| Answers to Your Questions. |
Q. What's Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) And What Causes It?
A. Nearly one in five
American adults have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by
abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel function, including bloating,
gas, diarrhea and constipation.
It's
not known exactly what causes IBS. If you have IBS, the muscles that line your
intestines may contract stronger and last longer than normal, forcing food
through your intestines quicker, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Conversely, food passage slows and stools become hard and dry. Abnormalities in
your nervous system or colon may also play a role, causing you to experience
greater than normal discomfort when your abdomen stretches from gas.
For
many people, IBS causes symptoms that are mild, which do not interfere with
daily activities. For others, IBS may severely compromise their quality of
life. Finding the right incontinence product can go a long way in boosting his
or her confidence.
For
mild IBS, try pull-on underwear which will offer moderate protection in a
pull-on style, just like regular underwear. For more pronounced IBS symptoms,
adult diapers or briefs offers maximum absorbency with side barriers to protect
against leakage.
There
is also new flatulence filtering underwear to help protect against flatus which
many Crohn's sufferers’ experience. Learn more here.
Related reading:
Q. What Are The Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS)?
A. Symptoms of IBS
include abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel function, including
bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation and fecal incontinence. If you have these
symptoms and suspect you may have IBS, please speak to your doctor or medical
provider.
Related reading:
Q. What's Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) And
What Causes It?
A. Nearly one in five
American adults have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by
abdominal pain or cramping, and changes in bowel function, including bloating,
gas, diarrhea and constipation.
It's
not known exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome. If you have IBS, the
muscles that line your intestines may cause stronger and longer-lasting
contractions than normal, forcing food through your intestines quicker, causing
gas, bloating and diarrhea. Conversely, food passage slows and stools become
hard and dry. Abnormalities in your nervous system or colon may also play a
role, causing you to experience greater than normal discomfort when your
abdomen stretches from gas.
For
many people, IBS causes symptoms that are mild, which do not interfere with
daily activities. For others, IBS may severely compromise their quality of
life. Finding the right incontinence product can go a long way in boosting his
or her confidence.
There
is also new flatulence filtering underwear to help protect against flatus which
many Crohn's sufferers’ experience. Learn more here.
Related reading:
Q. Which Products Should I Use For IBS?
A. For mild IBS, try
pull-on underwear, which will offer maximum protection. For more pronounced IBS
symptoms, adult diapers or briefs offer maximum absorbency with side barriers
to protect against leakage. There is also new flatulence filtering underwear to
help protect against flatus which many Crohn's sufferers’ experience.
Related reading:
Q. What Is Urinary Incontinence?
A. Urinary incontinence
is the loss of bladder control. This means that you can't always control when
you need to urinate. The good news is, it can be managed or even eliminated
altogether. Start by getting the facts about urinary incontinence.
Related reading:
Q. How Common Is Urinary Incontinence?
A. Millions of adults in
the United States have urinary incontinence or a milder form, sometimes called
bladder weakness or overactive bladder (OAB), depending on the symptoms and
causes. If you or a loved one is affected by urinary incontinence, you should know
that you are not alone. Approximately 25 million people nationwide are
affected.
It's
most common in people over 50 years old. But it can also affect younger people,
especially women who have given birth. Both men and women can have urinary
incontinence.
Be
sure to talk to your doctor if you have this problem. If you hide your
incontinence, you risk getting rashes, sores, skin infections and urinary tract
infections. Also, you may find yourself avoiding friends and family because of
fear and embarrassment.
Related reading:
Q. What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
A. There are many causes
of urinary incontinence. Some include weak bladder muscles, an enlarged
prostate, stroke, complications from surgery, radiation treatment, or chronic
diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease. Other
diseases that affect the bladder nerves or spinal cord could also cause urinary
incontinence.
Related reading:
Q. How Does My Bladder Work?
A. Your body stores urine
in the bladder. During urination, muscles in the bladder tighten to move urine
into the urethra – a tube below the bladder. At the same time, the muscles
around the urethra relax and let the urine pass. Incontinence occurs if the urine
leaves the bladder and urethra without warming.
