Absorbent incontinence aids

Dear readers!

"In case of occasional or persistent loss of urine, it is referred to as bladder weakness or urinary incontinence. This condition not only poses a hygienic challenge for those affected but often also represents a significant emotional problem."

Many people suffer from urinary incontinence, with even one in three affected in older age. Nevertheless, the issue of incontinence is rarely discussed openly. Therefore, we would like to encourage you to engage with this topic.

"However, we would also like to provide you with comprehensive information about the disease picture. You should know how to prevent urinary incontinence and what therapeutic and accompanying options are available."

"We also present you with practical tips and tricks that have proven effective in dealing with incontinence."

In this blog article, you will find suggestions on how to best tackle your problem and regain a better quality of life.

What is incontinence?

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

Most common causes of incontinence

1. A weak pelvic floor muscle or lax connective tissue: pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, age-related changes, overweight, injuries resulting from surgeries or chronic cough.
2. Damage or lowering of the sphincter: surgeries in the pelvic area such as the removal of the prostate.
3. Dysfunction of the bladder: urinary tract infections or overactive bladder
4. Drainage disorders: Enlarged prostate or uterine prolapse
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 a treatment-requiring stress incontinence.

Filling and emptying of the bladder

The storage of urine is an unconscious process. The reaching of the capacity limit is signaled by the urge to urinate. It can be suppressed for a certain period of time.

Average capacity:

• for women: 400 ml
• for men: 500 ml

Fluid balance (daily)

Fluid intake:	2.500 ml	Excretion:	2.500 ml
Drink Eat Oxidation	1.500 ml 700 ml 300 ml	Skin at least Lunge mind. Bowel movement at least	500 ml 400 ml 100 ml
		Urine:	1.500 ml

Forms of Incontinence and Their Symptoms

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

• Urinary incontinence during physical exertion or when sneezing, coughing, laughing, or during physical exertion.
• Sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination and increased nocturnal urination
• Constant dribbling of urine

Forms of incontinence	Incontinence symptoms
Stress incontinence	Uncontrolled urine loss during physical exertion (e.g., sports, when sneezing or coughing)
Urge incontinence (with overactive bladder)	Sudden, strong urge to urinate leads to uncontrolled loss of urine. In case of overactive bladder additionally: 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. by an enlarged prostate in men) The bladder is constantly overfilled and causes constant leakage.
Reflex incontinence	A disturbance of the nerve pathways between the brain, spinal cord, and bladder (e.g. in cases of spinal cord injuries) The bladder empties reflexively by itself.

Furthermore, there are rarer forms of incontinence such as overflow incontinence, where the drainage pathways are "blocked" (e.g., by an enlarged prostate in men), causing the bladder to be constantly overfilled and urine to be continuously released. In the so-called reflex incontinence, there is a disturbance of the nerve pathways between the brain, spinal cord, and bladder (e.g., in paraplegia) – the bladder empties reflexively on its own.

Incontinence in Women

Urinary incontinence occurs in women, due to anatomical reasons, significantly more often. Especially young women often suffer from a weak bladder after pregnancy/birth, with the cause usually being weakened pelvic floor muscles. 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 a condition (e.g., a stroke) or after surgeries in the pelvic area. Medical procedures can cause dysfunction of the bladder sphincter. Incontinence after prostate surgery is a frequently discussed topic.

Important - At the first signs, see a doctor

"At the first signs, you should visit your family doctor."

"In order to carry out appropriate treatment and prevent unnecessary suffering, an early visit to the doctor is absolutely advisable. 'The sooner, the better' is the motto."

It is estimated that nearly 10% of the population in Germany suffers from incontinence. Nevertheless, bladder weakness remains a taboo subject to this day. 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 execution provides an overview of the most common physical disorders that may be considered as causes of incontinence.

Weak pelvic floor muscles or lax connective tissue
→ e.g. due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, age-related changes, overweight, muscle injuries resulting from surgeries in the pelvic area, or due to chronic cough ("smoker's cough").

Damage or lowering of the sphincter muscle
→ e.g. through surgeries in the pelvic area such as the removal of the prostate in men.

Dysfunctions of the bladder
→ e.g. due to urinary tract infections or "irritable bladder" (overactive bladder).

drainage problems
→ e.g. due to an enlarged prostate in men or a prolapsed uterus in women.

Neurological causes and certain diseases
→ e.g. through multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, tumors, inadequately treated diabetes mellitus.

