MAINTAINING CONTROL OVER URINATION AND RELEASE OF STOOL (Basic ADL)

This category of basic ADLs includes the following:

  • Maintaining complete self-control over urination and defecation

There are two ways to lose control over urination and defecation. Either you have trouble getting waste out, or you have trouble holding it in.

Continence is the condition in which your body is holding back the important functions of emptying your bladder or bowels. Symptoms of continence may include:

  • Weak urinary stream
  • Sputtering or intermittent urine flow
  • Feeling of incomplete voiding
  • Straining to urinate
  • Hesitancy, or a delay between attempting to urinate and the urine actually starting to flow
  • Inability to completely relieve the bladder

Contrarily, incontinence is the condition in which you are unable to hold back urination and defecation. You experience involuntary leakage or sudden release of urine or stool or both.

Continence leads to discomfort and aggravation. Incontinence, on the other hand, can result in soiled clothing, soiled beds and furniture, odors, hygiene issues, and embarrassment. Incontinence thus commands more attention and products to deal with its consequences and try to prevent its ongoing recurrence.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (bladder incontinence) is the unexpected and involuntary leaking of urine.  There are several types of urinary incontinence:

Urinary Incontinence
Type
Description
Stress Incontinence Urine leaks when pressure is exerted on bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting something heavy.
Urge Incontinence A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine.
Overflow Incontinence Frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that does not empty completely.
Functional Incontinence Inability to make it to the toilet or get clothes undone in time due to a physical or mental impairment.
Mixed Incontinence Combination two or more types of urinary incontinence.

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence (bowel incontinence), is the unexpected and involuntary leaking of feces.  There are several types of fecal incontinence:

Fecal Incontinence
Type
Description
Stress incontinence Feces leaks when you exert pressure on your rectum by bending, exercising, or lifting something heavy.
Urge incontinence A sudden, intense urge to defecate followed by an involuntary loss of feces.
Flatus incontinence You have the sensation of a full rectum, but the body’s sensation mechanisms do not work properly and cannot tell whether it is gas or stool.
Passive incontinence The brain receives no urge instruction to go to the toilet. You are unaware that the rectum is full and ready to empty. The lack of sensations in your back passage prevents conscious control  of bowel movements and stool is passed without your knowledge.
Anal and rectal incontinence Inability to control the anal sphincter muscles due to damage to the nerves, the rectum’s structure, or the muscles in this area.
Overflow incontinence Results from a blockage in the colon caused by constipation. The initial blockage, caused by a stool that is stuck, blocks yet more stool. Only watery feces can pass around it. That discharge then leaks out because it is so hard to control.
Functional incontinence  A physical or mental impairment keeps you from making it to the toilet or getting your pants or other clothes undone in time.
Mixed incontinence Combination two or more types of fecal incontinence

Incontinence Products

Incontinence is a symptom, not a disease.  It can be the result of everyday habits, underlying medical conditions, or physical problems. If you are experiencing incontinence symptoms, a thorough doctor’s examination may help you to determine and treat the source.

While you are working to rid yourself of the incontinence, you will need to address the symptoms in order to be able to continue your daily living activities, including your social ones.

Incontinence products include:

Product Category
Product Examples
Product Images
Remote toileting receptacles
  • Bedpans
  • Urinals
  • Commodes
  • Commode/Shower rolling chairs
Bed, wheelchair, and furniture protective pads
  • Under pads
  • Bed pads and mattress protectors
Incontinence outerwear
  • Pants with elastic waistbands
  • Trousers with detachable crotch
Urine collection and regulator devices
  • Urine bag pants
  • Wearable urine collectors
  • Urinary drainage collection bags
  • Urine catheter sleeves and bag holders
  • Bladder control pads
  • Penile clamps

Personal protective pads, liners, and garments
  • Feminine hygiene pads
  • Pant liners
  • Disposable undergarments
  • Belted undergarments
  • Adult briefs
  • Pull-Up underwear
  • Protective underwear
   
Exercise and strengthening devices
  • Kegel balls
  • Pelvic-floor muscle trainer
Supplements and over-the-counter medicines
  • Anti-diarrhea products
  • Bladder control supplements
  • Laxatives for constipation
  • Hemorrhoid products
  • Prostrate support supplements
Clean-up and sanitation
  • Bidets and bidet toilet seats
  • Vinyl gloves
  • Wash cloths
  • Hand wipes
  • Cleaning products
  • Detergents
  • Liquid sanitizers
  • Refuse containers and bags

For more information on causes and treatments, see the blog post at this link

Below is a sampling of incontinence products help you to be prepared and to clean up. Click on the links to find out more information, see other products selections, and if you like, to make a purchase from one of our providers.

Showing the single result

Always Discreet Incontinence Pads for Women, Maximum Absorbency, Long Length, 39 Count – Pack of 3 (117 Total Count) (Packaging May Vary)

$35.67
  • Always Discreet pads - absorb 4X more than period sanitary pads of similar size
  • Absorbent incontinence pads for women that always ship discreetly
  • Experience incredible bladder protection in a surprisingly thin incontinence pad
  • RapidDry core turns liquid to gel to help lock away bladder leaks and odors in seconds.Lightly-scented with exclusive OdorLock Technology to neutralize odors, getting you through the day with poise
  • Double LeakGuards keep wetness away from the edges for secure protection