Related reading:
Q. What Are The Different Kinds Of
Incontinence With The Symptoms And Potential Causes?
A. Stress Incontinence
- Loss of urine when you place pressure or ‘stress' on your bladder
- Leakage when you sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise, or lift heavy items
- Causes may include: physical changes from being overweight or the removal of the prostate gland
- Stress Incontinence Treatments - Exercise and Diet
- Stress Incontinence Vs. Urge Incontinence: The Differences
Urge
Incontinence
- Sudden, intense urge to urinate – often followed by involuntary loss of urine
- Sudden or frequent emptying of bladder; getting up two or more times per night to urinate
- Causes may include: bladder or urinary tract infections, bladder irritants, stroke, `neurological diseases such as Parkinson's or Multiple Sclerosis
- The Bladder - Urge Incontinence
- Stress Incontinence Vs. Urge Incontinence: The Differences
Overflow
Incontinence
- Frequent or constant dribble of urine
- Feeling your bladder is never empty; sometimes only a weak stream of urine
- Causes may include: damaged bladder, blocked urethra, diabetes
- Overflow Incontinence - Causes Explained
Functional
Incontinence
- Inability to reach bathroom in time
- Physical or psychological impairment where you cannot reach the bathroom in time
- Causes may include: mobility limitations, pain with movement, medications, arthritis
- Want to learn more? Download a summary sheet with more symptoms and causes.
Related reading:
Q. What Health And Lifestyle Habits Can Help
Reduce The Likelihood Of Incontinence?
A. There are several
simple things you can do to help maintain bladder and urinary health,
including:
- Urinate regularly and don't delay having bowel movements.
- Monitor your fluid intake
- Drink at least six to seven 8 oz glasses of water a day to keep your bladder healthy. When you drink less water, your urine is more concentrated and may irritate the lining of the urethra and bladder.
- Pay attention to your diet
- Lot of things—including caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus fruits) and drinks, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, hot spices and carbonated drinks—can irritate your bladder. Take time to learn what foods and drinks trigger your leakage and then remove them from your diet.
- Consider the weight factor. A five to 10% weight loss can help relieve the added pressure excess weight puts on your bladder and surrounding muscles and aid in controlling your incontinence.
- Practice pelvic floor muscles exercises, also known as Kegels, to strengthen the muscles that help control urination.
- Find out how your daily habits can affect incontinence in this video.
Related reading:
Q. What's A "Voiding Journal" And
Why Should I Keep One?
A. In many cases, you can
train your bladder to empty at the appropriate time. One key re-training tool
is a bathroom journal (also called a toileting diary). This journal answers a
lot of questions about your bladder health and patterns and creates a baseline
picture of your bladder control that you can share with your doctor.
Related reading:
Q. I Think I Might Have Urinary Incontinence.
How Do I Talk To My Doctor About Urinary Incontinence?
A. First of all, educate
yourself. Learn how your body works (especially your urinary system) and what's
normal. That way you can give your doctor better information.
One
of the best ways to do this is to a keep a bathroom journal. At least a few
days before your appointment, begin keeping track of information such as how
much fluid you drink and when you drink them, how many trips you take to the
bathroom to urinate, when you experience incontinence and under what
circumstances (exercising, lifting something heavy, laughing, etc).
If
you're feeling embarrassed or find it difficult to talk with your doctor, write
down your questions at home before you go to the doctor's office. Then, when
you get to your appointment, take out your piece of paper and begin to read
from it. You might even want to practice saying these questions out loud when
you're alone. That will make it easier to say them during your appointment.
Here are some questions you might consider asking to get things started:
- "Could what I eat or drink cause bladder leakage?"
- "Could my medicines cause bladder leakage?"
- "What are the treatments to regain bladder control? Which one is best for me?"
- Remember, under a doctor's care, incontinence can be treated and possibly cured. Even if treatment is not completely successful, careful management can help you feel more relaxed and confident. And this all begins by talking with your doctor and providing as much information as possible.
Related reading:
Q. What's Bowel Incontinence And What Causes
It?
