Absorbent incontinence aids

Dear readers!

Occasional or persistent loss of urine is referred to as bladder weakness or urinary incontinence. This condition not only represents a hygienic challenge for the people affected, but often also a major psychological problem.

Many people suffer from urinary incontinence, even one in three at an older age. However, the problem of incontinence is rarely discussed openly. We would therefore like to encourage you to look into this topic.

We would also like to provide you with comprehensive information about the clinical picture. You should know how you can prevent urinary incontinence and what therapeutic and accompanying options exist.

We will also introduce you to practical tips and tricks that have proven useful when dealing with incontinence.

In this blog article you will find suggestions on how you can overcome your problem in the best possible way and regain a better quality of life.

What is incontinence?

The term “incontinence” describes the uncontrolled loss of stool or urine. This happens due to dysfunction of the bladder or pelvic floor muscles. Accordingly, one speaks of either urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence.

Most common causes of incontinence

1. Weak pelvic floor muscles or loose connective tissue: pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, age-related changes, obesity, injuries following surgery or chronic cough
2. Damage or lowering of the sphincter: Operations in the pelvic area such as removal of the prostate
3. Bladder dysfunction: urinary tract infections or irritable bladder
4. Drainage disorders: Enlarged prostate or prolapse of the uterus
5. Neurological causes and specific diseases: multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's, paraplegia, tumors, diabetes
6. Medications: blood pressure reducers, diuretics

Good to know: Almost 90 percent of those affected have stress incontinence that requires treatment.

Filling and emptying of the bladder

Urine storage is an unconscious process. Reaching the capacity limit is signaled by the urge to urinate. It can be suppressed over a certain period of time.

Average capacity:

• for women: 400 ml
• for men: 500 ml

Fluid balance (daily)

Fluid intake:	2.500 ml	Elimination:	2.500 ml
Drink Eat Oxidation	1.500 ml 700 ml 300 ml	Haut mind. Lunge mind. Bowel movement	500 ml 400 ml 100 ml
		Urine:	1.500 ml

Types of incontinence and their symptoms

Depending on the type of bladder weakness, the following symptoms may occur:

• Loss of urine during physical exertion or when sneezing, coughing, laughing or during physical exertion
• Sudden and irrepressible urge to urinate
• Increased frequency of bladder emptying and increased nocturnal urination
• Constant dribbling of urine

Forms of incontinence	Incontinence symptoms
Stress incontinence (stress incontinence)	Uncontrolled loss of urine during physical exertion (e.g. sports, sneezing or coughing)
Urge incontinence (with overactive bladder)	Sudden, strong urge to urinate leads to uncontrolled loss of urine If you have an overactive bladder: increased bladder emptying, nocturnal urination
Mixed incontinence	Symptoms of stress and urge incontinence occur together
Overflow incontinence	Rare form in which the drainage pathways are “blocked” (e.g. due to an enlarged prostate in men) The bladder is constantly overfilled and causes constant discharge
Reflex incontinence	A disruption of the nerve pathways between the brain, spinal cord and bladder (e.g. in paraplegia) The bladder empties itself reflexively

In addition, there are rarer forms of incontinence such as overflow incontinence, in which the drainage paths are “blocked” (e.g. by an enlarged prostate in men), so that the bladder is constantly overfilled and urine is constantly leaking out. So-called reflex incontinence is caused by a disruption in the nerve pathways between the brain, spinal cord and bladder (e.g. in paraplegia) - the bladder reflexively empties itself.

Incontinence in women

Urinary incontinence occurs significantly more frequently in women due to anatomical reasons. Young women in particular often suffer from a weak bladder after pregnancy/birth, the cause of which is usually weakened pelvic floor muscles. By far the most common form of incontinence in women is stress incontinence.

Incontinence in men

The occurrence of incontinence in men is often the result of an illness (e.g. a stroke) or after surgery in the pelvic area. Medical procedures can cause dysfunction of the bladder sphincter. Incontinence after prostate surgery is a frequently discussed topic.

