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Living with incontinence
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Living with incontinenceDiet and Exercise
Incontinence may be prevented by adopting healthy diet and lifestyle habits early in life. Here are some simple steps that can be incorporated into your daily life.Drink well
Drink 1.5 – 2 litres (6-8 glasses) of fluid a day – unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Minimize your intake of bladder irritants such as tea, coffee, cola drinks and alcohol.
Minimize your intake of fizzy drinks.
Spread your drinks evenly throughout the day.
Drink more fluids (preferably water) when the weather is hot or when exercising.
Reducing your fluid intake can make bladder problems worse as it concentrates the urine and irritates the bladder.Eat well
Eat a healthy diet that is rich in dietary fibre and low in saturated fat (you need at least 30gm of fibre each day).
Eat 2-3 servings of fruit, 5 servings of vegetables and 5 servings of cereals and breads each day.
It is important to get the balance right as just adding fibre to your diet without increasing your fluids can cause or worsen constipation.Maintain an ideal body weight
Obesity is a risk factor for developing incontinence.
Maintain a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less.
Your doctor or a qualified dietician can help you with weight management.Practice good bladder and bowel habits
Go to the toilet when you get the urge to open your bowels, as this is the most effective time to completely empty your bowels.
Most people get the urge first thing in the morning or following a meal when eating has stimulated the bowel.
Get into the correct sitting position on the toilet. Sit on the toilet, elbows on knees, lean forward and support feet with a footstool. Relax and bulge out your tummy, relax your back passage and let go (don’t hold your breath or strain). When you have finished firmly draw up your back passage.
Don’t get into the habit of going to the toilet “just in case”. Go only when you need to.Stop smoking
Chronic cough (associated with smoking) is a risk factor for developing incontinence and a myriad of other health conditions.
Speak to your doctor to get information or advice about a smoking cessation plan.Avoid urinary tract infections
Visit your doctor as soon as you suspect a urinary tract infection.
Discuss the management of recurrent urinary tract infections with your doctor.Exercise regularly
Aim to exercise for 30 minutes most days.
Exercise stimulates movement of the bowel.
Even gentle exercise like walking helps.
Do regular pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles helps to support the bladder and bowel. This improves bladder control and can reduce or stop leakage of urine and faeces. Like other muscles, the pelvic floor muscles become stronger with a regular exercise program.Seek help
If you have any signs or symptoms of urinary or faecal incontinence seek help as the symptoms will not go away on their own and may worsen over time. Talk to a:
doctor or practice nurse;
community health nurse;
continence nurse advisor; or
continence and women’s health physiotherapist.<< Top of pagePelvic Floor Muscles Exercise
Exercise plays a large part in maintaining a healthy body weight. Carrying excess body weight applies pressure to the pelvic floor muscles which supports the bladder and bowel to function properly. It is recommended to exercise daily as exercise stimulates movement of the bowel which help ease constipation.
Though a general fitness regime is good for you, one form of exercise is particularly beneficial in helping to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. That is pelvic floor muscle exercises! Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles will help you actively support your bladder and bowel. This improves bladder control and can reduce or stop leakage of urine and faeces. Like other muscles, the pelvic floor muscles become stronger with a regular exercise program.
If you do have symptoms relating to urinary or faecal incontinence seek help as the symptoms won’t go away on their own and may worsen over time.
On this Page…
Pelvic floor muscles
Common Myths about Pelvic Floor Exercise
The benefits of pelvic floor muscles exercises
Identifying your pelvic floor muscles
Exercising your pelvic floor muscles
When to seek professional helpPelvic floor muscles
Pelvic floor muscles are the layer of muscles that support the pelvic organs and span the bottom of the pelvis. The pelvic organs are the bladder and bowel in men, and bladder, bowel and uterus in women.
Pelvic floor muscles stretch like a muscular trampoline from the tailbone (coccyx) to the pubic bone (front to back) and sitting bone to sitting bone (side to side). These muscles are normally firm and thick.
Imagine the pelvic floor muscles as a round mini-trampoline made of firm muscle. As with the mat of a trampoline, the pelvic floor has the potential to move down and up. The bladder, uterus and bowel lie on the pelvic floor muscle layer.
