Latest News

There are things people find difficult or embarrassing to discuss with their doctors. Incontinence is often one of them. However, it is important to remember that your doctor is professionally trained in handling health issues, including toilet habits.

Your doctor would rather you discuss any health issues you have, even if they’re of an intimate nature, before the problem gets worse.

To help you get the conversation started, we’ve got a list of questions you can ask your doctor.

How to Start an Incontinence Discussion with Your Doctor

Did you know that most of the time, incontinence can be improved or cured? The first step to improving your condition is to begin the discussion with your doctor. Your doctor can’t begin to help you if you don’t tell them what’s happening. Come to your appointment prepared with the information you want to discuss about your bladder of bowels. This helps you remember all the issues you want to discuss and gives your doctor a good overview of your symptoms. Remember you know your body, routines, and any changes. Your input is vital in the process of getting better.

What to Consider Before Seeing Your Doctor

Before attending your appointment, it is a good idea to think about the things you want to discuss with your GP. This might include:

• Is it bladder or bowel incontinence?
• Do you know when it started?
• How often are you incontinent?
• When is your incontinence worse?
• How heavy is the incontinence?
  • Is it a small amount of urine or faeces or full saturation?
• Have you noticed a fever at all?
• Is it painful to use the toilet?
• Are you taking any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications?

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

One you have considered the points above, it is a good idea to think about the specific questions you might want to ask your doctor. These might include:

• What type/s of incontinence could this be?
• Could my incontinence be associated with lifestyle, medications, pregnancy, menopause, childbirth, hereditary issues, or another medical condition?
• Would hormone replacement therapy help treat my incontinence if it is related to menopause?
• If my incontinence is related to a medial condition, will treating the condition improve my incontinence?
• Should I keep a bladder or bowel diary?
• What type of tests will I need?
• If I choose not to undertake treatment, will my symptoms get better or worse?
• How can I reduce my risk of odours, rashes, and other issues associated with incontinence?
• What diet and lifestyle changes will I need to make to manage my incontinence?
• Should I do pelvic floor exercises?
• If you do recommend pelvic floor exercises, do you have a guide on how to do them or recommend a therapist?
• Why do you recommend this particular treatment?
• What can I expect before, during and after this treatment?
• If this treatment is unsuccessful, what are our other options?
• What are the potential side effects of incontinence medications?
• If I experience severe side effects, what should I do?

Questions Your Doctor May Ask

So you feel more comfortable having this discussion with your doctor, we’ve have added a list of questions below that your doctor may ask. As with all medical issues, your doctor will ask for your symptoms, medical history, surgical history, and family medial history. These questions might include:

• Do you have issues with bladder or bowel control?
• Are you constipated?
• Do you have trouble holding your bowels or urine?
• How often do you wake up at night to use the bathroom?
• Do you feel that you empty your bowels or bladder completely?
• How often do you use the bathroom during the day?
• Do you experience leaks when doing physical activities like exercising, lifting, coughing or sneezing?
• How much do you drink during the day?
• Have you felt a sudden urge to urinate or loose your bowels that didn’t allow you to get to the toilet fast enough?
• How much urine or faecal matter do you lose during these times?
• Is it painful or uncomfortable to use the bathroom?
• Do you feel any dropping of the bladder or uterus, or do you feel any building from your vagina?
• Is there a pulling or pressure in your pelvis, especially if you’ve been standing for a long time?
• Have your sexual habits changed?
• Do you wear protective pads to try to control your leakage?

Holistic Incontinence carries a wide range of supplies to help you manage your incontinence. Explore our products today or have a friendly chat with our team today. We can help you find the right options.

Incontinence can affect anyone at any age, for a variety of reasons. And while incontinence can be difficult for adults and the elderly to deal with, it can be even harder as a teen. It is a challenge that can leave a child or teenager embarrassed and socially isolated. Today we’re going to discuss how incontinence can affect teenagers, why it occurs, and how you can manage it.

What Types of Incontinence Can Teenagers Suffer From?

There are three main categories of teenage incontinence. These are:

Stress Incontinence

This occurs when the bladder muscles are put under stress. This stress is usually caused by pressure on the bladder. Leakage occurs when you cough or exercise.

Urge Incontinence

With urge incontinence, you will feel an overwhelming urge to urinate. Leakage can occur before you reach a bathroom.

Nocturnal Enuresis/Leakage

This occurs when involuntary leakage happens during the night. It can also present as the urge to urinate as soon as one wakes up or can wake you up during the night.

What Can cause Incontinence in Teenagers?

As with adults, there are a variety of reasons why a teenager may develop incontinence. These include:

Congenital Abnormalities

According to pelvic reconstructive surgeons and urogynaecologists, one of the reasons why teenagers can suffer incontinence is due to congenital abnormalities. There are a number of different congenital abnormalities in children and teenagers such as:

• Chromosome abnormalities
• Single-gene abnormalities
• Genetic issues
• Conditions during pregnancy

This is why it is important to discuss the issue with your doctor. While not all congenital abnormalities can be fixed, your doctor can help you improve your symptoms or better manage the condition.

Urinary Tract Infections or Cystitis

If you develop incontinence after becoming sexually active, this could be the sign of a UTI or bladder infection. UTIs and cystitis can create an urge to empty your bladder, however you can only pass a little urine at a time. It can also cause leakage before you reach the bathroom.

