The food and beverages you consume whilst experiencing diarrhoea can make a world of difference to its longevity and severity.
The food and beverages you consume whilst experiencing diarrhoea can make a world of difference to its longevity and severity.
The food and beverages you consume whilst experiencing diarrhoea can make a world of difference to its longevity and severity.
Dealing with diarrhoea can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but knowing what to eat and drink can make all the difference in helping you feel better faster!
Diarrhoea happens when your stools become loose and watery, and is often accompanied by cramps, bloating, and the urgent need to go to the bathroom (also known as faecal incontinence). It can be caused by a variety of things, from viral infections and medications to food intolerances, but the good news is that with the right diet, you can help prevent it from prolonging!
One of the most crucial things to remember when you're dealing with diarrhoea is to stay hydrated. Your body loses a lot of fluids during bouts of diarrhoea, which can leave you feeling drained and dehydrated.
Sipping on water, clear broths, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions can help replenish those lost fluids and keep you feeling refreshed. Remember, staying hydrated is key [1]!
The BRAT diet stands for:
Bananas
Rice
Applesauce
and toast
As you can see, this diet focuses on bland, easy-to-digest foods and has long been recommended for easing diarrhoea symptoms.
These foods can help firm up stools and provide essential nutrients without aggravating the digestive system [2].
If you’re experiencing diarrhoea, it's best to temporarily reduce your intake of high-fibre foods, as they can be harder to digest and may worsen symptoms. These foods mostly consist of:
Raw fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Beans
Instead, you can opt for low-fibre options like:
Cooked or canned fruits without skins
White rice
Refined pasta
Well-cooked lean proteins such as chicken or fish without the skin [3].
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and may help alleviate diarrhoea, particularly if it's caused by an imbalance of gut flora (the microorganisms that live in our digestive tracts). Foods rich in probiotics include [4]:
Yoghurt
Kefir
Kombucha
Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi
If you’re not a fan of these foods, don’t worry! You can also try probiotic supplements from your local health store or chemist. Always speak to your doctor before introducing new supplements into your daily routine.
As your symptoms improve, you’ll be able to slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs.
Start with small portions of easily digestible foods and monitor how your body responds. If symptoms recur or worsen, temporarily revert to a simpler diet until you feel better [6].
If diarrhoea persists or worsens (lasts longer than two weeks), it's essential to seek medical advice. Chronic or severe diarrhoea may indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. A healthcare professional can provide personalised guidance and can help you feel better sooner [7].
Feel like you’re experiencing constipation and diarrhoea at the same time?
Dealing with diarrhoea is never fun, but with the right diet and a little patience, you can start feeling better soon. Remember to stay hydrated, stick to gentle foods like bananas and rice, and give your gut some love with probiotics. And if you're not feeling better or have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for help. You've got this—here's to a happy, healthy tummy!
If you need assistance in managing your faecal incontinence, our range of Dailee Pull-Up Pants are suitable for everyday active wear. With up to 12 hours of usage time and designed with our patented odour-neutralising technology, you’re able to have full confidence in knowing you're protected from any leakage or unwanted smells.
For those less mobile who experience bowel incontinence, our Dailee Slips are a great option. Their easy-to-fasten velcro side-tabs make them easy to apply on the person you care for and they feature the same absorbency technology and odour-locking benefits as our pull-ups.
If you’re not sure which product is best suited to your needs, or the person you care for, please don’t hesitate to contact us to speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable product specialists.
Knowing the signs of this condition will ensure your child receives the right treatment, so they can go back to their living their best life!
Knowing the signs of this condition will ensure your child receives the right treatment, so they can go back to their living their best life!
We all know keeping an eye on the health of our children is a top priority, but sometimes conditions like bladder dysfunction can fly under the radar.
It's essential to catch the signs and symptoms early to avoid any major complications down the road.
In this blog, we'll walk you through five telltale signs that your child might be dealing with bladder dysfunction and what next steps you and your family should take!
According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) [1], many trips to the bathroom can be indicative of bladder dysfunction. Here are some examples of what that could look like in your child’s life:
During the daytime - this can interfere with regular day-to-day activities, such as school, playing and socialising (for tips on managing incontinence at school, check out our guide for parents and teachers here).
During the nighttime - you might be finding that your child is getting up constantly throughout the night, which is disrupting their sleep pattern
While occasional episodes of frequent urination may not be concerning, persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Another sign to watch out for is urgency and urinary accidents, particularly if your child is unable to hold urine until reaching the bathroom.