Now imagine a hole in the trampoline for the passages to pass through. There are two passages in men (the urethra and anus) and three passages in women (the urethra, vagina and anus). The pelvic floor muscles normally wrap quite firmly around the hole in the trampoline to help keep the passages shut. There is also an extra circular muscle around the anus (the anal sphincter) and around the urethra (the urethral sphincter).
All these muscles are part of the complex layer called the pelvic floor. Although it is hidden from view, it can be consciously controlled and therefore trained, much like the arm, leg or abdominal muscles.
Anatomy of urinary bladder and pelvis with pelvic floor musclesWhat do pelvic floor muscles do?
Pelvic floor muscles provide support to the organs that lie on it. The sphincters give us conscious control over the bladder and bowel, to maintain control of urine, faeces and flatus (wind) and to allow us to delay emptying until it is convenient.
Pelvic floor muscles are important for sexual function in both men and women. In men, it is important for erectile function and ejaculation. In women, voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor contribute to sexual sensation and arousal. The pelvic floor muscles also provide women support for the baby during pregnancy and assist in the birthing process.
The muscles of the pelvic floor work with the abdominal and back muscles to stabilise and support the spine.What can happen to these muscles?
They can get too loose and weak This is a common problem for women because of pregnancy and childbirth. However, they can be successfully strengthened with pelvic floor muscle training.
They can get too tight This is less common but very distressing problem for both men and women. The causes are often complex and professional help is required to resolve the problem.
In almost all cases it is possible to gain control over the pelvic floor muscles and to rain them to do their job well.What can make these muscles too loose?
Pregnancy and childbirth Evidence suggests that problems can start during pregnancy and not just after birth. Women who have had multiple births, instrumental births (with forceps or ventouse), severe perineal tearing or large babies (birth weight over 4kg) are at greater risk of pelvic floor muscle damage.
Straining on the toilet (constipation) Chronic or repeated straining on the toilet (associated with constipation) can lead to pelvic floor weakness and/or prolapse of the organs into the vagina or to a rectal prolapse (the rectal lining protrudes from the anus). It is important to teach the underlying bowel problem and good toileting habits.
Chronic coughing Chronic coughing for any reason (for example, asthma, bronchitis or a smoker’s cough) increases the risk of urinary incontinence and prolapse.
Heavy lifting Heavy lifting can create pressure on the pelvic floor and ultimately lead to prolapse. Women in certain professions such as nursing or courier services are at particular risk. Women performing heavy weight training at a gym can also be at risk of straining the pelvic floor.
High impact exercise Women involved in high impact sports such as basketball, netball or running are at increased risk of leaking urine. This applies to elite athletes as well.
Age Pelvic floor muscles tend to get weaker with increasing age. Pelvic floor muscle exercises can help strengthen them at any age.
Obesity Being overweight increases the risk of leaking urine and may place greater strain on the pelvic floor.What can make these muscles too tight?
This is a complex issue. Sometimes pelvic floor muscles can fail to relax properly, which causes the bladder and bowel not to empty properly. Sometimes pelvic floor muscles can be very tight in women so that intercourse is difficult or impossible. Pain is often the culprit causing the pelvic floor muscles to tighten up protectively. Because the pelvic floor is hidden from view, the problem can often go undiagnosed for a long time. However, seeking help from a pelvic floor physiotherapist can effectively treat it.Common myths
Pelvic floor muscles exercises are easy to do Everyone seems to think that women should intuitively know how to pelvic floor muscles exercises, but they are quite complicated muscles which are hard to isolate.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises can be learned from a pamphlet Research shows that up to 50% of women trying to do pelvic floor muscle exercises from a pamphlet get the technique wrong. Practicing the wrong technique will not help and could even make the problem worse.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises don’t work, I’ve tried them and they made no difference Research shows that pelvic floor muscle exercises are effective for some types of incontinence such as stress incontinence and/or overactive bladder causing urge incontinence. They can also help faecal incontinence when the cause of the problem is a weak pelvic floor. However, they will not work if there are other causes of urine or faecal loss (for example, infection, inflammation or underlying bowel disease). There is amply evidence to show that pelvic floor muscle exercise is effective when the exercises are done correctly and when they are adequately training and supervised by a continence and women’s health or pelvic floor physiotherapist, or continence nurse advisor. If your ‘do-it-yourself’ pelvic floor muscle exercise program did not work, then chances are they were not done the right way. Get help from a health professional to confirm that your technique is correct and have an individualised training program specifically developed for your problem and the condition of your pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises are done by stopping the flow of urine over the toilet This is a common misconception. Stopping the flow of urine on the toilet is not an exercise but a way of identifying the pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises won’t work for me, I’m too old Age is no barrier to the benefits of pelvic floor muscle exercises. There is evidence to suggest that older people are just as likely to benefit from pelvic floor muscle exercises for incontinence as younger people.