Painful urination, stinging or burning sensations are all signs of a UTI. It can also result in cloudy or bloody urine. If left untreated, UTIs and cystitis can lead to permanent issues with emptying the bladder, overflow incontinence and even over-distention.

Again, it is always important to see a doctor if you’re suffering from any of these issues, as treatment is generally very easy.

Medications

If you are taking medications for other conditions, incontinence can be a side effect. Both sedatives and muscle relaxants can reduce bladder control. Medications for the heart or blood pressure can also impact the bladder. If you notice the onset of incontinence occurring after starting a new medication, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop your medications as this can cause many more issues. Your doctor will be able to advise you if this is a temporary side effect, or if you need to try another medication.

Chronic Illnesses and Auto-Immune Conditions

Unfortunately, chronic illnesses, disease and auto immune disorders can occur at any age. And some of these conditions present with incontinence as a symptom. These can include nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, colitis, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, chronic constipation and more. If you haven’t discussed this with your specialist or if this symptom has just begun, it is important to talk to your doctor. It could be a symptom of your condition or a side effect of your medication, and it could be treated.

Injuries or High Impact Sports

One of the most common causes of urinary incontinence is sports injuries from high impact sports such as running or gymnastics. Any sport where you hit the ground with force. This is can cause damage to the pelvic muscles over time. Further, this can also occur if your pelvic muscles are weaker than average, due to biological/genetic issues or because the pelvic floor isn’t exercised enough.

Obesity

Unfortunately, being overweight or obese can increase the chance of incontinence or increase its severity. This is because excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor. Not only does it weaken the pelvic floor, but it increases or causes stress incontinence.

Poor diet can also affect incontinence. Overindulging in foods and drinks that contain caffeine can cause or increase incontinence. This is because caffeine is a diuretic, making you need to urinate more. Discuss the situation with your doctor on how to improve your diet and lose weight healthily.

How Incontinence Affects Teenagers

Incontinence can have serious affects on teenagers in their most important, formative years. Not only does it cause embarrassment, many teenagers shut themselves off from friends, relationships and more.

While some teenagers can hide their issues, others struggle to do so.

Relationships

If you’re suffering from incontinence, making friends and dating can seem terrifying. Going out with friends or going on a date can seem like an incredible hurdle to pass. Further, the stress of not knowing where a bathroom is or how long you’ll be gone can make matters worse. Having someone come too near and finding out your problem can feel both scary and humiliating.

It can help to know that many people who suffer incontinence have long, fulfilling relationships – including intimate ones. And while it might seem unobtainable, it will happen.

While it might seem lie a terrifying concept, but talking about your incontinence can help. Seeking help from family and doctors might lead to treatment or cure for your incontinence, rather than suffering in silence.

School and Studying

Research has shown that teenagers with incontinence are at a greater risk of underachieving at school. Further, they need more support to remove barriers so they can reach their academic potential.

Incontinence is one of the most common paediatric health problems. However, it is commonly believed that incontinence problems will resolve with age in all children. But severe incontinence in childhood can persist into adolescence. There are around 3-4% suffering from urinary incontinence and 1% suffering from bowel incontinence.

Many teenagers feel that there are in danger of bullying and stigmatising, if they disclose their issue to friends or teachers. This feeling of not being able to disclose means that supporting young people at school is difficult. Teachers and school staff need increased awareness of incontinence issues in young people and how to provide guidance as needed.

Students find that their education is also disrupted by having to leave class for frequent toilet visits. Some have to leave class 3 or 4 times. As a result, many would fall behind in their lessons or lose time in exams because they had to step out.

For those where bathroom leave was denied, their concentration was affected due to their continence needs or anxiety about possible accidents. This is particularly difficult for teenagers as school will have a direct impact on further education and employment.

As a result, many agree that work needs to be done to improve school life for young people with incontinence.

How to Manage Incontinence as a Teenager

Thankfully, there are many ways to help support a teenager through incontinence issues. These include:

Choosing the Right Incontinence Product

Finding the right product is important. There are products designed to manage heavy incontinence, light incontinence, day and night-time incontinence, and more. Holistic Incontinence carries a wide range of products that you can browse through, to find the solution right for you.

Lighter Incontinence

If your incontinence is lighter, you can start with more discreet options, like small pads or pull up pants specifically designed for incontinence. It is important not to use panty liners or period pads as these are not designed for urine or faecal incontinence.

Heavier Incontinence

However, if your incontinence is heavier, choose more absorbent pull up pants or all-in-one pads. People prefer pull ups as they allow more freedom of movement. However, all-in-ones generally have more absorbency.

Faecal Incontinence

There are products specifically designed for faecal incontinence. For heavy faecal incontinence, a highly absorbent product is best.

See a Doctor

If you are experiencing any type of incontinence, it is important that you see a doctor. Incontinence can be cured in many cases, some cases require medication adjustments and, in other cases, methods of managing your incontinence can be suggested. It is important to remember that this condition is more common than your think. And there are ways to improve your life.

Explore Holistic Incontinence today for more information on our products.

We all know that being overweight impacts our health. And while scientists and researchers are still trying to discover exactly what extent it impacts or health, it is generally agreed that obesity contributes to a wide range of medical conditions. These include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Prediabetes
• Joint problems including arthritis

Being obese can also reduce quality of life. It limits mobility, makes travel difficult and has been found to diminish self-esteem.

