Need help choosing the right incontinence products for you?

One in ten men and one in three women will experience a form of incontinence at some stage in their lives

It can be a taboo subject but – as of June 20-26 marks World Continence Week 2022 - this Blackpool firm is encouraging people to get the help and advice they need.

One in three women, and one in ten men, will experience a form of incontinence at some stage in their lives.

But help is at hand with products available to manage all types of incontinence, and some can be alleviated with medical assistance.

“About six million people in the UK are affected by incontinence at any one time so if you are suffering from this condition, you are certainly not alone,” says Angela Whitehead, manager of Ableworld’s Blackpool store.

The absorbency of products quoted by many suppliers is not the only factor to consider

“It can cause inconvenience or embarrassment whilst playing sport, sneezing or even when you laugh. For a woman, key times are after childbirth or during the menopause.”

World Continence Week is an annual initiative devised and managed by the World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems to raise awareness of bladder and bowel issues, chronic pelvic pain and other debilitating conditions which impact greatly on the lives of patients and carers.

Choosing continence care products

If you experience incontinence there is a bewildering number of products available to help you, says Angela. “We know that choosing the right product can be difficult. That is why we only stock quality products that are a real help.”

If you experience incontinence, bed protection is one option

Options include:

Pads: highly absorbent, suitable for men and women. Includes pull-up pants for travelling and more absorbent pads for use at nights

Briefs: for men and women, machine or hand wash

Briefs to use with pads: stretch briefs to hold pads in place

Bed and seat protection: washable and disposable bed pads or washable seat pads for wheelchair, seat or car.

Points to consider when making your selection

The absorbency of products quoted by many suppliers is not the only factor to consider: your bladder can comfortably hold about 400ml so most pads have ample absorbency.

How many? If you are using more than six pads a day then you should consider using a product with a greater absorbency.

At night you may need products with a slightly higher absorbency. You should consider using bed pads.

“Hopefully we will provide you with the right product first time but you may need to try out a few products first. For this reason, we are happy to supply you with some free samples to help you choose,” Angela adds.

To find out how Ableworld can help you, visit the Blackpool store at 130 Cherry Tree Road, Blackpool FY4 4TH from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, or from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

For more details, call 01253 335614, email [email protected] or visit https://blackpool.ableworld.co.uk.