With an estimated 14 million people in the UK suffering with continence issues, World Continence Week drives some welcome awareness to a sensitive topic. The Urology Foundation finds that out of those who have continence issues, around 3 million people will be incontinent.
Several medical conditions can contribute to continence issues, but luckily there are solutions to help manage the condition.
Dealing with incontinence doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and Continence Week is designed to raise awareness and provide support to those who are dealing with continence issues.
Types of Incontinence
Incontinence refers to leakage from your bladder or bowels. Urinary incontinence is the most common type and can be caused by a number of things including:
- Menopause
- Hysterectomy
- Constipation
- Consuming diuretics
- Enlarged prostate
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Surgery
- UTIs
These can lead to different types of continence issues. Below are the most common.
- stress incontinence – this happens when your bladder is under pressure, extra pressure can cause urine to leak out, for example when you cough or sneeze.
- urge incontinence – when you feel an intense urge to pass urine and it leaks out at the same time or just after.
- overflow incontinence (also known as chronic urinary retention) – this can happen when the bladder can’t be emptied fully and leaks can occur.
- total incontinence – this is when your bladder can’t hold urine at all and it leaks frequently.
Incontinence aids available
Thankfully, there are plenty of incontinence aids out there, many are available at Complete Care Shop. The wonderful thing about Complete Care Shop is that they offer a range of services alongside products. These include – home living consultation service, specialist wheelchair home assessment, occupational therapist advice services, and many more!
Below are some incontinence aids on the market to help manage continence issues.
Absorbent Pads: These nifty pads offer discreet protection against leaks and come in various sizes. This means that can fit comfortably in most pairs of underwear. Different absorbency are also available.
Incontinence Underwear: You can buy incontinence pants if pads don’t seem like your thing. Stylish and functional, these underwear options resemble regular underwear while offering excellent leak protection.
Adult Nappes: This is a nappy that comes in adult sizes and offers excellent absorbency and ease of use.
Bed Pads: Ideal for nighttime, bed pads safeguard your bed from accidents, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Catheters: For individuals with urinary incontinence, catheters help drain urine and maintain comfort.
Waterproof Mattress Protectors: An essential for those with bedwetting issues, these protectors keep your mattress dry and stain-free.
Incontinence Poverty
Sadly, just like period poverty, incontinence poverty also exists. This can lead to people using inappropriate products, or even none at all. The wonderful people at Complete Care Shop want to help out.
“On average incontinence products cost individuals £1800 per year so, through their partners, CCS have secured £150k worth of incontinence products to help anyone who is living with, or caring for someone with incontinence and are struggling to pay for products.
For those who need some incontinence products (free of charge & limited to two items per household) they can call the CCS customer care team on 01772 675 048 or fill in the form via the landing page.”
Remember, finding the right incontinence aid may involve some trial and error. It’s essential to consult healthcare professionals who can guide you in choosing the most suitable options. Don’t be afraid to explore different brands and styles until you find what works best for you or your loved ones.
Lastly, it’s important to approach incontinence with understanding and empathy. It affects millions of people worldwide, and supporting each other can make a significant difference. Let’s break the silence and foster open conversations about incontinence during World Continence Week and beyond.