"Furthermore, some medications (e.g., blood pressure reducers, diuretics) can also promote the development of corresponding complaints. In this case, the rule is: Discuss with your doctor whether there are alternative active substances and never discontinue prescribed medications on your own."

Tips for on the go

Good planning

"Those with a weak bladder should not let themselves be restricted – and certainly not give up their usual activities. However, when strolling through the city, on outings, etc., finding the nearest public restroom is often not that easy. Good preparation ensures more security: Nowadays, it’s quite simple to do this from home via the internet – so-called "toilet search engines" help find the nearest restroom."

Tips: There are already corresponding apps for smartphones for on the go.
To the Toilet Finder for Apple devices.

Before and during the trip: Plan for bathroom breaks

Whether it's a business appointment, an outing with friends, or the start of a vacation – before you set off, there is often a rush. Nevertheless: Remember to go to the toilet one last time before you leave. Then your bladder is emptied and shouldn't call for attention right away. And even during the journey, it's important to plan regular breaks for toilet visits. When traveling by train or plane, it makes sense to reserve a seat near the restroom.

In case of emergency: spare underwear in carry-on luggage

"Another tip for more security: Just pack spare underwear in your carry-on! This way, you are well prepared if something goes "wrong". Nothing stands in the way of a carefree outing or a relaxing trip."

pelvic floor exercises:

Often, a weak pelvic floor is 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 slack, uncontrolled urine leakage can occur. Regular exercise (e.g., cycling, swimming, or walking) is an important foundational measure for a strong pelvic floor. However, specific pelvic floor exercises should also be integrated into daily life – they help to specifically strengthen the muscles. It is important to perform the exercises correctly and regularly (preferably daily) and to stay consistent. Extra tip: A special training aid for insertion into the vagina (comparable to a tampon) can be a useful accompanying measure for women to improve the perception of the pelvic floor and to train the muscles specifically and correctly. This way, an externally visible indicator shows at a glance whether and how strongly the contraction is being performed. A simple visual feedback that is a real help for many affected individuals.

For women:

A weak pelvic floor muscle is one of the most common causes of incontinence. Therefore, targeted pelvic floor training plays a central role in managing incontinence (especially stress incontinence) to get the symptoms under control. Here we have compiled exercises for women that specifically activate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Exercise 1: Sitting

• Sit up straight on a chair with a hard seat.
• Feel your two sit bones and try to bring them closer together imaginatively – while doing this, engage your pelvic floor muscles, keeping your gluteal muscles relaxed.
• Repeat the exercise three times and pay 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 that is oriented lengthwise in the direction of sitting. The perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) rests on the towel."
• Now imagine that you are pulling the towel up with your pelvic floor muscles. Make sure that the gluteal muscles remain relaxed.
• Repeat the exercise three times and pay attention to the correct breathing sequence (see box).

Exercise 3: In the Quadruped Position

• Get into the quadruped position (see illustration above): Support yourself on your hands and knees. The knees are positioned below the hip joints and the tops of the feet are resting on the gym mat. The hands are supported below the shoulders, and the elbows are slightly bent. The head forms an extension of the spine.
• Breathe in and form a slight hollow back while keeping the pelvic floor relaxed.
• Breathe out and arch your back like a cat: The back curves towards the ceiling, and the pelvic floor is slightly tensed.
• Repeat the exercise three times.

Exercise 4: Standing

• Stand up straight, both feet have firm contact with the ground, the upper body is stable.
• Now alternate by standing on your toes with one leg (lifting the heel), while the other foot remains firmly on the ground.
• "Activate the pelvic floor muscles while inhaling, and release the tension while exhaling."

For men

Pelvic floor training – Men who suffer from incontinence often don't think about it at all. However, a weak pelvic floor is a common cause of incontinence (stress incontinence). We have compiled selected pelvic floor exercises for men here. Good to know: A strong pelvic floor also enhances erectile function and sexual endurance.

Exercise 1: Sitting

• Sit up straight on a chair with a hard seat.
• Make sure that your body weight is on the sit bones and the pubic bone.
• Breathe in – as you do, the belly bulges forward and the pelvic floor is relaxed.
• Breathe out – the belly flattens and the pelvic floor muscles are tensed.
• Repeat several times.

Exercise 2: Standing

• Stand upright in front of a mirror. Your feet should be hip-width apart. The knees are slightly bent. The pelvis, back, shoulder girdle, and head form a line.
• Breathe in and out several times.
• "Tighten your pelvic floor and abdomen while exhaling. The testicle will pull up towards the navel. Hold the tension for a few seconds – then inhale and relax."
• Repeat several times.