Important - see a doctor at the first signs

You should visit your family doctor at the first signs.

In order to be able to carry out appropriate treatment and prevent unnecessary suffering, it is absolutely advisable to see a doctor early. “The sooner the better” is the motto.

It is estimated that almost 10% of the German population suffers from incontinence. Nevertheless, bladder weakness is still a taboo topic today. Incontinence is treatable in most cases if therapy is initiated early. Contact your family doctor at the first signs. Additionally, women should make an appointment with their gynecologist.

Common cause of incontinence

The following information provides an overview of the most common physical disorders that can be the cause of incontinence.

Weak pelvic floor muscles or loose connective tissue
→ e.g. B. due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, age-related changes, obesity, muscle injuries as a result of operations in the pelvic area or chronic cough (“smoker's cough”).

Damage or prolapse of the sphincter
→ e.g. B. through operations in the pelvic area such as the removal of the prostate in men.

Bladder dysfunction
→ e.g. B. due to urinary tract infections or “irritable bladder” (overactive bladder).

Drainage disorders
→ e.g. B. due to an enlarged prostate in men or lowering of the uterus in women.

Neurological causes and certain diseases
→ e.g. B. due to multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's, paraplegia, tumors, inadequately treated diabetes mellitus.

In addition, some medications (e.g. antihypertensives, diuretics) can also promote the development of corresponding symptoms. In this case: Discuss with your doctor whether there are alternative active ingredients and never stop taking medication prescribed by a doctor on your own.

Tips for on the go

Good planning

If you have a weak bladder, you should not allow yourself to be restricted - and certainly not forego your usual activities. However, when strolling through the city, going on excursions, etc., finding the nearest public toilet is often not that easy. Good preparation ensures greater safety: These days, you can do this easily from home via the Internet - so-called "toilet search machines" help you find the nearest toilet.

Tips: There are also apps for your smartphone for when you're on the go.
Go to the toilet finder for Apple devices .

Before and during the trip: Plan to go to the toilet

No matter whether it's a business meeting, a trip with friends or the start of your vacation - there's often a hectic pace before things start. However, remember to go to the toilet again before setting off. Then the bladder is emptied and should not come back immediately. And the same applies during the trip: plan regular breaks to go to the toilet. When traveling by train or plane, it makes sense to reserve a seat near the toilet.

For emergencies: Put spare laundry in your hand luggage

Another tip that ensures more safety: Simply pack spare laundry in your hand luggage! So you are well prepared if something goes wrong. And nothing stands in the way of a carefree excursion or a relaxed trip.

Pelvic floor exercises:

A weak pelvic floor is often the cause of incontinence. The pelvic floor muscles surround the urethra - together with the sphincter, they control the bladder outlet. If these muscles are too loose, uncontrolled urination can occur. Regular exercise (e.g. cycling, swimming or walking) is an important basic measure for a strong pelvic floor. In addition, special exercises for the pelvic floor should also be integrated into everyday life - they help to specifically strengthen the muscles. It is important to carry out the exercises correctly and regularly (if possible daily) and to stick with them consistently. Extra tip: A special training aid for insertion into the vagina (comparable to a tampon) can be useful for women as an accompanying measure to improve awareness of the pelvic floor and train the muscles specifically and correctly. An externally visible indicator shows at a glance whether and how strong the contraction is being carried out. A simple visual feedback that is a real help for many affected people.

For women:

Weak pelvic floor muscles are one of the most common causes of incontinence. Therefore, targeted pelvic floor training for incontinence (especially stress incontinence) plays a central role in getting the symptoms under control. Here we have put together exercises for women that specifically activate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Exercise 1: Sitting

• Sit upright on a chair with a hard seat.
• Feel your two ischial tuberosities and try to imaginatively bring them closer together - while tensing the pelvic floor muscles, the gluteal muscles remain relaxed.
• Repeat the exercise three times, paying attention to the correct breathing sequence (see box).

