Urinary Leakage: Discover Products and Treatment Options
Urinary incontinence is a relatively common problem that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Choosing an absorbent product that retains urine effectively can allow people who are incontinent to continue their daily activities and prevent them from feeling socially isolated.
Disposable absorbent pads
Absorbent pads for urinary incontinence are different from sanitary pads in that their absorbent material is designed specifically to retain urine and mask its odour. They are good for light to moderate leakage.
Pads come in various sizes and absorbencies. There are also cup-shaped guards designed specifically for the male anatomy.
It is recommended that men wear form-fitting briefs with the guard or pad placed toward the front of the brief so it sits snug against the body. Women should place the pad in the middle of their panties.
Disposable absorbent underwear
There are two types of absorbent underwear: incontinence underwear that looks a lot like everyday undergarments, and other models with adjustable side tabs. All absorbent underwear comes in various sizes and absorbencies. There are unisex models as well as women’s or men’s models for which the range of sizes and the positioning of the absorbent material is adapted to the male or female anatomy.
Since incontinence underwear cannot be adjusted to fit more snugly, it is important to choose the right size. If it’s too big, there’s a risk of leakage, and if it’s too small, it will be uncomfortable to wear.
Adjustable underwear can be made more form-fitting, to prevent leaks. What’s more important is that you don’t need to get undressed to put them on or remove them. This can be convenient, especially for people who are bed-ridden or have reduced mobility.
There are also washable pads and underwear available on the market.
Your pharmacist can help you choose the right product for you. Ask them for advice.
Protecting the skin
To prevent skin irritation, it is important to remove the wet product as soon as possible, and to wash and dry skin thoroughly before replacing with a clean one. It can be helpful to apply a protective cream, to avoid skin irritation.
Treatments
A number of treatment options exist for treating an overactive bladder, and your healthcare provider will help you select the best one for depending on factors such as the type of incontinence. Usually, your doctor will first recommend bladder or pelvic floor muscle training. In terms of prescription medications, the most common types are anticholinergics and antimuscarinics, which reduce involuntary contractions of the bladder. Some people may also be recommended treatments such as botulinum toxin, estrogen therapy, or surgery. You may need to try a few different products to see which one you tolerate best. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
In conclusion, there are many products and treatment options for urinary leakage offered in pharmacy that could suit your specific need. Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice!
The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.