A. Bowel incontinence is
the inability to control your bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak
unexpectedly from your rectum. Also called fecal incontinence, bowel
incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a
complete loss of bowel control.
Bowel
incontinence affects more than five million Americans. Both men and women
suffer from this problem, although it's more common in women because of the
injury to the anal muscles or nerves that can occur during childbirth. It becomes
more common with advancing age as the muscles that control bowel movements
(anal sphincter muscles) weaken.
Many
people resort to altering their social and physical activities, even their
employment, to cope with the problem. However, finding the right incontinence
product can go a long way in boosting their confidence. We recommend adult
diapers or briefs (the kind with the refastenable tabs) or adjustable underwear. Adjustable underwear offers moderate+
absorbency, odor control and are designed to be changed two ways. Step in and
out of it like regular underwear or open the side perforations for easy
changing without having to remove pants and shoes. Prefastened tabs help
provide a snug, custom fit. Adult diapers (with tabs) or briefs are the most
absorbent product.
Related reading:
Q. How Can I Prevent and Manage Accidents?
A. A weakened or
overactive bladder doesn't have to keep you from living your life. There are
steps you can take to prevent accidents or to manage them discreetly when they
do happen.
- Make simple changes
- Keep the path to the bathroom clear and well lit at night if need be
- Wear easy-to-open clothes
- Empty your bladder before bed, a big meeting or a trip
- Use the right incontinent product
The
CareGiver Partnership offers over 500 brands, sizes, styles and absorbencies
designed to fit your needs and lifestyle. Plus you can call and talk with one
of our knowledgeable Product Specialists who are here to help you.
1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST. Ask them about the 'Try Before You Buy' sample
service.
- Minimize odors - When you have an accident, odor may be one of your
first concerns. Through you can't prevent it completely, you can curb it.
First, stay hydrated—without going overboard. The more concentrated your
urine is, the stronger it smells. Next, consider taking urine-deodorizing
tablets, such as vitamin C, or supplements made for this purpose. You can
also help reduce urine odor by drinking apple, pear, cherry or other
non-citrus juices. Use a wipe in-between each change.
There is also new flatulence filtering underwear to help protect against flatus which many IBS, crohn's sufferers experience. Learn more here. - Stay sensibly hydrated - Drink at least six to seven 8 oz glasses of water a day to keep your bladder healthy. When you drink less water, your urine is more concentrated and may irritate the lining of the urethra and bladder.
- Pay attention to your diet - Lot of things—including caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus fruits) and drinks, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, hot spices and carbonated drinks—can irritate your bladder. Take time to learn what foods and drinks trigger your leakage and then remove them from your diet.
- Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles - Learning where your pelvic floor muscles are and how to isolate them can help you make the most of pelvic floor exercises called Kegels. You can do Kegels anywhere, without anyone noticing. With a little practice, Kegels can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles—and that can help reduce feelings of urgency, the need to frequently urinate and accidents.
Related reading:
Q. How Do I Get A Good Night's Sleep?
A. Preparation is
everything. Take these steps to prevent accidents from happening:
- Limit your fluid intake before bedtime
- Try not to drinks liquids after 6 p.m.
- Avoid bladder-irritating foods and beverages
- This includes caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus fruits) and drinks, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, hot spices and carbonated drinks.
- Double void before bed. In other words, urinate twice right before bed.
- Do pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels)
- Use the right incontinent product
Modern
incontinence products, like the DEPEND® brand, use super absorbent polymers
(SAP) that lock in urine and hold more fluid so they're more protective. The
CareGiver Partnership offers over 500 brands, styles, sizes and absorbencies
designed to fit your needs and lifestyle. Use The Incontinence Product FinderSM to quickly and easily find the right product for you. Or call
and talk to one of our highly knowledgeable Product Specialists. 1-800-985-1353
M-F 9-4 CST.
Related reading:
Q. How Do I Talk To My Loved Ones About
Incontinence?
A. First, figure out a
good time and place to talk. Look for a quiet, comfortable environment where
you'll have privacy—and be sure to give yourselves enough time. Think about
what you're going to say in advance. You'll want to explain the nature of your
condition, why it has happened, how it affects you, and what treatment you're
trying.
