About Incontinence
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Urinary incontinence can occur at any age, and, although the risk increases with ageing, there are many causes and they tend to be different depending on the age group and sex.
Fortecare has thought of ideal aids for every need and type of incontinence; you can find the one that best suits your needs - see our Products
At what age can incontinence occur?
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The most recent data indicates that in Europe about 36 million people suffer from urinary incontinence, while 8% of the population is affected worldwide.
Incontinence is a much more widespread condition than we think: this is why we at Fortecare develop the best solutions to ensure maximum comfort and security at all times.
How many people suffer from incontinence?
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Women suffer mainly from the so-called "stress" form of incontinence, while in men the "urge" form is more frequent. "Mixed" forms (i.e. the presence of stress incontinence and urgency) are predominantly the prerogative of the female sex. If you wish to discover more, you can do it here
Fortecare has products for Her and for Him based on anatomical differences, to allow maximum comfort at all times.
Are there any differences between male and female incontinence?
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Yes, many women suffer from urinary incontinence both during pregnancy and soon after. These are urine leaks which occur especially when physical efforts are made, with a full bladder and mostly during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Do not be frightened and do not think of it as a taboo, because it is a widespread problem and it can be managed: talk to your gynaecologist, she will give you the best advice.
In the meantime, check what aid is most suitable for you in the
Can incontinence occur during pregnancy?
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Absolutely not! Whilst the risk of developing urinary incontinence increases for the elderly population - especially when taking medicines or as a consequence of surgical operations - urinary incontinence can affect all age groups.
This is why we at Fortecare are dedicated to helping you understand that this is not uncommon and that your life can continue easily - with a little extra care.
Whatever your issue, find the right solution for you right away.
Does incontinence only affect the elderly?
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The causes of incontinence are really many, they can vary depending on sex, age and are often independent of each other. In women, in particular, some predisposing factors can be an increase in body weight, pregnancy and childbirth, but also menopause.
In both sexes neurological diseases can be decisive, as can surgery, trauma and medicines.
In terms of incontinence products: All-in-one Diapers and Pull-up Pants can be worn by both Men and Women.
What are the causes of incontinence?
Product and Care
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Choosing the right aid can make a substantial difference in terms of effectiveness and comfort. In order to choose correctly it is always preferable to speak to a specialist - you can call Fortecare to speak to one of our Experts.
It is also necessary to recognise the type of incontinence and to assess what your habits are, your lifestyle and the time of day when you need protection.
As a guide please use our PRODUCT SELECTOR
How do I choose the Product most suitable for me?
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Yes, good intimate hygiene helps to prevent possible skin irritations.
Skin in contact with urine is subject to more stress and is likely to get irritated, so the good habits you should adopt are:
• cleanse the skin every time the incontinence aid is changed;
• use detergents with neutral pH which are not too aggressive (possibly without fragrances);
• it may be useful to treat the area with a zinc-based ointment, which has antiseptic properties, or with moisturising creams;
• (always!) dry the area perfectly before wearing a new pad.Warning: washing yourself too frequently can cause skin irritation, as you risk weakening the epithelium, which is the most superficial layer of the skin, which protects it from external agents.
The second fundamental recommendation is to use highly absorbent, anatomical Products made of breathable materials. All of Fortecare range of Products meet these criteria.
Can I prevent skin irritation by means of good hygiene?
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Some foods can promote urinary leaks: here is a short list of which foods and drinks to avoid or to consume in moderation if you suffer from incontinence.
• Alcoholic drinks: they dehydrate the body and increase the amount of urine, therefore they should be limited as much as possible.
• Coffee, tea, chocolate, cola and in general everything that contains caffeine or theine can have diuretic effects and should therefore be avoided.
• Spicy or acid foods: pepper, chilli pepper, vinegar, soy sauce, citrus juices and hot spices, because they can irritate the bladder.
• Carbonated drinks: in this case too, they can act as irritants for the bladder, so they should be avoided.
• Sugars: in addition to the risk of irritating the bladder, they promote weight gain, one of the causes of incontinence.
What are the foods to avoid if I am affected by incontinence?
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Kegel exercises are a great workout to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which are those which "regulate" the functioning of the bladder. They are very useful for the recovery of urinary continence, both in women and in men, and can be performed while lying down, sitting or standing.
Here's how to do them:
• First of all, empty the bladder.
• Contract the pelvic floor muscles (as if trying to hold back the urine stream) for 5 seconds, trying to keep the buttocks relaxed and concentrating on the abdomen.
• Relax for 10 seconds.
• Repeat the sequence 10 times.
• Train at least three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening).
Initially you may not be able to hold the contraction, but it doesn't matter: as you continue with the exercises your resistance will improve. On the contrary, if you realise that 5 seconds are too few, try to hold the contraction for longer, the important thing is that the period of "relaxation" is twice that of contraction.
Do not overdo it! Just train 3 times a day, if you overdo it you risk straining your muscles and making the situation worse.
There are also specific tools to perform these exercises, we recommend that you contact a specialist to get the right suggestions based on your needs.
How can I do Kegel exercises correctly?
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There is no single answer to this question, but certainly an active lifestyle and a healthy diet, maintaining a normal body weight and reducing (or rather eliminating) cigarette smoking are actions which reduce the risk of urinary incontinence.
How can I prevent urinary incontinence?
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Incontinence aids vary greatly and wearing them correctly is essential for optimal performance.
You can find instructions of how to wear a pair of Pants, a Diaper, or Pads in our Products descriptions for each of Our Products
How should I wear an incontinence aid?