Exercise 2: Sitting

• Place a rolled up towel on a chair with a hard seat.
• Sit on the towel facing lengthways in the direction you are sitting. The perineum (area between the vagina and anus) lies on the towel.
• Now imagine that you are pulling the towel up using your pelvic floor muscles. Make sure that the gluteal muscles remain relaxed.
• Repeat the exercise three times, paying attention to the correct breathing sequence (see box).

Exercise 3: On all fours

• Get on all fours (see picture above): Support yourself on your hands and knees. The knees are positioned below the hip joints and the backs of the feet are on the exercise mat. The hands are supported below the shoulders, the elbows are slightly bent. The head is an extension of the spine.
• Breathe in and form a slight hollow back - the pelvic floor is relaxed.
• Breathe out and arch your back: your back arches towards the ceiling and your pelvic floor becomes slightly tense.
• Repeat the exercise three times.

Exercise 4: Standing

• Stand upright, both feet are firmly in contact with the floor, and your upper body is stable.
• Now alternately stand on your toes (lift your heel) with one leg at a time, keeping the other foot firmly on the floor.
• Activate the pelvic floor muscles as you inhale and release the tension as you exhale.

For men

Pelvic floor training – Men who suffer from incontinence usually don’t even think about it. A weak pelvic floor is a common cause of incontinence (stress incontinence). We have put together selected pelvic floor exercises for men here. Good to know: A strong pelvic floor also increases erectile function and sexual endurance.

Exercise 1: Sitting

• Sit upright on a chair with a hard seat.
• Make sure that your body weight is on the ischial bones and the pubic bone.
• Breathe in - your stomach arches forward and your pelvic floor is relaxed.
• Breathe out - your stomach will flatten and your pelvic floor muscles will tense.
• Repeat several times.

Exercise 2: Standing

• Stand upright in front of a mirror. The feet are hip-width apart. The knees are slightly bent. Pelvis, back, shoulder girdle and head form a line.
• Breathe in and out several times.
• As you breathe out, tense your pelvic floor and stomach. The testicle pulls towards the belly button. Hold the tension for a few seconds - then breathe in and relax.
• Repeat several times.

Exercise 3: Standing

• Stand upright. The feet are slightly more than hip-width apart and the body weight is evenly distributed on both legs.
• As you inhale, squat down - keep your back straight and relax your pelvic floor.
• As you breathe out, sit back upright with your pelvic floor tensed.
• Repeat several times.

Important

When performing the exercises, the correct breathing sequence is important:

• When you breathe in, your stomach bulges forward and your pelvic floor relaxes.
• As you breathe out, your stomach flattens and your pelvic floor muscles tense. Hold the tension for 5 seconds and then relax the pelvic floor for 10 seconds.

Tip: A special training aid for insertion into the vagina (comparable to a tampon) can help you better perceive the pelvic floor and tense it more specifically. Talk to your doctor about this.

Aids for incontinence

Absorbent aids are particularly often used for incontinence. There are various models available in the Gorilla Gesund online shop, which differ in shape and suction strength, among other things.

• Incontinence pads → for mild to moderate incontinence
• Incontinence briefs (disposable briefs) or incontinence pants → for severe incontinence
• Incontinence diapers → for severe incontinence
• Incontinence pads 

In addition, e.g. For example, urine diverters for women and men as well as devices away from the body (e.g. urine bottles or bed pads) are also available, which are primarily used for severe forms of incontinence.

The problem: Such aids can be an “emergency solution” in certain situations, but they do not solve the cause of the incontinence. The templates that are used so frequently often have significant disadvantages in terms of application and costs: unpleasant odors, a lack of comfort, high costs - none of this necessarily makes life with incontinence any easier. If you want to sustainably improve your quality of life and take active action against bladder weakness, you should contact your doctor to initiate appropriate, causal treatment.

Criteria for templates, slips, etc.

Which item is suitable in each individual case depends, among other things, on the form and severity of the incontinence. Basically, some general criteria should be taken into account when making your selection, such as: E.g.:

Suitable size, shape & wearing comfort:

The size should be adapted to the body size and the respective severity of the incontinence. Basically the rule applies: “As small as possible, as big as necessary”.