However, one of the less known side effects of obesity is incontinence. This occurs when your weight presses on the bladder, causing urinary incontinence. It can also make existing incontinence, worse.

Diet also attributes to bladder control. Join us as we discuss in more detail how your weight can affect or cause incontinence.

How Weight Affects Bladder Control

Researchers have shown a clear association between obesity and urinary incontinence. It shows that obesity is a strong risk factor for urinary incontinence. In fact, for every 5 units increase in weight, the odds of developing incontinence increase by 30-60%.

Further, the same study reveals that there may be a strong association with excess weight and stress incontinence, as well as mixed incontinence with an overactive bladder. However, it shows that women with stronger muscles and better grip strength are less likely to develop or continue experiencing incontinence.

Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce bladder leakage, including stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is linked not only to pregnancy, childbirth, obesity and menopause, but also with diabetes and prediabetes. Studies have shown that prediabetic patients who lose weight also reduce their chance of developing both diabetes and incontinence.

How Diet Can Affect Bladder Control

While many people who experience bladder leakage attempt to control it by reducing fluid intake, this can actually worsen the problem. It creates highly concentrated urine that makes you need the bathroom – or feel like you need the bathroom – more frequently. Not drinking enough can also create excess bacteria growth, which also leads to bladder infections.

You should also avoid bladder irritants as much as possible. Removing the following irritants from your diet might help improve bladder control and function:

Alcohol

Both a diuretic and stimulant, alcohol increases the amount of urine your produce. It also increases feelings of urgency.

Caffeine

Another diuretic and stimulant. Replacing them with herbal teas (remember to check as some teas also contain caffeine) to improve your symptoms.

Carbonated drinks

Soft drinks and sparkling water make an overactive bladder worse. Choose spring or tap water instead.

Artificial sweeteners

These are known bladder irritants and are terrible for your health. It is best to eliminate them where and when you can.

Chocolate

Another stimulant that can increase the feeling of urgency. Find a replacement for chocolate when you can.

Acidic fruits and juice

Acid can irritate the urinary tract. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, tomato-based products, berries and more all contain acid. Where possible, replace high acid foods with low-acid ones, like banana or avocado. Tomatoes can be replaced by tamarind, capsicum and eggplant.

Drink More Water

This might sound counter-intuitive but staying hydrated is important to reducing incontinence. Water is essential to your digestion, and controls your nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, bowels and other bodily functions. In fact, the best way to avoid triggering urinary incontinence is to drink water steadily through the day. If you are constantly dehydrated, you will find yourself gulping down large quantities of water, which your body can’t process so quickly.

Remember, everyone’s water needs are different. The 8 glasses of water a day rule has, in fact, been long seen as a myth. Further, your water needs are met, not just by water, but by the non-diuretic drinks you have and the food you eat.

How Else Can I Control Bladder Leakage?

There are also additional methods to controlling your incontinence. These include:

Kegel Exercises

The muscles of your pelvis floor and urinary sphincter are integral to urination control. As such, regularly doing Kegel exercises will help strengthen these important muscles. As a result, you have improved control of your urinary incontinence.

Managing Medications

Some medications, like high blood pressure, heart, antihistamines, diuretics, sedatives, antidepressants and others can have incontinence side effects. Do NOT stop any medication without discussing it first with your doctor. They will be able to prescribe a better option for you.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is terrible for your health, so its no surprise that heavy smokers are likely to develop complications. This include chronic coughing which can trigger incontinence.

Constipation

Chronic constipation and straining to use the toilet can damage the pelvic floor. Exercise regularly, drink water and eat a high fibre diet to stay regular.

Exercise

You should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. This is not only important for your health, it may also reduce incontinence.

Incontinence, Body Fat and Weight

A recent study has suggested that not only your weight, but also body composition, may play a role in incontinence. Stress and urge incontinence were found to be twice as common in patients with the highest BMIs or the greatest proportion of body fat. Further, patients who lost grip strength, which is an indicator of reduced muscle mass, also saw increased episodes of incontinence.

Those who reduced their BMI or body fat by at least 5% were less likely to have persistent incontinence than those who did not lose weight or fat. This suggests that while weight alone may help alleviate both forms of incontinence, it is also important to increase exercise to build muscle mass.

Need help managing incontinence? View our products today!

Many people identify incontinence as an embarrassing problem experiences only by the elderly. However, you may be surprised to find that incontinence affects people of all ages and genders, for a wide variety of reasons. So join us today as we debunk what your mother has told you about incontinence!

Why Do I Leak a Little Bit, Sometimes?

The mother of all incontinence myths is that all women leak a little, that it isn’t incontinence. However, incontinence is defined as ANY accidental or involuntary loss of urine, faeces, or wind. That means even a little leakage is defined as incontinence. While clever marketing is at the root of the “light bladder leakage” or “LBL”, it is important to remember this is not normal. It is incontinence, and it can be treated or improved.

Can I Get Incontinence If I Haven’t Been Pregnant?

Too many women believe that pregnancy alone causes incontinence. And while pregnancy can increase the chances of developing incontinence, incontinence actually affects 1 in 5 women. This includes women who have never had a baby.

Does Incontinence Run in Families?

