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What is Incontinence

Mens Underwear
Mens Underwear
What is Incontinence?

Before buying our Incontinence Products, read below to learn more about precisely what is Incontinence.

Written by Dr Kathleen Fahy, Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife

Incontinence FAQs — Got some questions?

The uncontrollable loss of urine (wee) or feces (poop).

According to the National Continence Foundation about 1:5 people has some form of incontinence; mostly urinary incontinence. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

Incontinence is common in the elderly, the very ill and the disabled or following genital surgery e.g. prostate surgery.  Women who have been pregnant may have weak pelvic floor muscles. After menopause there can be loss of thickness and elasticity of the bladder and urethra. Because of these two reasons woman are often affected by stress and/or urge incontinence, which is sometimes called Light Bladder Leakage or LBL.  Other risk factors that are implicated in incontinence include dehydration, urinary tract infection, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol and/or caffeine intake.

There are four main types of incontinence and we have the right product to assist in the management of each. 



For moderate volumes:

  • Womens incontinence briefs
  • Mens incontinence briefs
Type of Incontinence Example Conni Solutions
Functional

Physical disability, external obstacles, or problems in thinking or communicating prevents the person from reaching a toilet. Usually the bladder empties completely.

Absorbent, waterproof:

  • Bed pads
  • Chair pads
  • Floor mats

Waterproof, non-absorbent:

  • Draw Mac: mattress protector
  • Quilt protector
  • Pillow protector

Stress

(Also called ‘light bladder leakage’)

Urine leaks when the person coughs, laughs, sneezes, lifts something heavy, changes positions or plays sport. Sometimes dribbling of urine continues after going to the toilet.

For small volumes:

  • Womens incontinence undergarment liner pads
  • Mens incontinence undergarment liner pads

Urge

The person feels like they need to go to the toilet in a hurry and urine gushes before they get there. Small or large volumes of urine may be passed. When urge incontinence happens at night the person may fully wet the bed.

For small volumes:

  • Womens incontinence undergarment liner pads
  • Mens incontinence undergarment liner pads

For moderate volumes:

  • Womens incontinence briefs
  • Mens incontinence briefs

For large volumes:

  • Bed pads
  • Chair pads
  • Floor mat
  • Draw Mac mattress protector
  • Quilt protector
  • Pillow protector

Mixed

It is not uncommon for the person to have both stress and urge incontinence.

For moderate volumes:

  • Womens incontinence pants
  • Mens incontinence pants

For large volumes:

  • Bed pads
  • Chair pads

For large volumes:

  • Bed pads
  • Chair pads
  • Floor mat
  • Draw Mac mattress protector
  • Quilt protector
  • Pillow protector

The most important things for bladder and pelvic floor health and re-training are:

  1. Perform Kegal pelvic floor exercises on a daily basis. Click here for tips from the Royal Women's Hospital.
  2. Check for and treat any urinary tract infection or constipation.
  3. Ensure adequate hydration; that is 6-8 glasses of water a day.
  4. Eliminate or limit alcohol and caffeine, which irritate the bladder.
  5. Don't get into the habit of going to the toilet 'just in case'.
  6. Train yourself to delay going to the toilet so that you go only when your bladder is full.
  7. Don’t rush to the toilet: use whatever works and then wait for the urge to pass and then go calmly to the toilet.
  8. Don’t rush where you are at the toilet: take your time so that your bladder can fully empty.
  9. Women should sit to go to the toilet. Do not hover over the toilet seat.
  10. Maintain normal body weight.
  11. Don’t smoke.
  12. If you have urge incontinence your doctor may prescribe medication to relax the bladder so it is less irritable. 
  13. Conni's products for incontinence that offer discreet, comfortable protection: allowing you, or your loved one, to reclaim self-confidence and dignity.
Conni recommends that you speak with your doctor for further assistance.
You may find our range of bed pads, underwear and other incontinence products of some help. Should you wish to speak with someone further, the following links may be of help.