Beginner's Guide to Managing Your Incontinence

Use The Incontinence Product Finder
to help you find the right product.
Almost 25 million adult Americans experience some level of incontinence. With so many sufferers you would think management strategies would be widely known, however, most individuals keep their condition private, and due to the personal and embarrassing nature, often do not talk about it. However, there are things any sufferer should do. If you are new to experiencing the symptoms of bladder control consider the following:

Seek Treatment

The first step to managing incontinence is to talk to a professional, get a diagnosis and seek some form of treatment. There are many options from surgery and medications to non-medical options such as bladder training and Kegel exercises. A doctor can help you determine what will be most effective for your case.

Keep a Voiding Diary

A voiding diary is very useful for both diagnosis and treatment. It can help your doctor get a clear picture of your incontinence, it can help you determine what level of absorbent products you need, and can help you track progress so you know what is working and what is not. 

Learn what you can about your symptoms:

Too many people accept incontinence as something they will just have to live with. However, in some cases a medication, lifestyle change, or alteration can improve symptoms drastically. Understanding the type of incontinence you suffer, and risk factors and contributors can help you better control your symptoms.

For example, stress incontinence, where urine leaks when strain or stress is put on the bladder is managed differently then overflow incontinence, where the bladder overflows due to blockage or narrowing. Knowing what causes your symptoms, and what contributes to them can help you learn to better control them.

Learn more about the basics of bladder control.

Choose the right products:

Consumers buying incontinence products the first time can easily be confused which product, brand, style, size or absorbency to purchase. There are a lot of options, and some are designed specifically for a certain shape, gender, or type of incontinence. Take time to choose products for your type, body, and needs. Remember to consider things like absorption, and skin protection.

When choosing absorbent products don’t just consider upfront costs. Incontinence products designed around your loved one’s individual physical and mental state increase comfort and reduce product usage. Which can save you money in the long run.

Explore the product types. Familiarize yourself with them, product types include: pull-ons, adjustable underwear, briefs, undergarments and more. Consider buying samples and trying before buying in bulk. Samples can be purchased in sets of 4 for just $3.49. Call 800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST

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

Always be prepared

Last but not least in managing your incontinence is knowing that leaks may happen, and you can’t always avoid them, so rather than putting your life on hold, be prepared. Know where bathrooms are, bring extra absorbent products, and maybe a change of clothes. Plan your time and liquid consumption so that you don’t get caught in an uncomfortable situation. A little preparation can go a long way in incontinence management.

Watch this video: The Incontinence Product Finder

Further Reading: 

Managing Incontinence While Traveling


Managing Incontinence At Work With Attends

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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.

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