Incontinence is not a genetic issues, most of the time. It can be a symptom of a genetic condition, but not the sole issue. Just because you have family members who suffer from incontinence, that doesn’t mean you will as well. In fact, incontinence can be prevented by adopting simple lifestyle habits, like a better diet and more exercise. If you do develop incontinence, most cases can be cured or well managed. But incontinence is not normal and is not an inherited problem you have to put up with.

Will a Caesarean Prevent Incontinence?

It doesn’t matter what type of delivery you had, pregnancy itself can put you at a higher risk or incontinence or prolapse. This is because pregnancy puts additional weight on the pelvic floor and increases your hormones.

Who Can Experience Prolapse?

It used to be thought that prolapse was a rare condition that affects the elderly. However, prolapse is not rare. As many as 1 in 4 women have one or more symptoms of pelvic prolapse. This is where the bladder, uterus or rectum protrudes into the vagina. The most common symptom of this is urinary incontinence.

Further, age plays a limited role in the causes of prolapse and symptoms may surface during pregnancy, after childbirth or due to menopause.

Do Men Have Pelvic Floors?

Another myth in much need of debunking is the idea that only women have pelvic floors. Men do, in fact, have pelvic floors that require as much maintenance as women. This regulates good bladder and bowel health. As both men and women age, the muscles surrounding the urethra can lose their tone, resulting in leaking urine. Regular pelvic floor exercise can help avoid this and are useful in treating incontinence after prostate surgery.

Do I have Incontinence?

About 4.8 million Australians (1 in 4) aged 15 and older have incontinence. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have bowel or urinary incontinence. Do you:

• Sometimes feel as if you have not completely emptied your bladder?
• Feel like you need to rush to the bathroom?
• Often feel anxious about losing control of your bladder or bowels?
• Wake up twice, or more, during the night to urinate?
• Leak before you get to the toilet?
• Sometimes leak I you lift a heavy object, exercise, sneeze, cough or laugh?
• Leak when you stand up after sitting or lying down?
• Strain when you use the toilet?
• Occasionally soil your underwear?
• Plan your daily routine around the nearest toilet?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should see your doctor to discuss if you have urinary or bowel incontinence. Incontinence can be cured or improved under doctor’s supervision with diet and medication adjustments.

Who Can Help with Incontinence?

Incontinence can be cured, prevented or better managed in most cases. Discussing your condition with your doctor means you can alter your diet and any medications (if possible) to eliminate or improve incontinence symptoms.

Further, there are now a wide range of discreet, comfortable and affordable incontinence products on the market today. These are ideal for managing incontinence that cannot be cured with diet, exercise, or medication adjustment. Holistic Incontinence provides a wide range of products online, which can be discreetly shipped to your home. View our products today so you can start feeling more comfortable.

When you or a loved one need overnight or full day protection, it can be daunting to find the right product. You need something that is wearable, highly absorbent, and comfortable. Do you choose pull up nappies or adult diapers? And what is the difference? Join us as we discuss the difference between adult pull ups and adult diapers!

Adult Diapers vs. Pull-up Nappies

The major difference between incontinence nappies and incontinence pull-ups is the side panels. Adult diapers have tab closures that can be opened and closed easily ensuring changes. Pull-ups, however, function like underwear but also feature tearable side panels to make removal easier.

Pull-ups, once opened, cannot be closed again. Further, while both diapers and pull-up nappies can be removed without removing the user’s pants, only diapers can be put on again without removing pants. Many users, however, feel that adult pull up incontinence pads are more dignified as they are similar to underwear.

Adult Diapers

Adult diapers have been around for years and have common features, including side tabs, absorbent cores and stretchy waistbands. They are generally not gender specific and come in a wide variety of sizes. Adult diapers also come with leg cuffs and are ideal for both urine and faecal incontinence.

Pull Up Underwear

Pullup incontinence have elastic waistbands, making wearing them more comfortable. Breathable and absorbent, they generally have standing leg cuffs to prevent leakage. Pull ups are great for incontinent people who are always on the go. They fit perfectly under your clothing and are gender neutral as well.

If you need extra protection, you can always add a “booster” incontinence pad inside your briefs. Further, pull up incontinence pads come in feminine colours and patterns.

Key benefits:

• Snug, close and comfortable fit
• Discreet appearance like normal underwear
• Flexibility and freedom
• The choice between washable and disposable
• Comfortable, elastic waist
• No rustling or noise during use
• Great for an active lifestyle
• Wide range of sizes
• Soft and comfortable

Pull Up Nappy Sizing

Getting the right size pull up pants is important. They need to fit snugly to contain leaks. Measure your hips and waist, then take the large of the two. You can live an active lifestyle and forget you’re wearing an incontinence product.

Who Will Do the Changing?

Another important aspect to consider is who will be changing the diaper or pull ups. Will it be the user or a caregiver?

If the user is mobile and entirely – or at least mostly – independent, incontinence pull ups are usually the best choice. They provide an easy option for self-changing, and more dignity.

However, if a carer is responsible for changing, incontinence nappies with tabs are easier to manage over pull up diapers.

What are Incontinence Briefs?

Incontinence briefs are the same as adult nappies. Many people prefer the term incontinence briefs over nappies or diapers as it has less of a stigma. If someone is referring to “incontinence briefs” than you can assume they’re referring to diapers or nappies with tabs. Products “incontinence underwear” are generally adult pull up nappies.

When Should I Consider Incontinence Nappies?

