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As much as some people like to think of their daily routines, it’s not quite so simple for those with urinary incontinence (UI). It might be the weekend, or they might have received some good news. But in the back of their mind, they may wake up wondering if that day will entail yet another episode.
While not a life-threatening condition, the psychological impact that incontinence has on a person can hold much more weight. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed, angry, or sad. Society can often get wrapped up in misunderstandings about this condition telling those affected to just hold it.
Many men and women with UI resort to using adult diapers on a daily basis as a way to cope. They may find themselves stressed out on what people think of them when buying these diapers. It may even lead to a point where they might not even step outside to buy them. This can cause a vicious cycle of feeling bad about their incontinence and feeling unable to go purchase something to help them.
The word diaper can be degrading for some people with urinary incontinence and lead to even more feelings of shame or embarrassment. These absorbent products should be helping these patients feel better. Instead, they could be making things worse.
Not only are these diaper products and incontinence briefs demeaning to wear for some people, they can also result in rashes and infections. Adults with incontinence can experience skin rashes, especially if they’re unable to change these diapers often. In the elderly, those using absorbent pads face a higher risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) which can lead to increased health complications.
Other people may resort to using external catheters such as condom catheters for male urinary incontinence, especially those which work as an adhesive. These external catheters can also cause skin irritation and increase the risk of a UTI, due to urine residuals.
For men and women with urinary incontinence, it’s a constant daily battle of unpredictability. They may feel on guard all the time and hyper aware of whether they might need to “go” or not. This can lead to disabling feelings of stress and needing to be near a restroom at all times.
Quality of life can be severely impacted by urinary incontinence. Many people with incontinence may reduce their time spent with family and friends. They might feel anxious of whether they’ll be able to make it through parties or social gatherings. Even routine activities, daily chores, and work can all start to revolve around incontinence with looming uncertainty.
Feelings of depression and isolation can creep into the lives of those experiencing incontinence. They may stop drinking water in order to reduce the chances of a leakage. But this can lead to dehydration and poor health if prolonged for extended periods of time. Overall quality of life can greatly decline without proper UI management.
With current options, men and women with urinary incontinence are limited to external catheters or adult diapers. Although the first step to dealing with incontinence is acceptance, this doesn’t mean they have to accept average UI management methods.
It’s important to explore different options for managing incontinence. After all, the right alternative can be worth it if it means a little more comfort and a reduced risk of UTI and other complications. With newer options on the market, UI patients no longer have to feel helpless.
With products like the ActivGo External Catheter and ActivGo Kit from ProvenMed, those with urinary incontinence can feel empowered to go about their daily lives without worry. With its discreet, non-invasive design, the device includes an odor-proof flushing system. This system helps maintain cleanliness and prevents UTIs without sacrificing comfort. Using the ActivGo system may help bring those with UI one step closer to more control in their daily lives.
Learn more about the ProvenMed ActivGo Kit here.