Plan
to give your loved ones a chance to ask questions. Experts say people with
incontinence often overestimate how much the news will embarrass or upset their
loved ones. And by trusting them enough to tell them, you could make your
relationship much stronger than before.
Related reading:
Q. How Do I Manage Incontinence At Work?
A.
- Use the right incontinence product - todays incontinence products use super absorbent polymers (SAP) that lock in urine and hold more fluid so they're more protective. The CareGiver Partnership offers over 500 styles, sizes, brands and absorbencies designed to fit your needs and lifestyle. Use The Incontinence Product FinderSM to quickly and easily find the most appropriate products for your needs or call one of our knowledgeable Product Specialists at 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST.
- Avoid caffeine or water - The caffeine in coffee make it diuretic, which increases your need to go.
- Wear dark-colored business attire - Not only is it timeless-looking but it also hides a multitude of problems, including little stains.
- Practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) - even in meetings. Kegel exercises are a method of managing leakage from stress incontinence. To do Kegels, contract the muscles that you would use to stop the flow of urine. Hold the contraction for three seconds and then relax. Do this eight to 10 times, at least three times a week.
Related reading:
Q. How Do I Do Kegels (Pelvic Floor Muscle
Exercises)? And Do They Help?
A. Kegel exercises help
tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Locate the pelvic muscles by pretending to
stop the flow of urine. Squeeze and hold these muscles for three seconds, then
relax for a count of three. Your goal is to try to do 10 tightening/relaxing
exercises for a set. Rest and then do two more sets (30 exercises total) each
day. Your doctor can give you more exact directions.
Kegel
exercises work the muscles that you use to stop urinating. Making these muscles
stronger helps you hold urine in your bladder longer.
Yes,
exercises often help, particularly for persons with the stress type of bladder
problem. You should consult with your doctor about the type of bladder weakness
you have, and which exercises are best for you.
Related reading:
Q. How Long Before Kegel Exercises Begin To
Help?
A. Depending on the type
of bladder weakness you have, you may begin to feel the benefit of exercises after
just a few weeks, and after eight to 12 months there is a good chance you'll
have reduced symptoms or even be symptom-free. Even if you're not symptom-free,
exercises may improve your situation and, with the right products to help you,
you can regain your confidence. The sooner you act, the better. Most people
wait so long that it takes the body some time to get back to earlier routines.
Please consult your doctor about your particular situation.
Related reading:
Q. How Do I Control Odor?
A. The best way to
control odors is a combination of good hygiene, overall body cleanliness,
staying properly hydrated, and using fresh, clean undergarments. Always dispose
of products in an airtight container. When traveling or sharing a house with
others, dispose of each incontinence garment. Here are several options. Also consider taking urine-deodorizing
tablets, such as vitamin C, or supplements made for this purpose. You can also
help reduce urine odor by drinking apple, pear, cherry or other non-citrus
juices. Finally, because sometimes people are not aware that an odor is
present, find someone you trust to tell you honestly if there is any odor
anywhere.
Related reading:
Q. I Have A Pretty Active Life. Do You Have
Any Tips For Changing On The Go?
A. Yes. Here are some
simple things you can do to always make sure you're ready, no matter where you
are.
- Make a backpack or messenger bag part of your on-the-go look
- Carry a few other personal items inside (sunglasses, notebook, jacket, etc) so it makes sense if anyone asks why you're carrying it. Use this bag to carry a change into a public restroom and carry it out to the wastebasket.
- Keep plastic bags on hand for disposal
- Get the darker blue kind to mask what's inside if you need to toss it out in public. You'll be able to find these bags, or special deodorized disposal bags, in most stores or online.
- Keep a couple of "emergency" changes in your glove box
- Don't forget to replenish your supply
- Keep a gym bag full of essentials in your trunk
- Wear cargo pants and/or a bulky jacket with an elastic waistband that zips
- These clothing items offer a handy way to get from your trunk to a public restroom, or from your seat on the plane to the restroom
- If you're wearing DEPEND® Guards for Men take advantage of the fact that this product is the same size as your wallet, making it easy to put into your pocket and then take into a restroom.