Using incontinence products is a constantly changing process. It takes some testing and patience to work out what’s right for you. Many people wear light incontinence pads, liners, or disposable pull up underwear when they first become incontinent. These items can bring a level of comfort and familiarity when adjusting to incontinence products.

However, it is important to know the signs to look for that indicate it’s time to switch to a diaper. Wherever you are on your journey with incontinence, it is normal for your needs to change. Few people use the same product for their entire life with incontinence.

1: Leakage While Sleeping on Your Side

Side sleepers may notice leaks around the leg openings of your incontinence garment. This means you may need to switch to stronger, anti-leak protection. Fitted incontinence pull ups and nappies offer a tighter fit around the leg. Nappies especially provide a better fit because the side tabs can be adjusted as needed.

2: Strong Odours

Bowel incontinence can cause stronger odours than urinary incontinence. Nappies with tab sides also offer a protective plastic back sheet that helps contain odours better than pull ups which are more breathable.

3: Increased Output

If you notice that your urine or faecal incontinence output has increased, you may need to switch to a new product. Pull up adult nappies are not as absorbent as incontinence products that have tabs.

4: Mobility

Older users and those with medical issues ma have restricted mobility. Those who are wheelchair bound, have trouble moving, or have difficulty getting up from sitting or laying down positions may benefit more from tab-style incontinence diapers. This helps you, as well as any caregivers, and easier time during changes.

5: Schedule

For those who are mobile, tab-style adult diapers can also be more convenient. This means there’s no need for you to take off your shoes and pants in restrooms. Instead, the easy remove style of tab-sided adult nappies allows you to change anywhere, as you need.

6: Medical Products

For those who need to use an ostomy bag, feeding tube or catheter, tab style briefs can better fit across or around these products better than pull ups. Depending on your body type and size, tab style options fit snug around these medical products.

7: Decrease in Comfort

If you no longer feel comfortable wearing your current incontinence product, then it may be time for a change. Leaking, rubbing, or scratching around the groin, stomach or waist can cause irritation and discomfort. Listen to your body and be mindful of what bothers you.

Explore our range of products today, to find out what works for you!

Those who suffer from incontinence can have difficulty travelling or planning holidays. This is, unfortunately as common concern with many people across Australia and around the world. Being in an unfamiliar environment, especially one that may have limited bathrooms or restrictions on when they can be used. As a result, this can create anxiety in anyone who has trouble with bladder control. Holistic Incontinence have the following list of 4 tips to travel confidently with incontinence.

1: Preparation for Travelling with Incontinence

Preparation is everything. Being comfortable in the knowledge that you have some backups in place is important. As a result it is recommended you think ahead about your trip and what you might need. How are you travelling? By car or flying? Each option presents its own challenges for those with incontinence.

If you are flying, plan and book ahead to grab an aisle seat where possible. This will give you easier access to bathrooms. Further, plan your route with designated bathroom stops so you are never too long without a break.

Further, there are actual resources to help you plan for your trip and deal with incontinence. In fact, Australia has a national public toilet map, which is a great online or downloadable resource. This map lists the information of over 16,000 publicly available toilets around Australia.

2: Packing for Incontinence

It is important, when packing for your holiday, to consider what you use on a daily basis to manage your incontinence. Be sure to always pack plenty of supplies or stock up, bring extra clothing, and extra absorbent protection or medication before leaving home.

Further, you never know when your travel plans may change. Whether it is due to a cancelled flight or a weather delay, you don’t ever want to be stuck without your incontinence management products.

Finally, if you’re staying with family, consider if you need to bring bedding protection. Waterproof pads can be the perfect item to bring with you, as well as laundry detergent or plastic bags. Planning ahead keeps you one step ahead of the game. As a result, you will have peace of mind no matter what your travels throw at you.

3: Fluid Intake While Travelling

This is always a point where people differ. Some recommend you also limit your fluids, where safe and appropriate. Drink enough so you aren’t thirsty but don’t down a lot of fluid before you jump in a car or on a plane. If you use common sense while planning your trip, you will feel more comfortable and relaxed.

On the other hand, others warn against being tempted o reduce fluid intake. They argue that this does not reduce the risk of leakage. Instead, people recommend you choose your fluid wisely. It is important to avoid natural diuretics and bladder irritant, like caffeine. You should also ensure you drink plenty of water each day, not just on travelling days. By avoiding fluid intake you will reduce your bladder’s capacity and increase bladder sensitivity.

4: Create a Travel Checklist

Travel can be one of the greatest joys of life. It is also, often, a necessity. Help make this time less anxious by planning ahead and creating a travel checklist, or use our one below:

1. Plan 6-8 weeks in advance of your trip
2. Discuss your travel plans with your GP – they might have important aides, as well as vaccinations or booster shots you might require
3. Talk to your GP about any medications you may also be taking with you. Check your prescriptions are up to date and whether you need a doctor’s letter to travel with your medications. Also remember to keep your medications in their original packing when travelling overseas
4. Book your trip early and advise your agent on any needs you might have. Ensure they book you aisle seats where possible, near a toilet or near the front of the plane or vehicle so you can exit quickly on arrival
5. Plan each stage of your trip as appropriate
6. If you wear absorbent pads or underwear for bladder leakage, carry more supplies than you need for unexpected delays
7. Check whether you may need an extra luggage allowance when booking, especially if you are carrying a large supply of continence products
8. Inform airline staff of your needs so you can board first. This way you can calmly organise and arrange the products, clothing and carry-on luggage you need
9. Wear dark coloured clothing to disguise any leakages and ensure they are easy to remove and comfortable to wear. A sarong, jacket or cardigan can also be tied around the waits to disguise an accident
10. Take a small toilet bag as part of your carry-on luggage, as well as a change of clothing. Disposable wipes are handy
11. Eat light meals so you don’t feel bloated, queasy or uncomfortable. Travelling can upset your digestion and body clock
12. Avoid bladder irritants and natural diuretics like coffee, tea, chocolate drinks, soft drink, sports drinks, and alcohol. It is also best to avoid spicy or acidic foods
13. Walk and stretch as much as possible to help with circulation and digestion. You can do a range of exercises while seated