I’ve had a baby, the damage is done, pelvic floor muscle exercises won’t help Postnatal pelvic floor muscle exercises have been shown to assist in the recovery of pelvic floor muscle function and to reduce or cure the likelihood of urinary incontinence I women who have had instrumental births or big babies.
There’s no need to do pelvic floor muscle exercises until you have a baby Pelvic floor muscle training is important to control incontinence which may start during pregnancy. Pelvic floor muscle exercises done during pregnancy will help the recovering of pelvic floor muscle function and bladder control after the birth of the child. New research shows that strong pelvic floor muscles will not make birthing more difficult.
I can’t do pelvic floor muscle exercises because I find it hard to get down on the floor Some people think that pelvic floor muscle exercises are done on the floor. In reality however, these exercises can be done in any position. The word ‘floor’ merely refers to their position at the bottom (or floor) of the pelvis. In fact, they should especially be done standing up as control of urine leakage is usually most necessary when upright.
Men don’t have a pelvic floor Men do have pelvic floor muscles. They can even be trained to improve bladder control after prostate surgery.The benefits of pelvic floor muscles exercises
improved control over bladder and bowel function;
reduced risk of prolapse (i.e. ‘sagging’ of internal organs);
better recovery from childbirth and surgery;
increased sexual sensation and orgasmic potential; and
increased social confidence and quality of life.How to improve your muscle control
Become proactive and take control of your pelvic floor muscles There are many ways that you can learn more about your pelvic floor muscles. These include visiting a continence and women’s health or pelvic floor physiotherapist; or continence nurse advisor.
Learn how to correctly exercise your pelvic floor muscles It is very important to correctly identify your pelvic floor muscles before moving into a regular pelvic floor muscle exercise program.
See a health professional if you are unsure about your exercises or continue to experience symptoms If you experience any difficulty identifying the correct muscles or are unsure if you are performing the exercises correctly, please see a health professional.
Keep your pelvic floor muscles in good working order for life As with any muscles, fitness involves regular training. This applies to the pelvic floor as well. Develop it as a daily habit, like brushing your teeth.
Maintain general fitness and keep your weight within a healthy range Maintaining general fitness and keeping your weight within the recommended range will assist you in all facets of your health and wellbeing.
Remember that improved control for some may involve learning to relax your muscles Just exercising the pelvic floor is not a self-help treatment for incontinence. If there is a problem with bladder or bowel control, it is important to be properly assessed as weak pelvic floor muscles are just one of the many causes of incontinence.Identifying your pelvic floor muscles
Method 1 – Stopping the flow
The first step in performing pelvic floor muscle exercises is to identify the correct muscles. There are several ways which may help you to correctly identify the different parts of your pelvic floor muscles.
One way is to try to stop or slow the flow of urine midway through emptying the bladder. Stopping the flow of urine repeatedly on the toilet is not an exercise, but a way of identifying your pelvic floor muscles. This should only be done to identify which muscles are needed for bladder control.
If you can stop the flow of urine over the toilet for a second or two, then relax and finish emptying without straining. This ‘stop-test’ may help you identify the muscles around the front passage which control the flow of urine. It is not recommended as a regular exercise.
Method 2 – Visualisation
Another method to identify your pelvic floor muscles is to imagine stopping the flow of urine and holding in flatus (wind). This can be done lying down, sitting or standing with legs about shoulder width apart.
Relax the muscles of your thighs, bottom and tummy.
