Continence Care FAQS
What causes incontinence?
What causes your incontinence depends on the type of incontinence you have, which include:
Stress incontinence, which is where urine leaks out when your bladder is under pressure when you cough or laugh. This can be caused by childbirth, being overweight or prostate surgery.
Urgency incontinence, which is where as soon as urine leaks, you feel a sudden and intense urge to go to the toilet. This can be caused by a stroke, an enlarged prostate gland, but the cause of this type is often unknown.
Overflow incontinence, which is where you’re unable to fully empty your bladder and this causes frequent leaking. Some causes include multiple sclerosis, diabetes or an enlarged prostate gland.
Total incontinence, which is where your bladder can’t store any urine at all, which causes you to pass urine constantly.
How can I manage my incontinence?
You can manage your incontinence by working closely with your doctor and seeking help. They can help you come up with an incontinence management plan, which focuses on a bladder retraining program, a diet that’s rich in fibre and includes wholegrain bread, fruits and vegetables and more to prevent constipation and adequate fluid intake of up to 2 litres a day.
What are some symptoms of incontinence?
Some symptoms of incontinence include:
- Wetting the bed while you’re asleep
- Having poor urine flow when you’re using the bathroom
- Leaking urine on the way to the toilet
- Leaking urine with coughs, sneezes or while exercising
What are the best pads for bowel incontinence?
The best pad for incontinence is the one you feel the most comfortable in. Depending on your type of incontinence (whether it’s urine, faeces or both), our team will work with you to find the pad that suits your needs.
If you’re after a specific brand like TENA, MoliCare or Poise, let our friendly staff know and they’ll be able to help you.