Exercise 3: Standing

• Stand up straight. Your feet should be slightly more than hip-width apart, and your body weight should be evenly distributed on both legs.
• When inhaling, go into a squat – keep your back straight and relax your pelvic floor.
• When exhaling, you straighten up with a tense pelvic floor.
• Repeat several times.

Important

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

• When inhaling, the belly bulges forward and the pelvic floor is relaxed.
• When exhaling, the abdomen flattens and the pelvic floor muscles are tensed. Hold the tension for 5 seconds and then relax the pelvic floor for 10 seconds.

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

Aid for Incontinence

Absorbent aids are particularly frequently used for incontinence. In the Gorilla Gesund online shop, various models are available, which differ in shape and absorbency.

• Incontinence Pads → for light to moderate incontinence
• Incontinence Slip (Disposable Slip) or Incontinence Pants → for severe incontinence
• Incontinence Diapers → for severe incontinence
• incontinence pads 

Furthermore, for example, urine collectors for women and men as well as external aids (e.g. urinals or bed pads) are available, which are primarily used in severe forms of incontinence.

The problem: Such aids can certainly be a "stopgap solution" in certain situations, but they do not address the cause of incontinence. Especially the frequently used pads often come with significant disadvantages in terms of application and cost: odor nuisance, lack of wearing comfort, high costs – all of this does not necessarily make life with incontinence easier. Those who want to sustainably improve their quality of life and actively address bladder weakness should therefore consult their doctor to initiate a suitable, causal treatment.

Criteria for templates, slips, etc.

"Which article is suitable in individual cases depends, among other things, on the form and severity of incontinence. In principle, some general criteria should be considered when making a selection, such as:"

Suitable size, shape & wearing comfort:

"The size should be adjusted to the body size and the respective severity of incontinence. The basic rule is: 'As small as possible, as large as necessary.'"

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

Reliable binding of liquids & odors:

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

"The optimal binding of unpleasant odors also plays an important role. Special odor absorbers are partially integrated into the products or are available as a spray in stores."

Skin-friendliness, easy handling & Co.:

The materials should be breathable and not irritate the skin.

The adhesive strips should ensure a secure fixation.

The products should allow for discreet use, meaning they should be as invisible as possible from the outside and not make noise when moving.

"In the following pages, you will be informed about our absorbent incontinence products. Here we distinguish between 3 variants:"

• Standard supply – products without additional payment
• Partially payable products
• Premium products with an economic surcharge

"In assessing the needs, the excretion volume of a person (normally a maximum of 2,000 ml) as well as the absorbency of the product are taken into account."

"As a medical supply store, we are obligated to ensure the provision of medically necessary care. This principle does not advocate for the provision of a specific product."

"We use the house brand Seni. Alternative products are easy Form, TENA, and Hartmann."

Non-contributory products – Standard supply

Deposits	Normal Control Art 360 ml
Templates	Forma Care Plus 1.400 ml
	Super Care Form 2.150 ml
	San Seni Basic Normal 1.250 ml

 

Partially payable products

Deposits	Art of Control Extra (430 ml) Super (780 ml) Plus (930 ml)
	Man Art Normal (300 ml) Extra (400 ml) Super (820 ml
Templates	San Art Prima (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 Arts 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 charges

Deposits	You Lady Micro (60 ml) Mini (190 ml) Mini Plus (300 ml) Normal (360 ml) Extra (470 ml) Super (800 ml) Plus (950 ml)
Adhesive diapers	Your Standard Air Tag S (1.600 ml) M (2.300 ml) L (2,600 ml) XL (2.600 ml)
Adhesive diapers	Seni Standard Plus Air Night S (2.100 ml) M (2.900 ml) L (3,200 ml) XL (3.200 ml)
Really Insoles woman	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 Insoles man	Really Man Extra Light Man Level 1 (275 ml) Man Level 2 (450 ml) Man Level 3 (710 ml)

Abena Man, pads

Abri-Form Premium, Diapers

Article name	Suction strength	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 strength	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 difficult
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 difficult
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 difficult
Abena Abri Flex Premium L3	2400 ml	4	100 - 140 cm	medium to difficult
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 difficult
Abena Abri Flex Premium XXL1	1450 ml	3	153 - 203 cm	medium

How can you prevent incontinence?

Regulated digestion

Persistent bowel sluggishness often leads to frequent straining during bowel movements, thereby overloading the connective tissue of the pelvic floor. Therefore, ensure you have enough.

