Bladder incontinence is a lot more common than people think, often because many people don’t tell anyone they have it. It’s common during pregnancy and for many medical conditions (like Parkinons’ and MS0 and for many people with various illnesses.
Abena is a Danish company that makes incontinence pads for men, for discreet yet leakproof protection. The pads feature micro-punctured top sheets and breathable backing, and are free from chlorine, latex, PVC, phthalates and perfumes.
Understanding Bladder Incontinence
Bladder incontinence is the loss of control over urination. Not being able to hold it in until you reach a loo, can be more than just annoying. It affects lives, diminishes confidence, and can stand in the way of everyday activities.
Councils are urged to keep free loos. As people often either don’t drink when out (leading to dehydration) or don’t go out at all, worried they can’t find a loo.
Urge incontinence is the main type, but there is also stress incontinence (when a chuckle or sneeze causes an accident) or overflow incontinence (the bladder doesn’t empty properly, leading to dribbles afterwards – common for men with enlarged prostates). Other issues like arthritis or disability, may simply mean it’s difficult to reach the loo in time.
Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on the bladder. What you eat and drink can sometimes affect incontinence. Caffeine and alcohol are known culprits and other foods may irritate the bladder. Keep a food diary to spot patterns, and consider making tweaks for less leaks!
Sustainable Products for Incontinence
Most organic feminine care products (disposable pads and washable pads and pants) can also be used for light incontinence. The latter look like normal undies, but feature waterproof built-in pads. Just rinse after use, and throw in the wash (they work like cloth nappies!) Due to synthetic backing, launder in a microplastic catcher.
Traditional incontinence diapers are a landfill nightmare. Choose eco versions that break down naturally (they are also more comfortable, as they are plastic-free). Never flush ‘flushable wipes’ even if biodegradable – just bin them.
Cheeky Wipes makes reusable incontinence pads, in a range of styles and strengths. They were actually invented by a woman who due to illness, suffered from chronic incontinence. These are wider than period pants at the back, but can also be used for heavy menstrual flow.
They also have an additional tab to open and close easier (ideal for people with arthritis). You can launder, but don’t tumble dry, as this reduces absorbency. Change every few hours for light incontinence, or more for severe cases. The men’s incontinence pants look like normal trunks.
What On Earth are Pelvic Floor Exercises?
Kegels are exercises that have powerful results, as they can help you gain bladder control, if done for a few minutes a day.
Tone up your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles you use to pee. If you don’t know where they are, just pretend you’re about to pee, then hold it. The muscle you just used is your pelvic floor!
Yoga is also good, as are kegel weights. Talk to your GP for severe cases, to help prevent a pelvic prolapse.
How to Safely Remove Urine Stains/Odours
If laundering does not remove urine smells, soak undies in warm water with a few tablespoons of baking soda for up to an hour. Rinse and launder as normal, using oxygen bleach to remove stains (not chlorine bleach, nasty stuff).
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing or pet pee stains (choose unscented brands).
Remüvie™ Intimate Stain Remover is made from plant-based ingredients, sold in a recycled ocean plastic bottle. With no bleach, this foam cleanser is perfect to rescue clothes, mattresses and carpets from pee, blood and other stains.
Portable Loos!
A £5 Radar key is a worthwhile investmenet, as it lets you into accessible toilets nationwide.
Uribag (possibly free on the NHS, ask your GP) is a latex canister is a portable urinal for men (just pee, empty on the kerb, then wash at home to use again). The female version is designed for bedbound patients. Another option is Shewee (pee without undressing) .
Popaloo (ideal for churchyards and allotments) uses dry powder in a biodegradable bag that turns to gel on use. Natsol composting toilets are modern, hygienic and affordable, and accessible for everyone.
