Living with Incontinence can be frightening. The uncontrollable urge to empty your bladder can put a pause on life’s celebrations. But it need not be so! Realizing you have a condition is the first step towards taking preventive and precautionary measures. Consult your doctor and understand your symptoms better. Once you know what you are dealing with, managing incontinence becomes that much easier. Because there is help around. With the right products at your side, your life can remain as rich and fulfilling as ever.

Incontinence refers to uncontrollable urine leakage. Data suggests that it affects more than 30% of people across the world, more so with as they grow older. In countries like India, it is still not openly discussed, and is often seen as a sign of shame. What it actually needs is a better understanding of symptoms, followed by proper precautions and treatment, if required.

Urge incontinence: Sudden, intense urge to pass urine, with occasional leakage
Stress incontinence: Urine Leakage while involuntary reflexes like cough, sneeze, or laugh
Overflow Incontinence: Inability to fully empty the bladder while urinating, leading to urine dribbling out
Functional incontinence: Caused by physical/mental conditions like Alzheimer’s or arthritis, that prevent you from reaching the restroom quickly
Mixed incontinence: Combination of Urge & Stress Incontinence

Incontinence occurs when the muscles responsible for supporting the bladder or holding in urine weaken, and are unable to prevent the urine from leaking out. While this can happen at any age, it is more common with advancing age. In some cases, nervous system deterioration can prevent the brain from registering signals from the body to urinate

Some of the common causes of incontinence are as follows:

Pregnancy & Childbirth:  Pregnancy & Childbirth can both weaken bladder controlling muscles
Advancing Age: The Human bladder weakens with age, reducing its ability to hold the urine
Menopause: Estrogen loss post menopause can weaken pelvic muscles, causing reduced bladder control
Enlarged prostate:This can restrict the flow of urine from the bladder, causing urinary symptoms
Prostate cancer: Surgery following prostrate cancer can lead to incontinence conditions for some time
Nervous system disorders: Diseases like Parkinson’s disease lead to muscle/nerve deterioration which is directly linked to bladder control

Your doctor is the best person to diagnose if you are suffering from Incontinence. Your doctor may also refer you to a urologist. Women may be referred to a urogynecologist if deemed necessary. Keeping a diary of your symptoms will help your doctor make a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.

ADULT DIAPERS: These are the most convenient way of managing incontinence. These are snug, comfortable, lightweight, (mostly) disposable and discreet under your clothes.

UNDERPADS: These are like bed pads that you can place over your sheets so that you don’t have to change the bed if there is any leakage during the night.