According to research published in Paediatric Nephrology, it can be a sign that an overactive bladder can disrupt daily activities and may lead to embarrassing accidents, especially in older children [2].
Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is another common indication of bladder dysfunction in children. While bedwetting is normal in younger children who are still in toilet training, it should become a concern when it persists beyond the age of five or six as emphasised by the European Society for Paediatric Urology [4]. Be sure to keep an eye on your child's nighttime urinary habits and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional to help identify any issues early on.
If your child is currently experiencing any level of urinary incontinence, our Magics Youth Pants have got you covered! Suitable for ages up to 15, they’re designed to mimic regular underwear, are dermatologically tested and are engineered to absorb liquid quickly- ensuring your child is kept dry throughout the day.
Children experiencing bladder dysfunction may also complain of pain or discomfort while urinating. This feeling may come across as a:
These can also be symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder irritation [3]. It’s essential that if your child is going through these discomforts you consult their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Last but not least, parents should keep an eye on changes in the colour or odour of their child’s urine. These changes may include:
Turning darker or changing colour
Changing to a cloudy appearance
Having a stronger odour
Any of these may indicate the presence of an infection or other bladder-related problems. The Mayo Clinic recommends monitoring any changes in urine characteristics, especially if there are other urinary symptoms in the mix.
Recognising the signs of bladder dysfunction in children is crucial for early detection and intervention. By staying vigilant and addressing any concerning symptoms promptly, parents can help prevent complications and ensure their child is kept happy and healthy.
If you notice any of these signs in your child, be sure to reach out to their doctor. Remember, that keeping on top of these issues as soon as they arise can make a significant difference for you and your child.
1 - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (n.d.). Urinary Frequency. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/genitourinary-tract/Pages/Urinary-Frequency.aspx
2- von Gontard, A. (2002). The diagnosis and treatment of daytime wetting in children and adolescents. Pediatric Nephrology, 17(6), 644–657. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-001-0804-4
3 - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2017). Symptoms & Causes of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) & Bedwetting in Children. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/symptoms-causes
4 - European Society for Pediatric Urology (ESPU). (n.d.). Nocturnal enuresis. https://uroweb.org/guideline/nocturnal-enuresis/
Fibre plays an essential role in the way our gut functions, but what are the signs you’re eating too much or too little?
Continence management products can set you free to live every day to the full. Here’s what you need to know about finding the right product for your needs.
When it comes to gut and digestive health, you’ve probably heard about the numerous benefits that fibre can offer.
Found in plant-based foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, grains as well as fruits and veggies (of course), ensuring there’s enough fibre in your diet can help prevent constipation, support digestive function and aid in weight management, as well as a whole list of other health benefits.
But how much fibre should you be eating per day and is there such a thing as too much? Keep reading below to find out!
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods that the human body is unable to break down, digest or absorb [1]. There are two main types of dietary fibre:
Soluble fibre, which can be dissolved in water to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract helps you feel fuller for longer. This type of fibre is found in oats, barley, legumes, fruits and certain vegetables.
Insoluble fibre, which, as the name suggests, is unable to be dissolved in water. This type of fibre helps by adding bulk to stool, regulating bowel movements and avoiding constipation. It is found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruit skins and certain vegetables.
The recommended amount of fibre to consume tends to vary depending on age, but a minimum of 25 to 30 grams of dietary fibre per day is widely recommended for adults [2]. To achieve this target, it’s recommended to eat a variety of plant-based foods and increase consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Studies into global fibre intake have found that most people don’t consume enough fibre daily - one study estimated that most people need to increase it by around 50% [1]!
Some common signs that you aren’t consuming enough fibre include:
Constipation and/or hard stool
Hard, dry stools that result in constipation often occur as the colon absorbs too much water. Soluble fibre aids in alleviating constipation by absorbing water as it moves through the digestive tract, which makes stool softer and easier to pass, while insoluble fibre helps move food through the digestive tract. Eating too little fibre may result in infrequent bowel movements or smaller, harder stools that are more difficult to pass.
Feeling hungry even after meals
Soluble fibre slows the digestive process, which in turn slows down the rate at which your stomach empties to send a signal to your brain that translates into feelings of hunger, prompting you to eat again. Low-fibre meals tend to be digested quicker, which can leave you feeling hungry soon after eating.