Time during bowel movements and avoid straining:

"Tighten the anal sphincter several times in succession for about three seconds; this encourages the intestines to move more and initiates natural evacuation."

Whole food nutrition

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

"Flatulence can occasionally worsen incontinence due to increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, gradually adjust your diet. Promote healthy gut bacteria that 'digest' the supplied dietary fibers and thus prevent flatulence. Yogurt and kefir in your daily meal plan support the natural gut flora."

Sufficient fluid intake

It is particularly important that you consume enough fluids to prevent constipation and to help a fiber-rich diet achieve its full effect.

Herbal and fruit teas as well as mineral waters with low carbonation are recommended.

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

Regular relaxation

If your incontinence is very burdensome for you, a mental balance can be valuable. Get used to not focusing on your worries. Especially build in your

Consciously create opportunities in everyday life that bring you joy:

meet friends, visit a cinema, or take a walk.

Additionally, it can be helpful to learn relaxation techniques.

A simple technique to learn is progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobson. But many other methods are also suitable. These include, for example, autogenic.

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

Correct movement

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

The many small daily movements are usually performed unconsciously in everyday life. That is why it is important to choose the right postures and perform meaningful movement sequences to relieve the pelvic floor.

Therefore, pay attention to keeping your back as straight as possible when lifting or carrying.

As a woman, you should be careful not to lift more than ten kilograms. When carrying loads, keep them as close to your body as possible and above your navel.

If you have to work in a bent position, make a conscious effort to stay as upright as possible. Always work on a surface that is directly in front of you.

This applies especially when you vacuum, sweep, or mop.

In general, it holds that every back-friendly movement also protects the muscles of the pelvic floor.

Condom Urinal

An alternative to diapers, pads, and men's incontinence briefs

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

Condom urinals are not well known in public, but in practice, they have been a proven aid for years: Simply slipped over the penis and connected to a suitable bag that is comfortably attached to the leg, they protect the skin from urine contact and thus prevent resulting skin damage.

Advantages over templates:

• No skin contact with urine
• Safe protection against odor
• No fear of "mishaps"
• Less effort: Only daily change necessary
• No nighttime diaper changes or changing of bed linens

The ConveenR Optima condom urinal is available in 8 different versions, which vary in length and/or diameter.

Our care aids for you at a glance

Bed protection pads

On the top side a fleece layer, the underside is liquid-proof – 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. It thus protects against pathogens.

protective apron

"It is made of a waterproof, washable, and moisture-repellent film material and protects the clothing of the caregiver. For single use."

face mask

Both patients and caregivers protect themselves from disease germs. It is made of non-woven fabric and has a moldable nose bridge, an elastic headband, and is for single use.

 

Medical skin care for demanding skin

Urine and stool burden the skin of incontinent individuals.

Over the years, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and reacts more sensitively to the effects of irritating substances. It loses its natural elasticity as well as firmness. Additionally, the weakening of the hydrolipid barrier can cause an unpleasant feeling of tightness. Proper care can alleviate discomfort in dry and irritation-prone skin and effectively protect it from unwanted changes.

Remember: Prevention is better than cure!

The Seni Care care series was developed specifically for this purpose. Thanks to the combination of the latest technology with proven formulations and specially selected active ingredients, the Seni Care care products work gently and effectively without attacking the protective hydrolipid layer of the skin. The Seni Care care series and the hygiene products from the supplementary range guarantee comprehensive and easy skin care for individuals with incontinence.

1. Gentle cleansing with water

• Products without soap additive
• ideal for cleansing particularly sensitive and stressed skin
• the skin is gently cleansed and the risk of inflammation is minimized

2. Gentle cleansing without water

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

3. Regeneration

• rich care and long-lasting moisture supply
• ideal for demanding skin
• the natural regeneration forces of the skin 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 any additional questions, please contact our customer service. The customer service team of Gorilla Gesund is a team of qualified staff members available for all questions regarding the topic of "Incontinence."

You can reach the "Customer Service" from Gorilla Gesund by phone on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Supply process

"To ensure you receive the desired incontinence materials without complications, please send the prescription issued by your doctor either via email or fax along with your phone number to the following contact details."

E-Mail: service@gorillagesund.de

Our competent employees are happy to advise you and assist in selecting the right aid. After presenting the prescription, we will, if necessary, submit a cost estimate and then prepare the goods for shipping.

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

"We wish you all the best for the future and are happy to give the customer a good feeling of being treated like a human."

 

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