 Male Incontinence Products
Getting By with Male Incontinence
Products...Incontinence does not only afflict
post-delivery women but also males who have reached the age
of 40 or more. Causes of male incontinence may vary from
that of women but the manifestations are the same.
Male incontinence may be caused by
several factors and conditions. Most common cause of male
incontinence is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or
enlarged prostates either due to age or hormonal imbalance
and even cancer. Certain drugs such as those prescribed for
hypertension, depressants and diuretics also cause
incontinence. It can be quite a dilemma when patients taking
in drugs for their hypertension or BPH end up suffering from
incontinence as an after-effect. It’s a choice between two
evils, so they say.
A Variety of Male Incontinence
Products
The management of male incontinence includes
medications, therapy such as Kegel exercises and devices,
and the use of absorbent underwear and pads called adult
disposable diapers. Most males find using absorbent pads
embarrassing and humiliating. They have the impression that
they’ll be stuck for life wearing them.
They do not realize that their condition may
only be temporary. With advances in medical science and
technology, patients of benign prostatic hyperplasia have
been known to recover from their condition with the
appropriate treatment and medications. Some opt to undergo
surgery while others are put on a drug regimen for a number
of months until the enlarged prostates decrease in size.
When their conditions normalize, they can cease wearing
adult disposable diapers and live more confident and
positive lives once more.
Other male incontinence products include
external catheters, drainage bags, underpads, urinals and
other toilet substitutes and penile clamps.
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External
catheters - are silicone or latex
tubes rolled onto the penis like condoms and collect
urine that is drained into a drainage bag. They are
usually used at night. Using the right fit of these
catheters is important to prevent leakage.
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Drainage
bags – are plastic bags that are
attached to the catheter for drainage. They may
either be strapped to the legs or abdomen, if the
patient is mobile, or hang beside the bed during
sleep.
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Underpads - may be used
on beds and seats as protection for leaks. It also
keeps mattresses and upholstered chairs from being
soaked or drenched with urine.
-
Urinals and
other substitutes - come in handy
for those suffering from urge incontinence. It may
be taken during trips where bathrooms may not be
easily accessible or it may be placed beside one’s
bed for use during the night.
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Penile
clamps – also known as external
compression devices and work to temporarily stop the
flow of urine from the penis by putting a small
pressure around it. It is not recommended for
extended use as it may cause skin and circulation
problems. It will require a doctor’s advice to have
it used overnight.
These are just some of the products that can
help patients manage their urge or stress incontinence to a
higher degree. They are recommended by professionals to help
patients get by and eventually enable them to live normal
and happy lives again.
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