Anatomically shaped templates are available for men and women. There should be no seams or edges that rub the skin.

Reliable binding of liquids and odors:

The products used should absorb as much liquid as possible and be leak-proof so that the skin stays dry - therefore do not use pure cellulose products.

The optimal binding of unpleasant odors also plays an important role. Special odor absorbers are sometimes integrated into the items or are also available commercially as a spray.

Skin-friendly, easy to use, etc.:

The materials should be breathable and not irritate the skin.

The adhesive strips should ensure a secure fixation.

The products should enable discreet use, meaning they should not be visible from the outside and should not crackle when moved.

On the next pages you will be informed about our absorbent incontinence products. Here we differentiate between 3 variants:

• Standard supply – products with no extra charge
• Some products require a surcharge
• Premium products with an economical premium

When clarifying the need, the amount of excretion the person excretes (usually a maximum of 2,000 ml) and the absorbency of the product are taken into account.

As a medical supply store, we are obliged to ensure the medically necessary care. This principle does not advocate the supply of any particular product.

We use Seni as our own brand. Alternative products are easy Form, TENA and Hartmann.

No-surcharge products – standard supply

insoles	You are in control 360 ml
templates	Forma Care Plus 1.400 ml
	Forma Care Super 2.150 ml
	San Seni Basic Normal 1.250 ml

 

Some products require a surcharge

insoles	You Control Extra (430 ml) Super (780 ml) Plus (930 ml)
	Artist Normal (300 ml) Extra (400 ml) Super (820 ml)
templates	San Arts First (1,100 ml) Regular (1.500 ml) Uni (1,700 ml) Maxi (2,000 ml) Plus (2,500 ml) Plus Extra (3,500 ml)
Diapers	Basic Art S (1,500 ml) M (2,200 ml) L (2,500 ml) XL (2,500 ml)
Pants	Seni Active Basic M (1,300 ml) L (1,450 ml) XL (1,550 ml)

 

Premium products - products subject to additional payment

insoles	Lady Art Micro (60 ml) Mini (190 ml) Mini Plus (300 ml) Normal (360 ml) Extra (470 ml) Super (800 ml) Plus (950 ml)
Adhesive diapers	Standard Air Tag S (1,600 ml) M (2,300 ml) L (2,600 ml) XL (2,600 ml)
Adhesive diapers	You Standard Plus Air Night S (2.100 ml) M (2,900 ml) L (3,200 ml) XL (3,200 ml)
Really Inserts for women	Really Lady Mini Magic (60 ml) Lady Ultra Mini (93 ml) Lady Ultra Mini Plus Lady Discreet Mini Lady Discreet mini plus (325 ml) Lady Discreet normal Lady Normal (350 ml) Lady Extra (585 ml) Lady Extra Plus (596 ml) Lady Maxi (798 ml) Maxi Night (1.020 ml)
Really Inserts man	Really Man Extra Light Man Level 1 (275 ml) Man Level 2 (450 ml) Man Level 3 (710 ml)

Abena Man, insoles

Abri-Form Premium, Diapers

Article name	Suction power	drops	Hip circumference
Abena Abri Form Premium XS2 gray	1400 ml	3	50 - 60 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium S2 yellow	1800 ml	4	60-85 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium S4 yellow	2200 ml	4	60-85 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium M0 blue	1500 ml	4	70-110 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium M1 blue	2000 ml	4	70-110 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium M2 blue	2600 ml	5	70-110 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium M3 blue	2900 ml	5	70-110 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium M4 blue	3600 ml	5	70-110 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium L0 green	2000 ml	4	100-150 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium L1 green	2500 ml	5	100-150 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium L2 green	3100 ml	5	100-150 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium L3 green	3400 ml	5	100-150 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium L4 green	4000 ml	5	100-150 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium XL2 orange	3400 ml	5	110-170 cm
Abena Abri Form Premium XL4 orange	4000 ml	5	110-170 cm

