Urinary incontinence...
...is the loss of bladder control that causes accidental urine leaking. Urinary incontinence is not a disease in itself, but an aging effect or a secondary effect of surgery and radiation.
Stress Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type of incontinence. This form of incontinence is caused by physical strain on the bladder caused by physical activity such as jumping, bending, coughing, sneezing etc. Being overweight can also cause strain on the bladder. Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder.
Stress incontinence is more common in women but can certainly affect men as well.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence can occur when the bladder function retains more urine and does not empty completely. The pressure of a full bladder causes it to leak. The bladder muscle may not squeeze properly or there may be poor emptying from prostatic disease or sphincter dysfunction..Overflow incontinence causes frequent urinating in small amounts and constant dribbling.
This type is more common in men and is often associated with prostate surgery or prostate problems. Incontinence clamps and devices such as the Pacey Cuff are often used to manage this form of incontinence.
Overactive Bladder
Also known as “urge” or “urgency incontinence”, this causes the bladder muscles to contract or squeeze even if the bladder is empty. It causes an overwhelming urge to urinate and can cause accidents if you don’t make it to the restroom in time.
Urgency incontinence can be caused by physical problems like damage to the spine, brain or nerves between the spine and the bladder. It can also be caused by bladder infection.
Functional Incontinence
Functional incontinence occurs when other diseases or disabilities like Parkinson’s disease, arthritis or dementia make it difficult for you to get to the toilet, causing accidents.
Ideas on how to manage your incontinence
Pelvic muscle exercises (also known as Kegel exercises) work the muscles that you use to stop urinating. Making these muscles stronger helps you hold urine in your bladder longer. Learn more about pelvic floor exercises and how to do them.
Biofeedback uses sensors to make you aware of signals from your body. This may help you regain control over the muscles in your bladder and urethra. Biofeedback can be helpful when learning pelvic muscle exercises.
Timed voiding may help you control your bladder. In timed voiding, you urinate on a set schedule, for example, every hour. You can slowly extend the time between bathroom trips. When timed voiding is combined with biofeedback and pelvic muscle exercises, you may find it easier to control urge and overflow incontinence.
Lifestyle changes may help with incontinence. Losing weight, quitting smoking, saying “no” to alcohol, drinking less caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and many sodas), preventing constipation and avoiding lifting heavy objects may help with incontinence. Choosing water instead of other drinks and limiting drinks before bedtime may also help.
Tools to limit the leaks!
The Pacey Cuff and the suite of products offered by Pacey MedTech are important tools in the arsenal of urinary incontinence management.
The Pacey Cuff Ultra
Designed for daily use, and with no time limit on how long the Cuff can be worn (unlike with incontinence clamps), the Pacey Cuff allows you to enjoy your daily activities with confidence. It’s patent-pending design ensures continuous comfort - the circulation in the penis is not restricted. This is why we have some users who wear the Cuff for up to 12 hours per day! (Regular bathroom breaks are still required!).
The Pacey Cuff Comfort Band
Included with each Pacey Cuff (and additionally available in packs of 3) is the only accessory of its kind. A sleek and comfortable addition to care.
The Underwear Protector - Pacey Cuff Incontinence Jock
An excellent backup to the Pacey Cuff, or a stand-alone product for mild to moderate leakage, the underwear protector made by Pacey MedTech is designed with the active user in mind. Based on the classic athletic support design, the custom pouch ensures the pads stay firmly in place. This may be of use at night with or without the Pacey Cuff . It can serve to collect leakage.
The Jock may also be used with single use pads as an option.
The Jock includes 2 reusable, absorbent pads that can be layered up to increase protection. And everything can be washed & dried with your regular laundry.