Standing in line and travelling can be frustrating, but when you are suffering from incontinence it can be a nightmare. By planning ahead, you can travel without distress. Do not let incontinence keep you from the dream of travel.

Explore Holistic Incontinence’s range of products today so you, too, can get out and see the world!

For some, urinary incontinence is a temporary problem that is often resolvable. For example, if your incontinence is due to obesity it is easy to solve with weight loss. However chronic urinary incontinence cannot be fully treated. This is due to the fact that chronic incontinence is often linked to nerve damage, impaired control mechanisms, interstitial cystitis, or an inherited abnormality. Today we will discuss how to live with and enjoy life with chronic urinary incontinence.

What Can Cause Chronic Urinary Incontinence?

Unfortunately, certain cognitive or neurological impairments, many of which start at birth, can impact someone’s ability to control of their bowels and/or bladder. This can make toilet management difficult. Further, many people with cognitive or neurological impairments simply do not know how to communicate that they need to use the bathroom, which causes confusion and accidents.

While many of us are aware of when we need to empty our bladder, some people do not or cannot register that their bladder or bowels are full. They might not even feel that their bladder is full.

Cerebral Palsy and Incontinence

Further, conditions like cerebral palsy that affect movement and coordination can lead to incontinence. A study into the prevalence, type and impact of urinary problems in those with cerebral palsy found that 45.7% of women claimed they had leakage that occurred 2-3 times per week. In men, incontinence was also reported by 45.7% of men. As a result, the study showed that there are high levels of incontinence in adults with cerebral palsy.

Multiple Sclerosis and Incontinence

As well as other conditions, multiple sclerosis was also found to cause chronic urinary incontinence. MS damages the nerves that send messages to your muscles, making them difficult to control. Multiple Sclerosis causes scars that develop on the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. As a result specific symptoms depend on which part of the nervous system has been affected. For many, this means the nerves responsible for sending signals to the bladder are damaged.

Physical Abnormalities and Incontinence

Unfortunately many people are born with physical birth defects which cause life-long issues with incontinence. Spinal defects and injuries at birth often cause chronic incontinence issues. Neurogenic issues cause problems with nerve tissue, preventing them from stimulating muscle function properly. The brain and spinal cord are the chains of command that send signals to the bladder. Spinal cord injury or conditions like spina bifida do not need to be severe to cause paralysis below the injured spinal level.

Further, something as simple as spinal cord bruising or insufficient blood flow can affect someone’s ability to transfer nerve signals.

Unfortunately, many of these conditions cannot be fixed, leaving many to face life long medical challenges.

Enjoying Life with Chronic Urinary Incontinence

 Chronic urinary incontinence can be difficult to live with. 70% of people with chronic incontinence admit that their quality of life is severely impacted. However, there are ways to make incontinence manageable and allow you to enjoy life.

Talk to Other People with Incontinence

It can be incredibly helpful to talk to those in a similar position to you. Finding support groups, societies or clubs, online and offline, can give you a base of support and understanding. Further, through these groups you can find more information to help you navigate your symptoms and issues. It can also give you the opportunity to socialise with others who understand you.

Ensure You Are Using the Right Products

It is important that you are using urinary incontinence products that are both comfortable and absorbent. There are a wide variety of item available now for incontinence. These include pull up pants, pads and other incontinence wear. However, these products need a close fit to ensure leakage does not escape. You should also consider what material feels more comfortable, how discreet your incontinence wear needs to be, and what to use in the case of sensitive skin.

Distract Yourself with Music and Entertainment

It is important to find yourself entertainment and hobbies that take your focus off your incontinence. From watching films you love to listening to calming music, to crafting, there is a wide range of activities that are both absorbing and distracting.

Find a Social Circle You Can Trust and Rely On

It is also vital that you spend time around positive people. These should be people who you can talk to about your problems with continence. If you attend to school or university and suffer from incontinence, it is important to discuss your problem with teachers and staff. They can ensure you are able to work around your incontinence issues without concerns or stigma.

Chronic incontinence does not have to take over your life. With proper management and products, many people find they are able to enjoy life normally. If you suffer from severe incontinence, Holistic Incontinence carries many products to make life easier for you. Explore our range today!

1 in 3 new mothers develop urinary incontinence. However, due to the taboo that still remains around incontinence, the condition remains frequently overlooked part of maternal morbidity. Further, many incontinent women feel ashamed in their body. Around 7 million women around the world have some form or degree of urinary incontinence.

Many are also too embarrassed to seek help, leaving the issue as a hidden societal and medical concern. Finally, more than a third of women who experience urinary or faecal incontinence are too ashamed to tell their partners. But it is important that women no longer suffer in silence.

