Take Care - Use Continence Products Correctly

Continence products are those which are used to control and manage problems of poor bladder and bowel. They may be used for short term during the treatment as well as in long term if the poor bladder and bowel control is unable to be cured. There is a wide range of continence products that can give one protection and confidence in everyday life.

The continence adviser or a doctor may offer you some treatment by looking for the cause of the problem. Using continence products without trying treatment can make the problem worse.

Continence Products

Types of Continence Products

• Adsorbent Pads and Pants- These are available in various sizes depending upon how much urine they can absorb. Some pads can be used only one time and needs to be thrown away after use. While there are some pads and pants which are reusable. They can be washed and used again. Some pads also have sticky strip to keep them in place as they stick to the pant. Special net pants can also be used to keep them in place.
• Absorbent Bed Sheets and Chair Covers- In these when one’s skin is in direct contact to the top layer of the product, it lets the urine pass through and stays dry. The lower layer soaks the urine
• Penile Sheaths / External Catheters- Made of silicone; penile sheaths are self-adhesive with non- latex glue which sticks to the penis. Urine drains to a leg bag to which open end of stealth is joined.

If a person has to move, he may use a leg bag which can be hidden under the clothes. The bag needs to be emptied before it becomes too heavy to carry.

Other products – Bedpans and urinals can be used if the person is bedridden. Keeping a commode chair beside the bed can be helpful if a person face difficulty in walking to the toilet. Raised toilet seats can be helpful in case person has problem sitting in lower toilet seat.

How to Choose the Best Continence Products

A best product in this case will be which suits your need and you are comfortable using it.

• Control Problem- Choosing a product will depend on control needs at any time. Depending on this go for the pad which can hold that much urine. A wet pad may cause rashes or bladder infection. Also, it may smell. So, change the pad once it gets wet. Choose a pad which doesn’t have a colored plastic cover as it may be visible when you wear light clothes. Also, it will make noise when you move.
• Lifestyle- Your lifestyle will guide your choice of continence products. Special products may be used while traveling or while playing sports.
• Mobility- This is one important aspect as your movement will define the type of product you need. Different problems may require different products.
• Supply of The Product- Since there may be products which may only be available from the chemist or supermarket and others from specialists so take advice from your doctor.
• Disposal- Many of the continence products can be disposed like a normal household waste. These products should not be flushed. These products must tell you how they should be disposed of.
• Washing – Use reusable products which come with a guideline on how to wash them and reuse them. These products take longer time to dry than normal underclothes so make sure they are dried properly.

Continence Products

Following manufacturer’s instructions are very important while using any continence product. Always take an advice from continence advisory before purchasing and using these products. Try to use a sample product before opting it for long use.

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