Fatigue/low energy
High-fibre foods provide a steady energy source for the body throughout the day, preventing spikes or crashes in blood sugar levels. Fluctuations in energy levels or feelings of fatigue can be due to unstable blood sugar and could be a sign you’re consuming an insufficient amount of fibre.
If you experience bowel incontinence, it’s important to consume enough fibre to keep your bowels healthy and regular, and to avoid any constipation which can exacerbate symptoms. A 2014 US study on individuals with faecal incontinence even found that those given a fibre supplement had a decrease of 51% in the frequency of soiling incidents [3].
While studies have found the majority of people consume too little fibre, it might surprise you to know that it’s also possible to consume too much fibre.
Overconsumption of fibre has its own set of symptoms, and some common signs you might be eating too much fibre include:
Bloating and excess gas
As we mentioned earlier, fibre is the part of edible plants that is unable to be digested by the human body. However, the bacteria in our colon are able to digest it and a by-product of this is the production of gas. Eating a lot of fibre means there is more available for the bacteria to break down, resulting in more gas than usual and contributing to feeling bloated [4].
Abdominal discomfort
As well as discomfort from bloating, eating too much fibre can result in other gastrointestinal discomfort such as cramping.
Diarrhoea or Constipation
Insoluble fibre helps move food through the digestive process, and as it does so, it can also draw water into the digestive tract from outside of the intestine to help its journey along. These two forces combined can cause loose stools or diarrhoea.
On the other hand, eating too much fibre without consuming enough water can cause or worsen constipation.
While the above symptoms can be signs of too much or too little fibre, in some cases they may also indicate an underlying condition or even a deficiency - so it’s recommended to check in with your GP or treating healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet.
Similarly, if you suspect you’re experiencing any adverse effects of consuming either too much or too little fibre, we recommend discussing it with a healthcare professional or a registered dietician for advice and guidance tailored to your unique situation.
If you’ve been advised to increase your daily amount of fibre, it’s important to do so gradually and to stay adequately hydrated while doing so to allow your digestive system to adapt.
We hope this information helps explain the crucial role that fibre plays in diet and digestive processes, and in keeping a healthy gut.
If you experience any soiling issues related to constipation, diarrhoea or other conditions, our range of Dailee incontinence aids is here to provide you with peace of mind thanks to their reliable absorption, odour control and leak protection.
*This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or dietary advice. If you’re concerned about your dietary fibre intake, we recommend discussing it with a health professional or registered dietician.
Passing gas is a normal function in every individual’s body, but how much is too much, and what causes excess flatulence?
Passing gas is a normal function in every individual’s body, but how much is too much, and what causes excess flatulence?
Passing gas is a natural bodily process. The body produces it as part of digestion, but it can also come from air that people swallow when they are eating or drinking.
One controlled study found that individuals passed between 476 to 1491 millilitres of gas per day [1].
Approximately 7% of people report being bothered by the amount of flatulence they experience per day, while 11% mention experiencing uncomfortable side effects of excess gas, such as bloating.
But how do you know if you’re passing too much gas per day, and what could be the cause behind it? We investigate below!
The amount of gas expelled by a person daily is variable, but as mentioned above, studies have found that it’s somewhere between 476 and 1,491 millilitres per day. This gets expelled from the body as approximately 10 to 20 episodes of flatus daily [2].
Generally speaking, having upwards of 20 gas episodes per day isn’t necessarily a cause for concern on its own. However, if you experience any of the following in conjunction with passing a higher amount of gas, it would be worthwhile checking in with a doctor for any underlying cause:
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhoea or constipation
Noticing blood in stool or vomit
Unintended weight loss
So, the average person has up to 20 episodes of flatulence per day - but before you go reaching for the air freshener, did you know that the majority of gas that humans expel is actually odourless?
There’s one main compound that contributes to smelly flatus, too, and that is sulphur.
Sulphur compounds in gas, notably hydrogen sulphide (also called rotten egg gas - you can guess why!), accumulate as a by-product of digestion as the bacteria in our gut and intestines break down our food into waste (faecal matter). Eating foods high in sulphur content can worsen the smell of your gas, as it means your gut produces more hydrogen sulphide.
So in short, having smelly gas on occasion is normal and usually related to the foods you’re consuming. Smelly gas can also occur if you’re taking certain medications, like antibiotics for example, or if there is faecal matter in the rectum at the time of flatus.