Squeeze in the muscles around the front passage as if trying to stop the flow of urine.
Squeeze in the muscles around the vagina and suck if upwards inside the pelvic.
Squeeze in the muscles around the back passage as if trying to stop the passage of passing flatus.
The muscles around the front and back passages should squeeze up and inside the pelvis.
Women who are familiar with using tampons can imagine squeezing in the vagina as if squeezing a tampon up higher in the vagina.
Identify the muscles that contract when you do all these things together. Then relax and loosen them.Getting the technique right
This is the most important part of the pelvic floor muscle exercises as there is no point doing them if you are not doing them correctly.
Imagine letting go like you would to pass urine or to pass flatus. Let your tummy muscles hang loose too. See if you can squeeze in and hold the muscles inside the pelvis while you breathe. Nothing above the belly button should tighten or tense. Some tensing and flattening of the lower part of the abdominal wall will happen. This is not a problem, as this part of the tummy works together with the pelvic floor muscles.
Try tightening your muscles really gently to feel just the pelvic floor muscles lifting and squeezing in. If you cannot feel your muscles contracting, change your position and try again. For example, if you cannot feel your muscles contracting in a seated position, try lying down or standing up instead.
After a contraction it is important to relax the muscles. This will allow your muscles to recover from the previous contraction and prepare for the next contraction.
It is common to try too hard and have too many outside muscles tighten. This is an internal exercise and correct technique is vital.
Doing pelvic floor muscles exercises the wrong way can be bad for you, so please see a health professional if you cannot feel your muscles hold or relax.Exercising your pelvic floor muscles
If you have mastered the art of contracting your pelvic floor muscles correctly, you can try holding the inward squeeze for longer (up to 10 seconds) before relaxing. Make sure you can breathe easily while you squeeze.
If you can do this exercise, repeat it up to 10 times, but only as long as you can do it with perfect technique while breathing quietly and keeping everything above the belly button relaxed.
This can be done more often during the day to improve control.When to seek professional help
Seek professional help when you have bladder or bowel control problems with symptoms such as:
bladder or bowel frequency or urgency to go to the toilet;
accidental leakage or urine, faeces or wind;
difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel;
vaginal heaviness or a bulge; and
pain in the bladder, bowel or pelvic floor are, in the back when exercising the pelvic floor or during intercourse.
These problems may not necessarily be linked to weak pelvic floor muscles and should be properly assessed.
Like all exercises, pelvic floor exercises are most effective when individually tailored and monitored. The exercises described are only a guide and may not help if done incorrectly or if the training is inappropriate.
Incontinence can have many causes and should be individually assessed before starting a pelvic floor muscle training program. Tightening or strengthening pelvic floor muscles may not be the most appropriate treatment so speak to a health professional if you have persistent problems with your bladder or bowel.Health professionals
Continence and women’s health or pelvic floor physiotherapists specialise in pelvic floor muscle exercises. They can assess your pelvic floor function and tailor an exercise program to meet your specific needs. They can also prescribe other treatment options such as biofeedback and discuss relevant lifestyle factors with you.<< Top of pageIntimacy
The following information is extracted from the article Promoting continence and sexual health written by Annie Norrish, Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, for the Continence Foundation of Australia.What is sexuality?
Sexuality means different things to different people. It involves our desire to express ourselves as human beings, to be loved and receive love.
We do this through verbal and non-verbal ways of communication, such as talking, looking at someone, hugging, kissing, and other sexual activities, through to the act of intercourse. Sexuality involves intimacy and the desire to be close to ourselves or another person.
From the moment we are born, we receive positive and negative messages about our sexuality and these messages can affect the way we see ourselves. It can be expressed in our behaviour, the way we talk, dress and walk. Our sexuality can change depending on our roles in life and the various phases or stages of our life cycle.Myths and misconceptions
All of us are influenced by myths or misconceptions and they tend to be passed on from generation to generation, depending on our cultural or religious background. They are beliefs that influence the way we think and shape our values.
There are many myths around sexuality. For example, “older people are not attractive”; “older people are not interested in sex”; or “people with disabilities are not sexually active”.
