laughing or coughing can be enough to cause leakage. There is good news though. Just because these muscles are weak now, does not mean that they have to be weak forever.

There are exercises that a woman can do to help restore the vibrancy of her pelvic floor muscles, and they are called Kegel exercises. Any woman who has had a baby has heard of them, and if you have not had a baby, and you are suffering from incontinence, see your medical professional, because they can instruct you about the proper way to do your Kegel exercises.

In a nutshell, these exercises work on the same muscles that you would engage to stop the flow of urine midstream, so this can give you an idea of which muscles you would be conditioning. While it takes a while for a woman to realize the results of her pelvic floor exercises, up to six months, if she is diligent and patient she is almost guaranteed to see an improvement in her bladder weakness condition.

If you suffer from bladder weakness in women, as you are working to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, incontinence pads can free you from the worry of having accidental leakage in public. They come in many different sizes and absorbencies to deal with any problem from mild to severe and protect skin, clothing and furniture. DryForLife supplies incontinence pads, which may be ordered online and delivered discreetly right to your front door.

Further Bladder Weakness in Women Articles

 
 
 

 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bladder Weakness in Women | 1 Comment »

Bladder Problems in Men

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

A study conducted earlier this year was designed to research an important issue with bladder problems and men’s health. The study was conducted by a team at San Diego Medical Center in California. Along with the medical advances in the last decade men’s overall health care has improved, which is offering men increased longevity. Along with this longer life span, however, come problems, some of which have surprising side effects.

The San Diego Medical Center study measured whether elderly men with severe bladder problems have a higher risk of suffering a debilitating fall. The team studied over five thousand men over the age of 65. Of these men between five and ten percent of them had severe bladder problems. Interestingly, throughout the term of the study about a quarter of the men reported falling at least one time, and over a tenth of the men reported falling two or more times.

What the research team found is that mild bladder weakness did not significantly increase the numbers of falls that an elderly man experienced. However, when men suffered from more serious bladder problems, they were much more likely to experience a fall. The type of incontinence symptoms most commonly associated with the increased umber of falls is urgency problems.

It is in rushing to the bathroom that the increased danger of falling occurs as well as in frequent trips to the bathroom at night, in the dark. The sudden dash for the toilet has caused its fair share of injuries. Another problem that adds to the number of falls is that men who have trouble relieving themselves may try using the Valsalva maneuver. This maneuver is when a person exhales forcefully without letting of the air out, and it can cause fainting.

Frequent bathroom trips at night may leave an elderly man sleep deprived, so if they do not trip over something on the way to the bathroom at night in the dark, they still stand the risk of loosing coordination and concentration as they become more tired. Since falls can be so serious and injuries can be devastating in elderly men, bladder problems in this segment should be taken very seriously.

If you are suffering from incontinence you always want to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. And as you are working through the solution to your problem, incontinence pads can free you from the worry of having accidental leakage in public, and they may even reduce the risk of injury by eliminating the mad dash to the restroom. Incontinence comes in many different sizes and absorbencies to deal with any problem from mild to severe. They protect clothing and furniture, and they offer protection from skin irritation. DryForLife supplies incontinence pads, which may be ordered online and delivered discreetly right to your front door.

Further Men’s Health Articles

Tags: ,
Posted in Mens Health | 1 Comment »

Dietary Restrictions Can Improve Bladder Weakness

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

Incontinence can be a devastating condition, affecting young and old, women and men. When it is first experienced, it can come as a shock. Although your first instinct may be to panic, don’t! Many cases of incontinence can be controlled with a combination of self-help measures. One simple and painless remedy is to keep a log of any episodes of incontinence, then seek a causative agent. Does incontinence occur when you drink or eat something specific? Cutting these culprits out of your diet may be all that is needed to restore continence. What are some of the known contributors to bladder weakness? The following is a short list of foods that may cause or aggravate bladder weakness:

  • Alcohol- alcohol is a common culprit. This may due to a diuretic effect, or it may be due to the fact that alcohol may decrease your sensation of needing to urinate. Carbonated spirits may be worse than non-carbonated ones.
  • Caffeine- caffeine also acts as a diuretic, as many coffee drinkers will attest to. Drinking caffeinated beverages may increase the number of trips to the washroom you need to take, as well as increasing urgency. Switching to decaf may improve bladder weakness symptoms.
  • Spicy foods- spices can irritate the bladder, causing symptoms of urgency and frequency. If spicy foods seem to make your problem worse, try eliminating them for awhile and see what happens.
  • Citrus fruits- acidic foods, such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits and others can also be irritating to the bladder.
  • Artificial sweeteners- aspartame and other artificial sweeteners can be irritating for some people.

Not everyone with bladder weakness will respond to diet changes, but it is a reasonable first step for anyone who develops this common problem. Different foods affect people in different ways, so it is likely that you will have to experiment a little. Keeping a diary of foods eaten and bladder weakness symptoms can be illuminating, costs nothing and may be all that is needed to curb the problem.

Tags: ,
Posted in Bladder Weakness, Bladder Weakness Treatments | No Comments »

Bladder Weakness & Your Doctor’s Appointment – What to Expect

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

You have made the decision to visit your doctor to discuss your bladder weakness. You may be wondering what is in store for you during your visit. Knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect will decrease your anxiety and allow you to get the most out of your visit.

First of all, you can expect your doctor to question you extensively regarding episodes of bladder weakness, including when they occur, how often they occur, anything you have noticed that makes your bladder weakness worse or better, and when your bladder weakness started. You may also expect questions regarding the amount of fluids you consume (including caffeinated and alcoholic beverages), medications you are taking, your health history, any surgeries you have had, and whether you have any abnormal urinary symptoms such as blood in your urine.

It may be very helpful to keep a bladder (voiding) diary for at least a week before your appointment. Keeping a voiding diary will enable you to collect a lot of meaningful information to take with you to your appointment, such as when and how much you drink, and when you are most likely to experience bladder weakness. This information can help your doctor pinpoint with more accuaracy which type of incontinence you have.

In addition to asking a lot of questions, your doctor may examine you. For women, this may include a vaginal exam to check for muscle tone, as well as checking sensation of the perineum. This is done simply by asking if you can feel pressure  in the area when it is touched. For men, a prostate exam may be part of the examination, in order to determine whether the prostate is enlarged. Palpation of the abdomen may be performed to ensure that there is no abnormal enlargement of the organs.

A urinalyisis (UA) may be done to check for infection of the urinary tract. Other tests, such as an ultrasound or other specialized test, may be ordered depending on your personal circumstances, your history and your doctor’s findings. These tests may help your doctor decide on the best treatment for you.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bladder Weakness | No Comments »

« Older Entries

Disclaimer - The research, clinical material and advice provided on this website is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical treatment, nor an alternative to medical advice. Any action taken in response to the information given on this website is at the reader's own discretion. Readers should always consult their own Doctor in all health matters. Please read our Terms and conditions. Copyright ©2003-2009 DryForLife®