Abri-Flex Premium, Pants

Article name	Suction power	drops	Hip circumference	Incontinence level
Abena Abri Flex Premium XS1	1400 ml	3	45 - 70 cm	medium
Abena Abri Flex Premium S1	1400 ml	3	60 - 90 cm	medium
Abena Abri Flex Premium S2	1900 ml	4	60 - 90 cm	medium to hard
Abena Abri Flex Premium M1	1400 ml	3	80 - 110 cm	medium
Abena Abri Flex Premium M2	1900 ml	4	80 - 110 cm	medium to hard
Abena Abri Flex Premium M3	2400 ml	5	80 - 110 cm	difficult
Abena Abri Flex Premium L1	1400 ml	3	100 - 140 cm	medium
Abena Abri Flex Premium L2	1900 ml	4	100 - 140 cm	medium to hard
Abena Abri Flex Premium L3	2400 ml	4	100 - 140 cm	medium to hard
Abena Abri Flex Premium XL1	1400 ml	3	130 - 170 cm	medium
Abena Abri Flex Premium XL2	1900 ml	4	130 - 170 cm	medium to hard
Abena Abri Flex Premium XXL1	1450 ml	3	153 - 203 cm	medium

How can you prevent incontinence?

Regulated digestion

Persistent intestinal sluggishness causes frequent straining during bowel movements and thus overloads the connective tissue of the pelvic floor. Therefore, allow yourself enough

Time your bowel movements and avoid straining:

Rather, tense the anus muscle several times in a row for about three seconds. This attracts the intestines to move more and thus initiates natural emptying.

Balanced diet

A healthy, digestion-friendly diet contains a high content of fiber. Foods rich in fiber include whole grain products such as whole grain bread, whole grain oatmeal and wheat bran, as well as raw fruits and vegetables. However, please avoid foods rich in fiber that can cause flatulence - such as legumes, cabbage, onions, leeks and plums.

Flatulence can occasionally worsen incontinence due to the increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, change your diet particularly slowly. Promote healthy intestinal bacteria that “digest” the fiber you consume and thus prevent flatulence. Yoghurt and kefir in your daily menu support the natural intestinal flora.

Adequate fluid intake

It is particularly important that you drink enough fluids to prevent constipation and to help a high-fiber diet take full effect.

Herbal and fruit teas as well as mineral water with little carbon dioxide are recommended.

Fruit juices and some vegetable juices have a diuretic effect and are therefore not suitable. Please do not drink black tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks too often, as these can lead to increased urination and irritate the bladder.

Regular relaxation

If your incontinence is causing you a lot of stress, mental balance can be valuable. Get in the habit of not focusing on your worries. Just build in yours

Consciously create opportunities in your everyday life that bring you joy:

for example, meeting friends, going to the cinema or going for a walk.

It can also be helpful to learn relaxation techniques.

An easy-to-learn procedure is Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation. But many other methods are also suitable. These include, for example, autogenous

Training, yoga and meditation. What is important is not so much which method you choose. It is much more important that you practice regularly, preferably daily.

Correct movement

Regular exercise is particularly important for incontinent people with constipation and can significantly improve the symptoms. Suitable sports do not put a lot of pressure on the stomach and pelvic floor: walking, swimming, dancing and cycling.

The many small daily movements are usually carried out unconsciously in everyday life. This is precisely why it is important to choose the right postures and carry out sensible movement sequences in order to relieve the strain on the pelvic floor.

Therefore, make sure your back is as straight as possible when lifting or carrying.

As a woman, you should be careful never to lift more than ten kilograms. When carrying loads, keep them as close to the body as possible and above the navel.

If you have to work in a bent position, make a concerted effort to stay as upright as possible. Always only work on the area immediately in front of you.

This is especially true when you vacuum, sweep or mop.

In general, every movement that is gentle on the back also protects the muscles of the pelvic floor.

Condom urinals

An alternative to diapers, pads and incontinence briefs for men

According to a representative study, around 18% of men over 60 are affected by incontinence. But fortunately there is a tool that safely and discreetly protects those affected.

