Many people struggle with urinary incontinence every day. It's estimated that up to 25% of all older adults experience incontinence, with the condition being approximately twice as common in women as in men.
Urinary incontinence is the medical term for involuntary urination — essentially a condition where you unintentionally leak urine.
In addition to being an uncomfortable physical issue for those affected, incontinence unfortunately also has significant social and psychological consequences for many people. Involuntary urination is a condition that many find embarrassing, often leading them to deal with it in silence. As a result, too few seek medical help and miss out on discovering the numerous solutions and treatments available.
Let's start by making one thing clear: There's absolutely no reason to feel ashamed about incontinence! It's a very common issue affecting countless people, and there are plenty of solutions to help, so you don't have to let it hold you back.
At Seniorshop, we want to highlight the issue of involuntary urination, aiming both to break the taboo and reassure you that you're far from alone. At the bottom of this page, you'll find more information on the many effective aids we offer and how they can make a difference for you.
Incontinence Affects the Mind
Dealing with a problem or condition alone can be very isolating. For many seniors, incontinence is associated with shame, which can significantly impact their social lives. Some people worry about potential odor or how others might perceive them, leading them to stay away. Others are anxious about going outdoors, where finding a restroom in time might be challenging if the urge arises.
In such cases, incontinence becomes more than a physical issue of involuntary urination; it transforms into a larger problem where individuals isolate themselves due to embarrassment or feeling "different." Incontinence often leads to psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Given how common incontinence is among older adults, there's a strong need to challenge the stigma and bring more awareness to it in society, so no one has to feel alone or embarrassed.
A good starting point is to shed light on a wealth of information so myths and misconceptions can be debunked. Let's begin by understanding what incontinence really is and why it occurs.
What Is Incontinence?
As mentioned, urinary incontinence is the medical term for involuntary urination, and there are two main types:
- Stress Incontinence
- Urge Incontinence
Stress incontinence typically occurs during physical activity or when laughing, sneezing, or coughing. These activities apply extra pressure on the abdomen, which can lead to involuntary urination. This can range from small dribbles to larger leaks.
Stress incontinence is a relatively common phenomenon affecting both young and old, often indicating a weakened pelvic floor muscle. For men, the most common cause is an enlarged prostate, which may occur after surgery, among other reasons.
Urge incontinence comes from the English word "urge," indicating a sudden, strong need to urinate that leads to involuntary leakage if the toilet is not reached in time.
Incontinence doesn't always fit neatly into one type and may be a combination of both. Regardless, it's important to consult your doctor if you experience symptoms of incontinence, as there's a lot of help available in terms of treatment, prevention, and aids.
Myths About Incontinence
When a topic carries stigma, it often spawns numerous myths and misunderstandings. While we've touched on it already, let's debunk a couple of the most common myths about incontinence once and for all.
Myth 1: Incontinence Only Affects Older Women
No, involuntary urination can affect people of all ages — and men too. While it's true that incontinence predominantly affects women, the condition is also common among men, especially older men.
The risk of incontinence increases with age, but in fact, up to 17% of young women over 20 experience issues with involuntary urination.
Myth 2: There Is No Treatment
Actually, there are treatments, but since many avoid seeking help, they're often unaware of the options. The most common and effective treatments include simple pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. There's also medical treatment available and surgical options for severe cases. In short, there are numerous ways to significantly improve or even resolve the condition.
Find the Perfect Aids for Incontinence in Our Webshop
Aids are designed to improve the quality of life for individuals, reducing worries and making daily life easier. At Seniorshop, we naturally have a wide range of aids for those dealing with involuntary urination. These aids can pave the way for a freer life with minimal discomfort.
Here's a selection of the many incontinence aids we offer at Seniorshop, and how they can help you:
Adult Diapers and Incontinence Pads
First on our list are inserts. We offer a variety of incontinence pads and adult diapers with different absorbency levels for both men and women. You can find several adult diapers and incontinence pads that absorb liquid and control odors. We prioritize discreet and compact designs that aren't noticeable under clothing. We carry the well-known TENA® brand for both men and women.
Incontinence Underwear and Swimwear
You can also choose from various incontinence underwear styles designed to absorb moisture and reduce odor problems. These come as boxershorts for men and as panties for women. We also offer incontinence swimwear, allowing you to enjoy swimming without worries.
Incontinence Underpads and Mattress Protectors
In our shop, you'll find many types of incontinence underpads, both disposable and reusable. By using an incontinence underpad, you can easily protect your armchair or bed from stains and marks. We also offer soft, comfortable bedding designed for incontinence.
If you're concerned about odor, we have a variety of odor eliminators that can significantly improve your comfort. Our odor neutralizing products work by eliminating smells rather than masking them. They are available as sprays or in concentrated forms that you can mix with water, helping keep your clothes and furniture odor-free in case of an accident.
With the right incontinence aids, you're well on your way to enhancing your quality of life.
