Incontinence: A Taboo Subject

Why is incontinence such a taboo subject?

Despite incontinence affecting 25 million adult Americans, male and female, old and young, healthy and sickly, it is something no one seems to want to talk about. Why is incontinence such a taboo subject? On average, it takes a man who has experienced an episode of incontinence over 4 years to talk to their doctor about it, and women are even worse. The average woman waits 6 years from her first episode to talk to her doctor.

The lack of communication about this prevalent medical condition means many incontinent individuals are not getting the help they need to manage, and even treat and overcome this problem. How can an incontinent individual overcome the inherent problems of having a condition even medical professionals may not mention, despite how common it really is? The answer is to:

• Start an open dialogue with your doctor and caregiver. 
• Find resources and help from people that aren’t afraid to discuss it. 
• Get the right products for your needs. 

This does not mean that incontinent individuals should be telling everyone they meet that they have bladder or bowel control problems. But, caregivers, family, friends, and medical professionals should not tiptoe around the subject. By being open, honest, and forthright about incontinence, and the struggles that accompany this condition, sufferers can find solutions.

Not all incontinence is permanent. Incontinence may be a side effect of a medication, a surgery, or a weakened muscle. Exercises, medication changes, and time can often help to reduce the symptoms or eliminate the condition completely. However, unless you discuss it with a medical professional, you may not be able to take the necessary steps to solve it, or find the right products to manage it. Despite the highly personal, and fairly embarrassing nature of this condition, without open dialogue, it is challenging to find real solutions.

Far too many consumers waste on average $130 the first time they buy incontinence supplies. This is due to trial and error. Most consumers do not realize there are a wide variety of absorbent product options, as well as several differences across brands. Sufferers may be purchasing adult diapers when a pad or guard would be sufficient. Or buying the wrong size or style. The Caregiver Partnership offers over 100 different sample products that come in packages of 4, which allows users to try before they buy cases, and ultimately save a lot of time and frustration in finding the right product for their needs. 

Try our Sample Service to avoid wasting money on trial and error.

Talk to your doctor about your severity. Keep a voiding diary.  It can help your doctor get a clear picture of your condition and make more educated recommendations for treatment and management.

By its nature, incontinence is personal, and admitting bladder or bowel control problems can be embarrassing. However, there are resources available to help with management, and products that can provide discretion and dignity. For example, the man suffering incontinence as a result of prostate surgery can still enjoy an active social life without fear of his absorbent products being discovered. Prevail Boxers look and feel like the real thing, providing a dignified and discrete solution for the man who needs the protection an absorbent product offers, but doesn’t want to advertise it.

The CareGiver Partnership was just named a Top 10 family caregiver resource along with AARP, their product specialists and educated staff can help caregivers and incontinent individuals alike find the products and solutions for managing and treating incontinence. Call 800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST to talk to one of our product specialists. This is an all-female team who have each been a caregiver to a loved one. Since this is their only business, they know incontinence products inside and out, and want to help you, no matter how personal or embarrassing it is. 

Call us. We're here to help.

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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.