If you find that your gas is always foul-smelling, it can sometimes indicate:
An imbalance of gut bacteria
Food intolerance such as lactose intolerance
Coeliac disease
An Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
Excessive gas, whether smelly or not, can be caused by a variety of things such as those listed below - some of which might surprise you:
Swallowed Air:
When we say swallowed air, we mean swallowing the gas inside food or taking in air while ingesting food. It’s estimated that drinking a glass of water can deposit double the amount of air into the stomach [4], which is expelled either through the mouth as a burp or as a flatus.
The position you’re in while eating also affects how much air is swallowed while ingesting food. For example, if you’re in a reclined or laid-back position while eating, you’ll swallow more air than if you’re sitting up. You’re also more likely to then expel that air as flatulence, as the position the oesophagus is in while lying down doesn’t allow the excess air to exit [5].
You can also try to limit consumption of carbonated beverages like flavoured sodas or sparkling water, as they contribute to an increase in swallowed air.
Dietary Factors:
As we mentioned before, the foods you consume have an impact on how much gas is produced during digestion, and some foods can cause an increase in gas production during breakdown. These foods include:
High-fibre foods like wholegrains, prunes, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus
Allium vegetables such as onions and garlic
While you shouldn’t stop eating these foods as they carry essential nutritious benefits, you can try keeping a food diary to identify which foods may be causing an increase in gas and then look to limit them.
Food Intolerance:
If you’re intolerant to certain foods, eating them usually causes some upset in your digestive tract, which can lead to an increase in gas, as well as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps or bloating.
For example, those with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) within dairy, so it sits in the digestive tract being broken down by our gut bacteria through a process called fermentation, which creates gas as a by-product [6].
While there are no official tests to diagnose food intolerances, you might choose to keep a food diary to assist in identifying any problem foods or see an accredited dietician for expert advice.
Digestive Disorders:
Multiple digestive disorders can come with the side effects of excessive gas, including Coeliac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
Usually, though, these conditions have other signs or symptoms associated with them, including:
Abdominal pain, bloating and cramping
Diarrhoea, constipation or alternating between the two
Mucus or blood in stool
Fatigue and/or nutrient deficiencies
If you experience the above symptoms in conjunction with excessive gas, particularly if you’ve been experiencing them for a longer period, we recommend seeing your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Faecal Incontinence:
When we think of faecal incontinence, we may think it only means the involuntary release or leakage of stool, however, it also includes the involuntary release of flatus [7].
As individuals with bowel incontinence are unable to control the anal sphincter, and therefore bowel movements, those with the condition may also experience the inability to control passing wind.
We hope this article has helped explain what is considered abnormal or excessive when it comes to passing gas, and what can cause it.
If excessive flatulence is something you experience as part of having incontinence, our range of Dailee pull-ups and slips are a reliable solution with high absorbency.
They’re also equipped with active odour-locking materials that work for up to 12 hours at a time, so you can have peace of mind knowing that any unwanted odours stay neutralised.
1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1378885/pdf/gut00587-0087.pdf
3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1727181/
4 - https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.me.31.020180.001015?journalCode=med
5 - https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA16836707_868
6 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000291652366349X
*This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. If you are concerned with excessive gas or any other digestive symptoms, we recommend seeing your health professional for recommendations and advice tailored to your unique situation.
Puberty causes a lot of physical changes in an adolescent’s body, and can potentially affect the bladder. Keep reading to find out how puberty affects continence and urination.
Puberty causes a lot of physical changes in an adolescent’s body, and can potentially affect the bladder. Keep reading to find out how puberty affects continence and urination.
Puberty can be a challenging time for adolescents due to the physical and hormonal changes that take place in the body.
While you might already know that puberty can cause symptoms such as acne, mood swings and hair growth, it can also affect parts of the body that you may not have anticipated - such as the bladder. This can result in things like more frequent urination, including bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) and other forms of urinary incontinence.
So, how exactly does puberty affect incontinence and urination? Keep reading to find out!
Puberty is a stage of growth and development where an individual’s organs and bodily systems mature. It comes with emotional, psychological and physical changes - including the beginning of menstruation for girls. These changes are driven by fluctuations in hormones, most notably the “sex hormones” - testosterone and oestrogen.
It’s a gradual process that usually starts between the ages of 8-13 in girls and 9-14 in boys [1], and takes an average of 5 years to complete. Some symptoms of puberty include:
Growth of breasts in girls and testicles/penis in boys
Growth of pubic and other body hair
Acne
Growth spurts
As you probably know, this is a time in an adolescent's life that brings a lot of different changes to many parts of the body, and the bladder is no exception.
