While many people have heard the term “incontinence” and most of them probably have some understanding of its meaning, fewer would be familiar with “continence” – so let’s start by defining that. According to the Macquarie Dictionary, continence is the “ability to exercise voluntary control over natural functions, especially urinating and defecating”. That being the case, it’s no surprise incontinence is defined as the state of being “unable to restrain natural discharges or evacuations.”
However, incontinence requires a bit more explaining, because there are two distinct types: urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence. To put these into more common language, the former is when a person is unable to control their bladder, while the latter is when they are unable to control their bowel. The Continence Foundation of Australia notes that urinary incontinence affects one in three women, one in 10 men, and one in five children in this country. Faecal incontinence, they report, affects one in 20 members of the population.
How Do I Know if I am Incontinent?
It’s possible to lose control of one’s bodily functions for a variety of reasons, so how does someone know if they are actually incontinent? Concerning urinary incontinence, one possible sign is regularly having to rush to the toilet and/or experiencing leaking before you get there. Similarly, leaking urine when exerting oneself physically, laughing, coughing or sneezing could all be indicators of incontinence. Too frequent urination – including getting up multiple times during the night to use the toilet or urinating while asleep – are further potential signs that you have this problem.
In regard to faecal incontinence, this may also be indicated by the need to rush to the toilet and/or leaking before you arrive. Sufferers may experience a feeling of not being able to completely empty their bowel. Excessive flatulence and staining of the underwear are additional signs that you might have faecal incontinence.
If you believe you could be incontinent for these or any other reasons, please visit your GP for a professional diagnosis.
Which Medical Supplies Can Help With Incontinence?
Fortunately for those with incontinence, there exists a wide range of products to help them maintain their dignity and enjoy daily life with minimal interruption from the condition.
Absorbent, leak-proof pads specially designed to be worn inside the underwear come in all shapes and sizes, to suit all levels of incontinence, for men, women and children. These are made to be soft, comfortable and keep the surrounding skin as dry and free from irritation as possible. Many of them feature odour-neutralising properties.
Other products include elastic fixation pants worn instead of underwear to hold pads securely in place. These are unisex, come in long- and short-leg versions, and can be washed up to 50 times while retaining their high elasticity. Also very useful are bed mats, non-slip waterproof sheets designed to protect bedding and furniture.
To learn more about and order these as well as many other great products, visit the Continence Management section of our online store.
Sources:
- (Concise) Macquarie Dictionary
- Continence Foundation of Australia (continence.org.au)
- Health Direct (healthdirect.gov.au)
