What You Should Know About Incontinence

Incontinence – it’s more common than you think

It is rarely talked about but incontinence affects millions of women and men at various times in their lives. It’s estimated that in the UK alone some 3-6 million people are affected by bladder weakness. Surrounded by embarrassment and shame, incontinence tends to be incorrectly associated with getting older when in fact, age is only one of the many causes. Incontinence occurs for a number of reasons at various times in life.

What causes Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Incontinence takes several forms, the most common being Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) which can occur with something as little as a sneeze, cough, laugh, or when lifting or exercising. When extra stress is placed on the valve of the bladder it causes an accidental leak. This stress may be a result of weakening of or damage to the muscles that hold urine back/in. Childbirth and the menopause are two causes of this type of incontinence in women but they are not the only reasons: obesity, pregnancy, medications and surgical procedures can also cause stress incontinence.

Coping with incontinence

The first step to dealing with incontinence is to realise that you are not alone, and, while it is not pleasant, it is a fact of life. The next step is to speak to a medical professional to find out the cause; it may be that some changes to your lifestyle can improve things such as losing weight, drinking less caffeine or doing Kegel exercises that focus on your pelvic floor muscles.

Next find a product that works for you to keep you comfortable and secure so you can continue living life to the full. There are all sorts available from panty liners and pads, to pants. Don’t let your bladder hold you back!

The natural approach

Regularly wearing pads or liners made from plastics and synthetics can leave the skin sore and irritated, so it’s worthwhile considering a more natural approach. Unlike the average incontinence pad made from up to 90% plastic materials, Natracare Dry + Light pads are free from petroleum-derived super absorbent polymers (SAPs) and plastics making them biodegradable and breathable. Made from naturally absorbent and totally chlorine free materials, the pads are soft, breathable, and effective whilst avoiding harsh materials and chemicals which are known to leave skin sore or irritated.

With Natracare Dry & Light pads, incontinence can be managed in a way that takes care of health and the environment.