Incontinence is our business and to help here is some handy information to guide you.
The definition of Incontinence
Incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of bladder
or bowel control. It affects over 200 million people worldwide, and is
erroneously thought to be a normal part of aging but this can also happen to
younger people who suffer from medical conditions.
Types of Incontinence & Their Symptoms
There are various types of incontinence, which are all
characterised by different symptoms. The major forms of incontinence include:
Stress Incontinence – This form of incontinence can
occur as a result of being overweight. The extra weight around the midsection
puts pressure on the bladder, which makes it difficult to restrain urine from
escaping the bladder. You might also experience leakage while laughing,
coughing, or sneezing. Stress incontinence is the most common form of
incontinence.
Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder) OAB, or urge
incontinence – is characterised by the
constant feeling of having to “go.” Causes of urge incontinence include a
weakened pelvis (in women), recent prostate surgery (for men), urinary tract
infections, or pre-existing medical conditions, such as stroke, dementia, Spina
Bifida, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis.
Overflow Incontinence – This condition occurs when
the body sends an insufficient signal to the brain for timely response to
urinary demands. Symptoms include a delay in sensing urinary urges, or not
sensing them at all.
Faecal Incontinence – Similar to overflow
incontinence in nature and symptoms, though its effects are pronounced through
the bowels.
While there are some similarities between female and male
incontinence, symptoms and causes can be somewhat different.
Female Incontinence
Weakened pelvic muscles can contribute to incontinence in
women, as these muscles are responsible for keeping the urethra closed. This
ultimately leads to leakage, and involuntary urination. Another common cause of
incontinence among younger women is pregnancy. After childbirth, the
combination of hormonal changes, pressure on the bladder, and exertion during
childbirth can weaken the pelvic muscle, which can lead to incontinence.
Incontinence is also common in women during menopause, when hormonal levels affect
the muscles around the pelvis.
Male Incontinence
A study conducted in the UK found that 5% to 7% of men under
64, and 10% to 20% of mean over 64 experience urinary leakage to some degree.
A swollen prostate is a very common cause of incontinence
among men. Because the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, any additional
size will cause it to squeeze the urethra, and encourage urination.
Incontinence can also occur in men immediately after prostate surgery. The
muscles can become weakened post – surgery, and contribute to involuntary urine
leakage.
The Environment
We have tried our utmost to minimise our carbon footprint. Our supply chain is totally U.K. based and all our manufacturing is done in house. Where possible we have sources materials from suppliers who also manufacture in the U.K. in an effort to reduce our impact on the environment.
The environment was a major factor in concentrating on re-usable underwear. The majority of the disposable products go straight to landfill. Our products can be used multiple times and then be recycled when they reach the end of their lives. This allows the wearer to be comfortable in the knowledge that what they are wearing is not only secure and stylish but also environmentally friendly