These beliefs are often easy to take on because other people believe them to be true. Sometimes it helps to identify and discuss these beliefs with someone and this may reduce the negative impact they can have on our thinking.How does incontinence affect sexuality?
Bladder or bowel control issues can have an enormous impact on sexuality and the way we feel about ourselves.3 Many people report that they feel embarrassed about leaking and wetting their clothes in public. Consequently people restrict their movements outside of the home and alter the clothes they wear to disguise any wetness or staining (for example by wearing dark or patterned clothing). Choice of clothing is an outward expression of a person’s sexuality.
People report continually washing themselves during the day to stay fresh and avoid the risk of smelling. Others require their partners to undertake this aspect of personal care for them. Partners can experience emotional difficulties in providing continence care, which can in turn affect their sexual relationship with the person they are caring for. Dealing with human excreta which involves touching the genitalia is difficult and people are much aware of their partner’s discomfort in being helped. Providing intimate personal care can interfere with a couple’s sexual relationship. This is an important concern and should be talked about to an appropriate health professional.
For some people, aids and techniques used to manage incontinence can also have an impact on sexuality by preventing relationships, causing embarrassment or evoking memories of their partner.
The concerns of people living with incontinence can be placed into two categories: emotional and physical.Emotional concerns
Embarrassment and shame.
Feeling dirty as they are reminded of their own early experience in toilet training.
Overwhelming sense of loss and grief because of their inability to control this bodily function.
Anxious and depressed.
Low self-esteem or confidence.
Lonely and isolated.
A loss of desire for intimacy.Physical Concerns
Urinary and/or faecal leakage during intercourse due to position and pressure, or at other times due to bypassing catheter* or bladder spasm.
Odour from leakage and infection.
Irritation to genital area from allergies or ill fitting appliances.
Presence of drainage bag and/or catheter.
Sexual dysfunction – vaginal dryness, impotence, premature ejaculation, lack of sensation.
Pain or fatigue associated with the underlying cause of incontinence.
Concerns in managing appliances (for example, catheters) particularly during intercourse.
The effect of medications.
Hypersensitivity or spasm from an underlying condition (for example, MS, Motor Neurone Disease, Spinal Injuries or Cerebral Palsy).
These concerns can lead the person experiencing incontinence to avoid situations of intimacy, withdraw from existing or future relationships, and suppress their own desires of sexuality. You need to know you are not alone in these feelings and that help is available.
The topic of sexuality is an important one, yet is often difficult to discuss and many people feel uncomfortable talking about this area, especially when they have concerns about bladder or bowel control. Many health professionals do not broach the topic with their patients despite the clear relationship between incontinence and sexuality.Possible solutions
Discuss your concerns with your partner.
Seek a referral for professional help for your relationship concerns, sexual issues or depression.
Use a side-lying sexual position to prevent bladder spasm.
Reduce odour by preventing and treating urinary tract infections, following adequate hygiene, maintaining a closed drainage system and using appropriate cleaners for bags (if in-dwelling catheter).
Include hygiene care as part of foreplay.
Be prepared by protecting the bed, and have towels and washcloths ready.
Empty the bladder and/or bowel immediately prior to intimacy.
Discuss with your doctor a sensible reduction of fluids prior to intimacy, including alcohol, caffeine and cola drinks.
Remove catheter or leave in if preferred. Males can tape the catheter to the shaft of the penis, wear a condom and use lubricant. Females can tape the catheter to the thigh or abdomen.
Drainage bag – cover, place out of sight, or spigot (seal off) the catheter.
Appropriate treatment for spasms and pain.
Hypersensitivity (try an ice pack on area prior to intimacy).
Medications – check with your doctor if there is a side-effect of medication which reduces libido or sexual function, or if medication has incontinence as a side-effect.Common questions and concerns about sexuality and incontinenceQ. What if I am incontinent or my catheter leaks during sexual activity?
A. Try to empty your bladder prior to intimacy. Be prepared by protecting the bed and have towels and washcloths ready. You may need to discuss your fluid intake with your doctor, including the types of fluids you are drinking, and assess your alcohol consumption.Q. What do I do with a urinary catheter if I want to have intercourse?
