Adult incontinence is one of the most debilitating medical conditions that can afflict an active individual. In today’s world, where life is always on the move both bowel and bladder incontinence can turn a person’s life upside down. Despite its high prevalence, many people suffering from this medical condition fear discussing it due to the stigma associated with it. The Urology Care Foundation (UCF) estimates that about a quarter to a third of adult Americans suffer from some symptoms of adult incontinence. The numbers could even be higher.
The fact that this medical condition is normally associated with losing control of crucial bodily function leads to a lot of embarrassment. For this reason, many people choose to suffer in silence. If you or a loved one in your care is struggling with any form of incontinence, it is time to learn about the best incontinence protection that is available in the market. Adult diapers now provide anyone suffering from any form of incontinence with a new lease of life. There are many revolutionary incontinence products available in the market. As a first step to getting back control of your life, it is important to learn about them. This guide demystifies incontinence diapers by elaborating the reason they are the best solution to manage the condition and explains how best to use them.
Breakdown of Adult Incontinence
The loss of bladder and bowel control leads to the involuntary release of urine or fecal matter. According to the National Association for Incontinence (NAI), urinary incontinence is the most common form of this condition, with over 25 million adult Americans showing symptoms. Over 200 million people suffer from the condition worldwide.
Main Causes
The main causes of incontinence include:
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Vaginal childbirth leading to the weakening of pelvic muscles
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Old age leading to the aging of bowel or bladder muscles
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Menopause leading to deterioration of the bladder and urethra
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Surgery involving reproductive system
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Problems associated with the prostate gland
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Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple sclerosis
Risk factors for adult incontinence range from old age, gender (women are more prone to incontinence), overweight/obesity, smoking and medical conditions such as diabetes. These causes lead to different types of incontinences that include overflow incontinence, OAB incontinence, urge incontinence, stress incontinence, mixed incontinence and functional incontinence.
Why Use Adult Incontinence Diapers
If you or a loved one is suffering the pains of adult incontinence, you would appreciate how devastating this is. It puts a halt to an active lifestyle; with most patients confessing to changing their lifestyles. This condition affects both the professional and social life of an individual making it impossible for them to take full advantage of opportunities that come their way. By withdrawing to a sedentary lifestyle due to adult incontinence, there is a great risk of suffering from conditions such as diabetes, heart problems and you can easily grow overweight or obese. While this medical condition was previously associated with old age, many younger adults suffer from some form of incontinence today. This is where adult incontinence diapers come in handy. These are the best incontinence management solutions in the market as they give you freedom to live life to the fullest.
How to Use Adult Incontinence Diapers
To get the most out of the diapers you buy, consider the following factors:
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Consider the Level of incontinence
There are different types of diapers in the market and they fall into the following categories
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Adult female diapers
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Adult male diapers
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Disposable diapers
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Washable diapers
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Overnight diapers
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Briefs and pull ups
It is important to choose the right type of diaper to manage the level and type of incontinence effectively. This will help you buy a diaper that is absorbent enough to handle the problem. If you are a social worker or a relative buying a diaper for a loved one, take time to assess the level of their incontinence. You can find an appropriate diaper for low, medium and high levels of incontinence.
By using a diaper that is suited for a particular level of incontinence, you will have the confidence to go out and enjoy life. If you are providing care to an incontinent adult, using the right diaper for their level of incontinence makes things easier for you. It is easier to manage the problem and you can guarantee their comfort throughout the day and night. Better still, you will find it easier to clean up after them.
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Buy the Right Fit
If you want to enjoy your experience with an adult diaper, make sure you take the time to choose one that fits comfortably. A well-fitted diaper is not only discreet and comfortable but also more effective. You do not have to worry about your diaper showing when you are in public. More importantly, there are no chances of leaks when a diaper fits tightly. This gives you more confidence to live life to the full.
There are diapers designed for an active lifestyle. If you intend to enjoy your normal activities, these ones come in handy. Diapers that fit properly allow you to walk normally and no one will ever suspect that you have a problem.
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Buy An Overnight Diaper For Fewer Changes
Traditional diapers are very problematic to use even when designed specifically for adults. As a caregiver, you have to keep checking that the diaper is not saturated. This calls for regular changes throughout the night. Luckily, you can now invest in a high absorbent adult diaper that has the capacity to last the entire night.
Take time to research and find the most effective overnight diaper to ensure that your loved one is comfortable throughout the night. Such a diaper also makes life easier for you as you do not have to wake up repeatedly at night. Better still, these high absorbent diapers cut the cost of incontinence management for your family.
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Store Your Diapers Discreetly
The best thing about incontinence products is the fact that they allow you to manage the problem discreetly. If you need a secret place to store your diapers both at home and in the office you can get a bag that is large enough to hold a few extra changes of diapers. The idea is to have a solution any time you need a change.
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Dispose of Diapers Discreetly and Correctly
One of the toughest aspects of using an incontinence product is how to dispose of it after it is used. Look for an appropriate place to dispose of your used diapers, especially at work or in other public places. Use a scented disposable bag for soiled diapers to avoid calling attention to the waste.
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Seek Treatment Even As You Use Diapers
It is important to remember that incontinence products do not treat the problem but instead help to manage it. You need to seek treatment in order to permanently deal with the condition. If you need to use medication, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions even while using an effective diaper.
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Change Your Lifestyle
Some lifestyle changes are necessary if you are suffering from adult incontinence. For instance, you need to reduce the intake of alcohol and caffeine, check your weight, do pelvic floor exercises and stop smoking. These changes will help you manage the condition more effectively even as you use diapers.
Adult diapers are a godsend for anyone suffering from any form of incontinence. These incontinence products give you a new lease of life by allowing you to live your life normally. To get the most out of an adult diaper, make sure you get the right size, store and dispose of them properly, seek treatment and initiate lifestyle changes to avoid exacerbating the condition.