Why Does Postnatal Incontinence Develop?

Pregnancy dramatically changes the human body. As a result, many women have lingering issues which persist long after childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel and uterus in women can be drastically weakened due to the weight of a baby during pregnancy and giving birth.

Further as the uterus shrinks in size after delivery it rests directly on the bladder. As a result, it is more difficult for the pelvic floor to function. Women who have had a spinal block or epidural can also experience incontinence due to the nerves around and inside the bladder feeling numb.

As a result, some women find they have little or no control over their bladder. In fact, it can be difficult to even tell when they need to use the bathroom.

Specific Risk Factors for Postpartum Incontinence

Research has uncovered a number of specific risk factors which cause postnatal incontinence. These include:

1. Each subsequent pregnancy can make long-term incontinence problems more likely
2. The length of labour, and whether you require forceps, make the development of incontinence more likely
3. Age is often associated with postnatal incontinence, specifically with women older than 35
4. Weight is also a factor, with obese women are more likely to develop incontinence
5. Delivery by c-section can lower the risk of more severe incontinence
6. Smoking can also impact the development of incontinence
7. Heavier babies are also more likely to cause they

How to Regain Bladder Control

There are a number of ways that you can improve or regain bladder control after pregnancy.

Exercise Pelvic Floor Muscles

Exercising the pelvic floor muscles can help regain bladder control. Pelvic floor exercise can help to gradually strengthen your pelvic floor. You can start exercises as soon as you feel comfortable after having a baby.

It is important to remember that you may not be able to feel your pelvic floor at first. This is due to the fact that the nerves in that area have been stretched during delivery. So don’t worry if you can’t feel anything happening at first, you are still doing yourself and your body some good.

Monitor Your Weight

Researchers estimate that each increase in BMI is associated with an incontinence risk of 50%. Further, there is evidence to suggest that those who have been overweight for longer, or since early adulthood, more than double their risk of incontinence. With more weight gain, more stress is placed on the pelvic floor. Further, there are strong correlations between intra-abdominal pressure, intravesical pressure and BMI.

As a result, this suggests that obesity may cause a chronic state of increased pressure. A higher BMI also causes mechanical stress on the urogenital tissues. While weight gain after childbirth is inevitable, keeping weight gain moderate can help control incontinence after birth.

Use the Right Products

It is important that you don’t just settle for using sanitary pads to control urinary incontinence. Although many people feel embarrassed about finding incontinence products, they are far more efficient. They can also prevent you from having uncomfortable accidents. Further there are many online stores now that cater to incontinence products, allowing discreet purchasing. Explore Holistic Incontinence today to find the right products for you.

Improving Care for Postnatal Incontinence

Thankfully, there are many ways health professionals can help improve incontinence after childbirth. This includes symptom screening and discussions of healthy bladder habits. Further, learning about muscle techniques can help women prevent symptoms from worsening. Many women do not understand why they have developed incontinence. As a result, education on pelvic floor injuries that can occur during childbirth are important.

Further, some of the risks for postpartum incontinence are treatable and worth investigating. It is important to always talk to your doctor and discuss any concerns you have. Suffering in silence will only prolong your symptoms and any mental health or emotional issues. Talking with your doctor might alleviate many of your fears, including the length of your urinary incontinence and what you can do to improve your symptoms.

For those who require ongoing support, Holistic Incontinence offers a wide range of products to help you manage your symptoms and get one with enjoying life. Explore the range today!

Incontinence pads and products are becoming an incredibly popular hygiene product. However, due to the frustrating social “taboo” that still surrounds incontinence, many people don’t know the best practices for their products and health. So join us today as we discuss how when to change your incontinence pads, incontinence pants and other products.

How Often Should I Change Incontinence Pants?

Incontinence briefs are made very similar to underwear, making them comfortable and often preferable to other incontinence products.  However it is important to always change incontinence pants and briefs before they become too wet. This ensures you don’t experience any accidental leakage, no matter how small. Further it is important to remember that wearing wet incontinence briefs for too long can lead to poor skin hygiene and bad odour.

How Do I Control Incontinence Brief Odour?

While most incontinence pants and briefs have inbuilt odour control features, recent studies show that odour is still a fear of most consumers. In fact the fears of odour, loneliness and social isolation are key consequences for most incontinence individuals. It is important to remember that incontinence products do feature odour control and that you can also purchase further odour control products for peace of mind.

Do Not Reuse Incontinence Pants

Wet incontinence briefs or pants are likely to deteriorate more quickly, causing unwanted leakage. Further, reusing incontinence products put you at risk of developing skin conditions, like dermatitis.

What If the Incontinence Brief Isn’t Absorbent Enough?

If your incontinence pants aren’t absorbent enough, you may need to choose an incontinence product with a high absorbency. You can also add an insert pad for extra security.

How Often Should I Change Incontinence Pads?

If you use incontinence pads it is always advised that you change it often to protect your skin. This means changing your pad around 4-6 times a day.

Change Your Incontinence Pad When It’s Wet

You should always change an incontinence pad when it is wet. You should be wearing a pad that caters to your absorbency needs and most pads come with wetness indicators which will let you know when you need to change your incontinence pad.

Why Do Some People Change Dry Pads?