The hormonal fluctuations during puberty can influence the function and development of the urinary system, while the growth and development of the body may bring along changes to bladder size and capacity.
If your adolescent child seems to be urinating more often, it’s entirely possible that puberty could be the reason.
Some reasons for this include:
Growth in bladder size and capacity
Increased fluid intake and/or changes in diet
Fluctuations in hormones
Generally speaking, more frequent urination (also called polyuria) is not a serious concern of puberty and will resolve itself in time. For some teens, though, more frequent urination during puberty could be indicative of something more serious, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or diabetes.
It’s important to take your child to the doctor for assessment if they’re experiencing frequent urination if you are in any way concerned about it, or if they experience an increased need to go paired with any other signs of illness, pain while urinating, pelvic pain or blood in the urine.
So, puberty sees the development and maturation of the urinary system, and while some teens may experience some symptoms like frequent urination or nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), it will usually resolve with time.
But if your child has an abnormal bladder or bladder dysfunction [2] prior to puberty, it’s unlikely that they’ll grow out of it [3].
There is also evidence that suggests the age at which a girl experiences their first period is linked to the development of urinary incontinence. A study from 2018 found that an older age at first period was associated with urinary urgency and urinary incontinence [4].
While puberty can bring along some awkward or uncomfortable side effects for children and teens, it’s all part of the process in growing up and symptoms will resolve with time as the body matures.
In the meantime, if your teen is experiencing any urinary incontinence or leakage whether during the day or night, our Magics Youth Pants are here to provide you with a reliable solution. Designed to fit children up to the age of 15, our youth pants are more size-inclusive than supermarket alternatives - as well as being thinner, comfier and more absorbent!
Dermatologically tested and free of latex, chemicals, fragrances and dyes, they’re sensitive-skin friendly, and their flash dry top sheet rapidly draws liquid away from the surface so your child’s skin stays dry to the touch.
*This article is for informational & entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you are in any way concerned about any changes to your teenagers’ toileting habits at any stage of their development, we recommend seeking medical advice from a trusted health professional for advice tailored to their unique situation.
In this article, we investigate what conditions can cause chronic diarrhoea and ways to manage.
In this article, we investigate what conditions can cause chronic diarrhoea and ways to manage.
Everyone will experience an episode of diarrhoea at least once in their lifetime, with the average adult getting it at least 4 times a year [1]. Most cases thankfully aren’t severe, and usually resolve without treatment after 48 hours.
But some people experience diarrhoea consistently, and for a longer duration of time than just 48 hours. This is considered chronic diarrhoea - which is defined as a period of liquidy or loose stools, urgency and/or abdominal discomfort that lasts more than four weeks [2].
It’s a common symptom, with an estimated 5% of the population experiencing chronic diarrhoea, and 40% of those cases occur in people aged 60 years and over [3].
Chronic diarrhoea can be a symptom of multiple different conditions - keep reading to understand what chronic diarrhoea is and what it could indicate.
As mentioned, chronic diarrhoea is defined by medical professionals as passing three or more stools daily that are liquidy or loose, sometimes accompanied by urgency to go to the bathroom and abdominal pain or discomfort, that lasts for at least four weeks.
Diarrhoea, whether short-term or chronic, is also associated with more frequent bowel movements and passing a higher volume of stool per day than is considered ‘normal’.
As well as having loose stools, chronic diarrhoea can have other symptoms alongside it, such as:
Dehydration, dark-coloured urine and excessive thirst
Fatigue, dizziness and headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain, bloating and excess gas
Bowel incontinence, including leakage or soiling in underwear
Even though diarrhoea is a common gastrointestinal issue, consistently experiencing it is not normal and you should see your doctor or treating health professional for advice and treatment.
You should seek immediate medical advice if chronic diarrhoea is happening in a child under the age of five [4], or if you notice blood in the stool and/or are experiencing dehydration.
While short-term diarrhoea is usually caused by a bacterial infection (like E. Coli) or virus, chronic diarrhoea is often a symptom in a broad range of conditions, including:
Since chronic diarrhoea appears as a symptom in a range of gastrointestinal disorders, it’s crucial to see your GP for evaluation in order to have the cause diagnosed and to receive appropriate treatment.
Treatment for chronic diarrhoea differs depending on the underlying cause, so the first step should always be to consult your doctor. They will be able to refer you for any tests or specialist appointments that may be required, as well as be able to prescribe medications and recommend the best treatment plan for your unique situation.
