Urinary incontinence affects people both physically and psychologically, but there are ways to reduce its impact.
Urinary incontinence can happen suddenly and can be difficult for the people affected to lead an active lifestyle. Some activities make the problem worse and can result in people withdrawing from social situations. This does not need to be the case - managing the condition correctly is key!
Managing incontinence correctly is important or it can lead to further health problems. Below are some of the further health problems you could experience without the correct management:
Urinary tract infections
Incomplete emptying of urine from your bladder can result in bacteria and other germs multiplying within the bladder. When this occurs there is a risk bacteria and gems will then migrate further through the ureters to the kidneys, possibly resulting in severe renal disorder and damage.
Skin problems
Skin can become irritated by constant contact with urine or faeces and can no longer defend itself sufficiently against bacteria. The natural protection of skin is weakened and can lead to skin irritation and incontinence-associated dermatitis.
Emotional stress
Suffering with incontinence can often make people feel ashamed and affect people mentally in different ways. It can put a strain on everyday life and can often be difficult to plan frequent toilet breaks. It is important to try and talk to someone about how you are feeling, take little steps doing so and remember HARTMANN are always here to help. You should also never forget, you are not alone, the NHS estimates that between 3 and 6 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence.
Selecting the right continence product
The most important aspect in managing urinary incontinence is finding the most appropriate and suitable product for you. HARTMANN have a range of high quality products which can be worn discreetly in your underwear and under clothing. Our products are very reliable and can be discretely disposed of after use. The choice of product depends on the severity and frequency of your incontinence and should be selected to meet your individual needs.