Although condom urinals are little known to the public, they have been a proven tool in practice for years: Simply slipped over the penis and connected to a suitable bag that is conveniently attached to the leg, they protect the skin from contact with urine and thus prevent it from occurring Skin damage.

Advantages compared to templates:

• No skin contact with urine
• Safe protection against odor
• No fear of 'mishaps'
• Less effort: only daily changes necessary
• No nightly diaper changes or bed linen changes

The ConveenR Optima condom urinals are available in 8 different designs that differ in length and/or diameter.

Our care aids for you at a glance

Mattress protectors

There is a fleece layer on the top, the bottom is impermeable to liquids - the optimal protection for your mattresses and bed sheets. For single use.

Disposable gloves

Protect against the transmission of germs and bacteria. They are made of vinyl, powder-free and available in sizes S to XL.

Hand disinfection

Thanks to its germ-reducing effect, the skin-friendly and ready-to-use solution offers protection against viruses, germs and fungi.

Surface disinfection

The ready-to-use solution is germ-reducing and is applied to surfaces. This protects against pathogens.

protective apron

It consists of a waterproof, washable and moisture-repellent film material and protects the carer's clothing. For single use.

Face mask

Both patients and carers protect themselves from germs. It is made of fleece and has a reshapeable nose piece, a head elastic and is for one-time use.

 

Medical skin care for demanding skin

Urine and stool cause incontinence on the skin.

Over the years, the skin becomes thinner, drier and more sensitive to the effects of irritating substances. It loses its natural elasticity and firmness. In addition, the weakening of the hydrolipid layer can cause an unpleasant feeling of tension. The right care can reduce the discomfort of dry and irritable skin and effectively protect it from unwanted changes.

Remember: prevention is better than cure!

The Seni Care care range was developed for exactly this purpose. Thanks to the combination of the latest technology with proven recipes and specially selected active ingredients, the Seni Care care products have a gentle and effective effect without attacking the skin's protective hydrolipidic layer. The Seni Care care series and the hygiene products from the additional range guarantee comprehensive and simple skin care for people with incontinence.

1. Gentle cleansing with water

• Products without added soap
• ideal for cleaning particularly sensitive and stressed skin
• The skin is gently cleansed and the risk of inflammation is minimized

2. Gentle cleaning without water

• Replacement for cleaning with soap and water
• the skin is cleansed and supplied with nutrients

3. Regeneration

• Rich care and long-lasting moisturization
• ideal for demanding skin
• The skin's natural regenerative powers are supported

4. Effective protection

• Preparations with anti-inflammatory effects
• The protective cream with zinc oxide leaves a white protective layer on the skin
• The protective cream with arginine leaves a transparent protective layer on the skin

In the previous chapters you have received detailed information on the topic of “incontinence”. If you have additional questions, please contact our customer service. The customer service at Gorilla Gesund is an advisory team of competent employees for all questions on the subject of “incontinence”.

You reach the 'customer service' from Gorilla Healthy by telephone on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Supply process

In order to guarantee you an uncomplicated supply of the desired incontinence material, please send the prescription issued by the doctor either by emailor by fax stating your telephone number to the following contact details.

E-Mail: service@gorillagesund.de

Our competent staff will be happy to advise you and help you choose the right aid. After submitting the regulation, we will submit a cost estimate if necessary and then prepare the goods for shipping.

ATTENTION - Unfortunately, we do not specialize in children's diapers and therefore cannot guarantee supplies. Please ask another medical supply store about this.

We wish you all the best for the future and look forward to giving the customer a good feeling and feeling like a human being.

 

Sources:

http://inkontinenz.behandeln.de/images/tipps/695x360/inkontinenz-tipps-hilfsmittel.jpg
https://inkontinenz.behandeln.de/tipps-fuer-unterwegs.html
https://www.molicare.com/de/molicare
http://www.medizin-fuer-kids.de/bibliothek/koerperfunktionen/harnsystem.htm