- Set a schedule for regular changes
- Be sure to carry a spare in either a waist pack, or sports bags when you're not carrying a backpack or messenger bag.
- Have confidence in what you're doing and no one will think twice of your personal care.
- Locate bathrooms ahead of time—especially in places you visit frequently
- Planning ahead makes all the difference.
- Keep active by managing incontinence on the go with tips from this video.
Related reading:
Q. Are Depend® Boost Inserts Still Available?
If
you’re unsure which product is right for you, The Incontinence Product FinderSM makes it easily to quickly sort through over 500 brands, sizes,
styles and absorbencies. If you’d like to speak with a knowledgeable Product
Specialist call us 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST.
Related reading:
Q. Are Depend® Belted Shields Still Available?
A. DEPEND® no longer
offers Belted Shields. There are other options available and you can learn more
here and order them if you wish. If you're unsure which product is right for
you, and you'd like to speak with a Product Specialist, call us at
1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-5 CST.
Related reading:
Q. Do You Offer Specific Products For Men And
Women, Or Are They Unisex?
A. We offer both 'gender
neutral' and 'gender specific' products. Since men and women have different
needs, gender specific products are ideal - they work better and are designed
to look and feel more like ordinary, cloth underwear. There are 'white'
products, colors and prints. It's not uncommon to be confused about the right
choice. That's why people like yourself appreciate speaking with our
knowledgeable Product Specialist. Each of our ladies is a current or former
caregiver themselves. They may also suggest our 'Try Before You Buy Sample
Service' which is a big hit with those who just aren’t sure what the best
product might be for them or a loved one. Call us at 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4.
We're here to help you.
Q. Do Any Of Your Products Have A Fly In
Front?
A. No. None of our
products have a fly in front in order to provide the best protection. However,
we offer products designed specifically for a man's body in order to provide
protection where men need it most. These include male guards (guards for men)
pull-on underwear for men. It's not uncommon to be confused about which product
may be the right or best choice for you. That's why we offer knowledgeable
Product Specialist you can speak with and why our 'Try Before You Buy Sample
Service' is a big hit with many of our customers. Call us at 1-800-985-1353 M-F
9-4. We're here to help you.
Q. Which Product Is Most Absorbent?
A. Briefs or 'adult
diapers' are the most absorbent. The most absorbent brands are Tranquility,
Abena and Wellness briefs - holding up to 87 ounces! It's not uncommon to be
confused about which product may be the right or best choice for you. That's
why we offer knowledgeable Product Specialist you can speak with and why our
'Try Before You Buy Sample Service' is a big hit with many of our customers.
Call us at 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4. We're here to help you.
Related reading:
Q. How Are Incontinence Products Made?
A. Most product today
have cloth-like outer covers that look and feel more like underwear than the
old fashioned plastic covers. Inside, there's a thin, absorbent pad made of
super absorbent polymers (SAP) that draws wetness in, away from the skin and
lock the fluid in. This was developed in the 1980’s. Some products include a
transfer layer to get the moisture in fast and stop it from flowing back to the
surface. Most all are latex-free, but it’s a good idea to check if this is an
issue with you.
Q. What’s The Best Way or Right Way to Dispose
of Incontinence Products?
A. First of all, don't
try and flush them. They are designed to be used once then discarded in a trash
bag or other waste container. There are several products which help provide discreet disposal,
especially on the go.
Related reading:
Q. Do You Offer An Absorbent Product For The
Pool?
A. Yes we do. It’s called SoSecure and it's a great product. We've tested it
ourselves. It is for adults, teens and children with incontinence and is
designed to be worn next-to-skin, under a swim suit. It is specifically
designed for bowel containment, but can also be used for urinary incontinence
(holds several cups of liquid). It also works great as a cover up for
disposable or cloth diapers. Sizing is critical and that's why where we can
help. Our ladies take the time to ensure each customer gets the right size -
there are a total of 9 sizes fitting waists 22" to 58".
Related reading:
Q. How Often Should I Change My Incontinence
Product?
