Women and Incontinence: Prevalence doesn’t Always Mean Knowledge

Women and Incontinence

Prevalence doesn’t always translate to awareness – especially when it comes to women and incontinence.  Similarly, even though incontinence among women is more common than it is men, that fact is not a surefire indicator that the condition is easier for women to manage.

As is the case with any medical issue, “help” requires seeking proper advice and taking part in actions and activities that make living with it easier.

With incontinence, that means talking to your doctor once you discover symptoms.  Upon doing so, you’ll likely be instructed to keep a log of urinary habits; tracking how often you’re urinating, when throughout the day urination is taking place, and note.  Here is an example of a voiding diary.

From there, how do you select incontinencesupplies for women that will provide maximum comfort and confidence?  The CareGiver Partnership offers the following advice when it comes to selecting the right incontinence product for you.

First, it’s always best to select a product specifically made for women.  Gender neutral products made to suit both men and women are effective, but selecting an item made solely for women provides the best option in terms of fit and comfort.  The same can be said for the “blanket” coverage of a one-size-fits-all incontinence product. Will it work?  Yes.  Is it optimal?  Not at all.  You need to be sure to measure waist, hips, and thighs to ensure a properly fitting product – the best product in the world will not work, if it does not fit correctly.  Eighty percent of leaks occur in the rear buttocks area.

Other features like absorbency, the number of changes required, and washable versus disposable all play into determining the absolute best incontinence product alternative.  Pads will assist in guarding against a few drops or dribbles, but adult briefs are used for the heaviest flow and it might be the way to go for anyone who has frequent urination or bowel incontinence.

You also want a product that you don’t have to change as often, if that’s what your situation calls for.  For instance, a prolonged plane ride doesn’t lend itself to repeated changes, and thus a more absorbent product and maybe even booster pads are probably more appropriate.

Watch this video. How to Choose the Right Incontinence Product 

With all of these considerations, it’s important to move fast when you first realize you might have an incontinence problem.  On the other hand, you don’t want to rush into choosing a product that does not meet your specific needs.  Always consider the full range of incontinence supplies for women – from Depends and the Tena Diaper to AttendsUnderwear, Prevail Pads and more.

Call us. We're here to help.

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. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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