Let’s be proactive about managing incontinence and/or overactive bladder. Having incontinence and/or overactive bladder can be stressful enough. Here are some products that will help those with incontinence live a less stressful life.
Pads and Protective Garments
- Absorbent pads
- Incontinence panties and briefs
- Disposable underwear
- Protective underpads
- Plastic pants
Learn more about Pads and Protective Garments
Pelvic Muscle Training Devices
Pelvic muscle training devices are designed to be uses alongside Kegel exercises and are part of the physical therapy regimen. These external devices may enhance your exercises and “some are aimed at men and women, including appliances you squeeze between your thighs. Vaginal weights, rods, and cones of various sizes are intended for women.” Research then talk to your doctor (urologist, OBGYN, physical therapist, family practice physicians, or internal medicine physicians) before buying these devices. They may be able to help you narrow down your options.
Supplements
Supplements containing pumpkin seed extract, like Rejoice Plus®, have been clinically proven to reduce the leaks, frequency, and urge episodes associated with overactive bladder, stress & urge incontinence, nocturia, & BPH (Stages I & II). Two benefits of Rejoice Plus® over prescription drugs are no side effects (unless you are allergic to any of its ingredients) and no need for a prescription from your doctor.
- Here is an article about how pumpkin seeds work for bladder control
- Click here for the clinical studies on pumpkin seed and bladder control
For 15% off Rejoice Plus®, use code REJOICE15 at checkout.
Medications
- Tolterodine (Detrol)
- Oxybutynin, pill (Ditropan XL), skin patch (Oxytrol), or gel (Gelnique)
- Trospium
- Solifenacin (Vesicare)
- Darifenacin (Enablex)
- Fesoterodine (Toviaz)
- Mirabegron (Myrbetriq)
Please note that
Common side effects of most of these drugs include dry eyes and dry mouth, but drinking water to quench thirst can aggravate symptoms of overactive bladder. Constipation — another potential side effect — can aggravate your bladder symptoms. Extended-release forms of these medications, including the skin patch or gel, may cause fewer side effects.
Your doctor may recommend that you sip small amounts of water or suck on a piece of sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum to relieve dry mouth, and use eyedrops to keep your eyes moist. Over-the-counter preparations, such as Biotene products, can be helpful for long-term dry mouth. To avoid constipation, your doctor might recommend a fiber-rich diet or use of stool softeners.”
Mayoclinic
Specific Products
Pessaries go into the vagina to support the bladder or compress the urethra. They come in an array of sizes and shapes. Your doctor will fit you, but it may take some trial and error to figure out which one works best. The pessary must be removed and cleaned with soap and water periodically. Many women can learn to do this on their own and are advised to remove it overnight once every week or two. For those women who cannot remove the device, the pessary can be monitored, cleaned, and replaced by a health care provider every three to six months.
Penile clamps which squeezes the penis to keep the urethra closed for mild to moderate leaks. This can be used only for a certain amount of time.
Male guards are small absorbent pads that fit like a sleeve over the tip of the penis to contain light moisture.
Condom catheters fit around the penis. They end in a tube that leads to a collection bag strapped to your body.
Portable toilet. If you have difficulty walking, talk to your health care clinician. You may benefit from a portable toilet that can be placed close to your bed or living area. In addition, move electrical cords, throw rugs, or furniture out of hallways and walkways so that you do not trip or fall on the way to the bathroom.
Your doctor can recommend the type of products that will help you take control.
WebMD
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/oab-products
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/overactive-bladder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355721
https://www.choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-incontinence-2