A. That depends (no pun intended)
on you and the extent of your condition. However, most modern incontinence
products ensure they can withstand multiple wettings of varying amounts. This
means you don't have to change them as often as before. However, in order to
maintain healthy skin, they should be checked and changed on a regular basis.
Average
wear times by product type as reported by hundreds of our customers are as
follows:
- Male Guards - 6 to 7 hours (3 to 4 changes per day)
- Pull-On Underwear – 7 ½ hours (3 to 4 changes per day)
- Adjustable Underwear – 6 ½ hours (4 changes per day)
- Adult Diaper (Briefs with Tabs) – 5 ½ hours (4 to 5 changes per day)
A
number of our customers take advantage of our Never Run OutSM automatically
scheduled delivery service for the convenience of doorstep delivery and never
having to worry about running out. On average, most customers have delivery
about every 30 days, but this ranges from every two weeks to 120 days, so...
“it depends”.
Q. Are Incontinence Products Washable?
A. No. And Yes.
Disposable products (like Depend) are not at all intended to be washed. We have
heard stories of some wearers trying to wash them out and hang them up to dry
in order to extend them and save money. This should never be done. There are
however a range of washable products and two piece systems that are fully or
partially washable. It's not uncommon to be confused about the right choice.
That's why we offer Product Specialist you can speak with and why our 'Try
Before You Buy Sample Serice' is a big hit with many of our customers. Call us
at 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4. We're here to help you.
Related reading:
Q. What Product Do You Recommend For Bowel
Incontinence?
A. We recommend briefs,
sometimes referred to as adult diapers. Adjustable underwear are also a
consideration. Adjustable underwear offer maximum absorbency, odor control and
are designed to be changed two ways. Step in and out of it like regular
underwear or open the side perforations for easy changing without having to
remove pants and shoes. Refastened tabs help provide a snug, custom fit. It's
not uncommon to be confused about the right choice. That's why we offer Product
Specialist you can speak with and why our 'Try Before You Buy Sample Service'
is a big hit with many of our customers. Call us at 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4.
We're here to help you.
Related reading:
Q. Can I Get Samples of Incontinence Products?
A. Yes. You can order
samples of over 100 products. We call it our 'Try Before You Buy' sample
service. It’s a real hit with our customers, because it helps them avoid the
costly mistake of buying a product which doesn't meet their needs and can't be
returned. Samples are $3.49 S/H for 2 to 4 pieces and are rushed discreetly to
your home.
Related reading:
Q. Where Can I Find More Information About
Incontinence Products And Learn More About Incontinence In General.
A. There are four useful
resources. They are:
- 1. The CareGiver Partnership Blog. Over 500 well researched articles above various aspects of incontinence and caregiving. Moreover, there is no advertising on any of pages nor do we accept any. This keeps it clean, uncluttered and unbiased.
- 2. Caregiver Resources Library. You may also visit the largest caregiver resources library with links to over 1300 resources including incontinence, prostate cancer and more. Each resource has been fully vetted and they are all checked weekly so there are no broken links. The resources is categorized into 50 categories. It is easy to find what you need by searching on a key word or phrase. Like the blog above, there is absolutely no advertising. Clean, clear, uncluttered and unbiased.
- 3. Monthly Family Caregiver Newsletter – CareGiver Connections. You can also get our monthly newsletter which contains timely articles and special offers on a range of helpful products for family caregivers. Sing up up at www.caregiverpartnership.com or call 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST or email info@caregiverpartnership.com
- 4. Knowledgeable Help a Phone Call Away. We invite you to call us and talk with one of our knowledgeable Product Specialists who are experts on the subject and are current or former caregivers themselves. 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST. The call is Free and we answer all calls by the 3rd ring!
Related reading:
Q. What's A Flexible Spending Account And How
Can It Help Me?
A. A Flexible Spending
Account (FSA) is an optional benefit plan offered by many U.S. employers that
allows you to set aside part of your pre-tax earnings to pay for qualifying
healthcare expenses like incontinence products.