A. A catheter can be removed prior to sexual intimacy and a new one inserted. This may not be economically viable for some people, but if possible, it should be considered. For men a catheter can be taped to the shaft of the penis, allowing for an erection. If friction is a concern, a condom may be worn and KY jelly used for lubrication. For women the catheter may be taped to the inner thigh, to prevent the possibility of damage.Q. Will my partner catch a urinary tract infection from my catheter?
A. If a person is in good health, it is unlikely that they would be susceptible to the organisms associated with a urinary catheter. If there is any doubt, the partner can be encouraged to wash themselves after intercourse and drink plenty of fluids.Q. I’m worried about being able to get an erection and ejaculate.
A. Having a catheter in place should not effect an erection or ejaculation. An erection is a combination of thinking (psychogenic) and touching (reflexogenic) responses and it is possible that anxiety may affect the psychogenic responses. It is necessary, however, to ascertain the exact cause of the impotence and this may mean a referral to an Urologist. Sometimes, however, a catheter can have the opposite effect and cause spontaneous erections due to the friction.Q. I am worried about the smell of my urine, especially when I have a urinary tract infection.
A. Certain types of chronic infections can produce strong or offensive odours. It is a good idea to wash yourself regularly and even during intimate times as part of foreplay.Q. I do not like the look of the drainage bag and I am worried about being intimate with someone, because of their reaction to it.
A. A leg bag may be covered or put out of the way. It is a good idea to communicate to a prospective partner prior to sexual intimacy about the equipment, so that they know what to expect. Sometimes a catheter can be temporarily spigotted (sealed off) and the leg bag removed.References
Annie Norrish, Promoting continence and sexual health, Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre Rieve, J.E. (1989) Sexuality and the Adult with Acquired Physical Disability. Nursing Clinics of North America, 24 (1), 268
Atkinson, K. (1997). Incorporating Sexual Health into Catheter Care. Professional Nurse, 13, (3). 146-148.
Roe B. & May C. (1999) Journal of Advanced Nursing 30(3), 573-579 Incontinence and sexuality: findings from a qualitative perspective.
King, R.B. (1988). Sexuality and Incontinence. In Gartley, C.B. Managing Incontinence. Souvenir Press, London.115
King, R.B. (1988). Sexuality and Incontinence. In Gartley, C.B. Managing Incontinence. Souvenir Press, London.115
Colburn, D. (1994) The Promotion of Continence in Adult Nursing. Chapman Hall, London. 138 – 144.
Colburn, D. (1994) The Promotion of Continence in Adult Nursing. Chapman Hall, London. 138 – 144.<< Top of pageContinence Products
Continence products such as pads and catheters can assist people affected by incontinence to lead a normal life. This does not replace the need to seek professional advice from a health professional which should be the first step in learning to manage your incontinence.Choosing the right product
There are many continence products on the market that can assist you to stay dry and comfortable. These can be purchased at pharmacies, supermarkets, wholesalers or on this website. Selecting the right product to meet your needs is very important.Pads and pants
People come in all shapes and sizes. So do pads and pants. Pads can be disposable (i.e. use and throw away) or re-usable (i.e. washable). There are disposable pads and dribble pouches designed specifically for men with urinary leakage. These are also available in different sizes.
Disposable pads are available at most supermarkets and pharmacies.
The advantage of disposable pads is their convenience; however cost can often be an issue. Reusable items are less expensive over time but require washing and drying. This includes pads and pants with built-in pads. Some reusable pads need attaching to special reusable underpants or clothing. Pants with built-in pads are designed to be worn like underpants and removed when you go to the toilet.
Disposable or reusable pads may also be worn with stretch net pants. Net pants can be washed several times before discarding them. All-in-one pads are a full-sized brief that wrap around the body and seal with re-usable adhesive tape to suit people who cannot walk or stand or for someone with a disability, or where a carer is changing the product. The carer can change them while the wearer is lying down.
A larger pad will usually absorb more urine. Some large pads are specifically designed for faecal incontinence and have built in odour control. It is important to use a pad that fits snugly. A pad that is too big or too small or does not fit closely can leak and cause skin rashes and abrasions. Continence pads contain special absorbent material which allows them to hold varying volumes. Some people need different products overnight to keep dry for a good night’s sleep.