Some incontinence pads are designed to only last 3-5 hours. Wearing them for longer leads to poor skin hygiene, bad odours, and uncomfortable fungal and skin conditions. You should change your pad frequently, wet or dry, to prevent your skin becoming irritated which will then lead to chaffing and can irritate underlying conditions like eczema.

How Do I Treat Skin Irritation?

If your pad does cause a skin irritation, it is important to treat it properly. First pat down the area with a dry towel to ensure it is entirely dry. Carefully wash the skin to decontaminate it and pat dry again. Then treat it with a protective cream or a similar product that will soothe the pain and heal the skin. Avoid using a thick, barrier cream on the skin as this can rub off and reduce absorption. Further, remember that skin irritations and infections can easily reappear, even if the area seems to have healed. If the irritation seems to be recurring, consult your doctor.

Changing Your Incontinence Pad at Night

Sleeping, of course, gets in the way of changing your pad every 3-4 hours. For that reason there are pads with higher absorbency that are designed for overnight usage. These are not generally appropriate for use during the day as they are bulkier and, as a result, won’t sit as subtly under your clothing. It is also important to change your overnight pad as soon as you wake up in the morning.

Living with incontinence is already an uncomfortable experience. It is important to ensure you don’t make it worse by causing yourself distress through skin infections and personal health negligence. Protect your skin, keep odours contained and prevent accidental leakage by changing your incontinence pad as recommended. Seek recommendations from your health profession and explore the Holistic Incontinence website today to find the right product for you, your condition and your lifestyle.

And, finally, don’t forget to always treat your skin if it is dry or irritable and change your pads as recommended or as soon as they are wet.

Recently studies have shown that up to 20% of women report having quit their physical activities due to incontinence. Leaking due to exercise is an unfortunate symptom of incontinence, especially when pressure is placed on the bladder. As well as exercise, activities like heavy lifting and coughing can also cause symptoms. However, incontinence shouldn’t limit your ability to participate in activities and exercise. In fact, keeping healthy and exercising actually improve the symptoms of incontinence. So join us today as we discuss the best ways to get you exercising again, despite incontinence.

Don’t Wear Panty Liners

Panty liners are not going to properly address or contain your incontinence. You need to choose an appropriate incontinence pad to suit your level of leakage. Further, if your incontinence is a new development, it is important to discuss the issue with your doctor to find the cause, and see if anything can be done to improve the condition.

Choose Your Exercise Incontinence Pads

Many people find choosing the right incontinence product daunting. This can be due to embarrassment, uncertainty, and the concerns about what might happen if you wear an unsuitable, unsubtle or bulky product. However, researching for the right style and features for your activities can help you turn your exercise into a confident and relaxed activity!

Avoid Bulky Incontinence Pads

 Not all incontinence products have to be big and bulky! There are many versatile products on sites like Holistic Incontinence, offering pads that are both discreet and comfortable. When exercising, try to choose a pad in a small size but at the right absorption level for you.

Look for Close Fit Design

The best way to feel comfortable is to feel like your incontinence product is discreet. Modern incontinence products are designed to fit the male or female shape, depending on what you buy. This means they provide maximum security, while allowing your skin to breathe as well as preventing leakage.

Choose a Breathable Options

When exercising, you want to wear the most breathable material possible. The same is true when you choose incontinence pads for exercising. Not only is it more comfortable but it can help prevent a range of skin health problems associated with dermatitis and other infections.

Think About Absorbency

If you wear incontinence pads on a daily basis, generally those you need a more absorbent version for exercising. For example. If you use a normal absorbency pad during the day, you may need an extra or extra plus for exercising.

Exercising Properly

Stretching and weakening the pelvic floor increases the risk of bladder and bowel control issues. Further, high impact aerobic and resistance exercises are more likely to place a strong downward strain on the pelvic floor which, over time, stretches and weakens the pelvic floor muscles.

Unless you already have a strong pelvic floor, it is important to avoid high-impact exercises like skipping, running or jumping, or sports that require quick changes of direction. These cause a greater downward force on the bladder, risking leakage and further damage to the pelvic floor. Try swimming, cycling, walking, water aerobic or other low-impact exercises instead.

Further excessive weights or intense abdominal exercises like crunches and lunges can exert too much downward force on the pelvic floor, also causing damage over time. Always ensure you have the appropriate posture, stance and contraction of the pelvic muscles when lifting. Avoid lifting or any exercises that cause strain or cause you to hold your breath. Finally, when doing squats or standing exercises, keep your legs no more than shoulder width apart and avoid deep lunges.

Relax Your Pelvic Floor

No muscle in your body is meant to be held tightly all the time. This includes out pelvic floor muscles. While it is good to exercise them and squeeze them, but it is also important to let them relax and soften. Too much tightening of the pelvic floor without relaxing can cause excessive tension and pain, causing further issues.

Avoid Core Trainers

Modern core trainers are simply resurrected, modernised corsets. These days they are promoted for use during exercise to speed up waist-contouring and slimming. Many manufacturers claim that, by compressing the abdomen, a core trainer will “work around the core muscles, pushing them inward to achieve a slimmer waist while stimulating thermal activity, resulting in ramped up perspiration”. However, compressing the abdomen in this way forces the diaphragm high into the chest cavity, and the pelvic floor in the pelvic. This constant pressure puts additional strain on the pelvic floor increase the likelihood of incontinence or the increase in incontinence symptoms.

Explore the Holistic Incontinence range today to find the best incontinence products for your needs!