The
money you contribute to your flexible spending account is taken out of your
paycheck before taxes are taken out. In effect, you lower your taxable income
for tax savings. The "pretax funds" in your FSA allow you to pay for
qualifying healthcare expenses that are not covered by your health plan, such
as doctor visit co-pays, prescriptions, dental expenses, and more.
Related reading:
Q. What Is The Prostate Gland?
A. The prostate is a
small gland in men that's part of the reproductive system. It's about the shape
and size of a walnut. The prostate rests below the bladder and in front of the
rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.
The prostate helps make semen, which carries sperm from the testicles when a
man ejaculates.
Related reading:
Q. What Are The Most Common Prostate Problems?
A. The most common
prostate health problems men encounter include:
- Prostatitus - This is an infection (usually bacterial) that can be treated with antibiotic.
- Enlarged prostate gland - The prostate grows in almost all men as they age. In some cases, the enlargement can become troublesome—a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This a common problem, affecting more than 50% of the men in their sixties. BPH has many symptoms that vary from person to person, and it can be treated in many different ways. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, BPH can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication or surgery, and some of these treatments, especially surgery, can lead to incidences of incontinence.
- Prostate cancer - This is when a malignant tumor forms in in the prostate gland, which can spread throughout the body and cause significant health problems. Next to lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men. Close to 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and is fatal in 30,000 men.
Related reading:
Q. How Do I Practice Good Prostate Health?
A. There are several
things you can do to improve your prostate health, including:
- Watch your diet - Men who eat least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day are at lower risk of developing cancer of any kind, including prostate cancer.
- Get active - It's recommended you exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
- Have an annual physical - Make it a practice to have a physical every year so you can detect prostate cancer and other health issues before they get out of hand.
Related reading:
Q. Why Do Prostate Cancer Treatments Cause
Urinary Incontinence?
A. The prostate gland
surrounds the urethra. Because enlarged prostate glands can obstruct the
urethra, a man with an enlarged prostate can have urination retention or other
problems with urination.
Removing
the prostate through surgery or destroying it through radiation (either with an
external beam or with radioactive seed implants) disrupts the way the bladder
holds urine and can result in urine leakage. Radiation can decrease the
capacity of the bladder and cause spasms that force urine out. Surgery can, at
times, damage the nerves that help control bladder function too.
Related reading:
Q. What Can I Do To Treat My Urinary
Continence After Prostate Cancer Surgery?
A. There are many things
you can do—both large and small—to improve your symptoms after prostate cancer
surgery. These include:
- Pelvic floor treatments - Many doctors prefer to start with behavioral techniques that that train you to control your ability to hold your urine. A popular set of exercises, called Kegel exercises, strengthens the muscles you squeeze when trying to stop urinating mid-stream. These exercises can be combined with biofeedback programs that help you train these muscles even better.
- Supportive care - This treatment includes behavior modification, such as drinking fewer fluids, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or spices and not drinking at bedtime. People are encouraged to urinate regularly and not wait until the last possible moment before doing so. In some people, losing weight may result in improved urinary control. Supportive care also involves changing medications that interfere with incontinence.
- Medication - A variety of medications can increase bladder capacity and decrease frequency of urination. In the near future, newer medications will become available to help stop some other forms of urinary leakage.
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation - This treatment is used to retrain and strengthen weak urinary muscles and improve bladder control. With this treatment, a probe is inserted into the anus and a current is passed through the probe at a level below the pain threshold, causing a contraction. The patient is instructed to squeeze the muscles when the current is on. After the contraction, the current is switched off.
- Surgery, injections and devices - A number of techniques may improve bladder functions. These include:
- Artificial sphincter. This patient-controlled device is made of three parts: a pump, a pressure-regulating balloon, and a cuff that encircles the urethra and prevents urine from leaking. The use of the artificial sphincter can cure or greatly improve more than 70% to 80% of patients.
- Bulbourethral sling. For some types of leakage, a sling can be used. A sling is a device used to suspend and compress the urethra. It is made from synthetic material or from the patient's own tissue and is used to create the urethral compression necessary to achieve bladder control.
- Other surgery. Your doctor can also do a surgery that has helped some men. It involves placing rubber rings around the tip of the bladder to help hold urine.
Related reading:
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353. 
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