Most reuseable items need to be replaced every 6-12 months. However, check the product specifications and guarantee as all products aren’t made equal.Protectors for mattresses and chairs
Pads for beds and chairs, including wheel-chairs and car-seats, can be used alone or as a back-up to pads and pants. Bed pads and chair pads have a waterproof backing. These can also be disposable or reusable. They draw the urine away from the body. They are often used at night for a good night’s sleep undisturbed by a wet bed. These pads are not designed for faecal incontinence so a pad should always be worn as well where faecal incontinence may occur.
Fitted waterproof covers are also available for the bed, pillows and doona covers.
Please find below links to bed and mattresses protectors:Condom drainage for men
Some men prefer to use a condom drainage system instead of a pad. A specialised device like a condom (called a urodome) fits closely over the penis and is connected to a drainage bag, which is strapped onto the man’s leg, which collects the urine. A larger drainage bag can be used overnight. Some condoms are sticky or self-adhesive. Others use a separate strip of adhesive on the penis before the condom is applied.
Short sheath condoms are available for men who experience retraction or shortening of their penis. As many men prefer a condom to a pad, it is usually worth a trial. Once again, it is important to get professional advice for the correct size and fit.Catheters
A catheter is a hollow tube which drains urine directly from the bladder into a drainage bag or is connected to a stop valve. Drainage bags may be secured into the leg under clothing during the day or to a night bag (hung on the bed side) overnight. Night bags hold larger volumes of urine. A catheter is used only if absolutely necessary and is prescribed by the doctor or specialist.Toilets
Access and use of a toilet can be made easier by making the following changes:
Adjust the toilet to the correct height by using a raised toilet seat and installing grab-hand-rails to make sitting down and getting up easier.
Provide support for the proper seating position by using a foot stool (if you can do so safely) if your feet do not reach the floor comfortably.
Clean and provide good lighting and warmth to make the toilet environment comfortable.
Ensure the toilet is safe by removing clutter that can slow or trip you such as floor rugs and bath mats.
Install an outward opening door – inward opening doors are dangerous particularly if you fall against the closed door and then are trapped.Alternatives to toilets
When a toilet cannot be reached easily, consider using an alternative:
Commodes – a commode is a chair with a built in toilet pan which can be placed by the bed. Commodes come in a variety of designs. Some look like ordinary chairs with a cover-seat in position. Mobile commodes have two or four wheels and brakes.
Hand-held urinals – these bottles or urine collection devices are available for men and women. Some have a non-spill design and can be used in bed or on a chair. Disposable urinals are available for travelling. You need to have a degree of strength and flexibility, particularly so for female urinals which must be held quite firmly.Tips for clothes and shoes
Clothing that is quick and easy to remove is best when you are hurrying to the toilet. Loose, elasticised clothing is easier, for example, than belted tailored trousers.
Simple sewing jobs such as extending a fly down to the crotch seam or replacing zips and buttons with VelcroTM are useful.
Choose dark or patterned fabric for shirts and trousers to disguise any unwanted leakage.
Shoes made of leather or vinyl are easier to clean than material shoes and slippers.Tips for skin care
Skin irritation is common with urinary and faecal incontinence. Keep your skin clean and dry by:
Changing your pad frequently enough to keep the skin dry.
Washing skin at least twice daily (preferably with a soap free cleanser or a soap alternative).
Patting your skin dry instead of rubbing.
Avoiding talcum powder and barrier creams as they can interfere with the absorbency of continence pads.
If irritation persists seek help from a continence nurse advisor or your local doctor. They will advise you on a personalised skin care regime.How to control odours
Fresh urine does not usually smell bad. If it does it could be a urine infection so speak to your doctor .
Urine can smell if it is left exposed to air. Here are some ways to deal with the unwanted odours associated with incontinence:
Replace continence products to prevent leakage onto clothes, furnishings and bedding.
Dispose of continence products into a container with a fitted lid.
Wash wet linen and clothing regularly.
Open the window and doors to encourage air flow.
Use room deodorants and odour neutralisers if necessary.
Please note that the content on this page are taken from the Continence Foundation of Australia (CFA) website (ift.tt/2hQAMoQ).
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