As well as visiting your doctor, there are some general things you can do from home to help feel better while experiencing it:
Since watery stools are harder for our rectum to hold onto, faecal leakage or bowel incontinence is a common occurrence in individuals who experience chronic diarrhoea.
Our range of Dailee slips are a great option for those who are less mobile or require care and experience faecal incontinence. They’re equipped with the same 12-hour odour-lock, with the added benefit of being easy to change due to their velcro tabs.
Keeping note of your bowel movements with a bowel diary can provide helpful information to your health professionals, and can aid in developing treatment or management plans.
While chronic diarrhoea can be uncomfortable, it’s essential to visit your treating health professionals to avoid any serious complications like dehydration and to be accurately diagnosed and treated to manage the condition.
*This article is for informational purposes only.
1 - https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-diarrhea-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/
2 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1542356505002983
3 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2444382416300724
4 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751722218301872
5 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3921083/
6 - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/647490
Navigating NDIS funding for your child’s incontinence doesn’t need to be challenging thanks to our helpful guide.
Navigating NDIS funding for your child’s incontinence doesn’t need to be challenging thanks to our helpful guide.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) stands as a cornerstone of support for individuals with disabilities across Australia, aiming to provide necessary funding and assistance to improve their quality of life.
Among the long list of conditions that the NDIS covers, incontinence (particularly in children) presents unique challenges that require specialised care and support.
In this guide, we delve into the specifics of NDIS funding for children with incontinence, covering eligibility criteria, the amount that can be claimed, and the process for submitting claims.
The NDIS operates under strict eligibility criteria, ensuring that people who require support for their disability can access the necessary funding and services.
Children with incontinence may qualify for NDIS funding if their condition significantly impacts their daily functioning and falls within the definition of a disability under the scheme.
Incontinence includes, but is not limited to, urinary and faecal incontinence, and must be diagnosed by a qualified medical professional.
To learn more about incontinence you can read our comprehensive guide here.
To be eligible for NDIS funding, children and teenagers with incontinence must demonstrate that their condition:
1. Is permanent or likely to be permanent, as outlined in the NDIS Act.
2. Significantly affects their ability to perform everyday activities independently or requires substantial assistance from others.
3. Causes substantial impairment in social or economic participation.
It's crucial to note that eligibility for NDIS funding is assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual circumstances and needs of the child.
Additionally, children under the age of seven may access early intervention support through the NDIS, which can include assistance for managing incontinence-related challenges.
Once deemed eligible for NDIS funding, children with incontinence can access financial assistance to cover the costs of managing their condition.
The amount that can be claimed under the NDIS varies depending on the individual's needs and goals outlined in their NDIS plan.
This plan is developed in collaboration with the child, their family, and NDIS planners or Local Area Coordinators (LACs) and outlines the supports and services they require.
Funding for incontinence-related expenses may cover a wide range of supports, including but not limited to:
1. Continence assessments and consultations with healthcare professionals.
2. Prescription and provision of incontinence aids such as diapers, pads, or catheters.
3. Specialist therapy services aimed at improving continence management skills.
4. Assistive technology or equipment designed to aid in managing incontinence, such as bedwetting alarms or adaptive bathroom fixtures.
The funding allocated for incontinence-related support is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals outlined in the child's NDIS plan, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance to enhance their independence and quality of life.
We are NDIS-approved at ConfidenceClub! Our team of product specialists can help you purchase our Magics Youth Pants designed for children and teenagers or any other relevant products such as wipes and waterproof bed and furniture protectors.
Contact us today to shop our range and ask any questions you might have regarding NDIS and our products.
Submitting claims for NDIS funding for incontinence-related support involves a structured process to ensure that children receive timely access to the required assistance.
The steps for submitting claims typically include:
1. Development of the NDIS plan:
The child, their family, and NDIS planners or LACs collaborate to develop a comprehensive NDIS plan that outlines the supports and services needed, including those related to managing incontinence.
2. Plan implementation:
Once the NDIS plan is approved, the child can begin accessing the supports outlined in their plan, including those related to managing incontinence.
3. Purchasing supports:
Families can purchase incontinence-related supports and services using their allocated NDIS funding. It's essential to keep detailed records of purchases and expenses related to managing incontinence, as these may be required for auditing purposes.
4. Claim submission:
Claims for reimbursement of incontinence-related expenses can be submitted to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) through the online portal, by mail, or in person at an NDIA office. Supporting documentation, such as invoices, receipts, and reports from healthcare professionals, may be required to accompany the claim.
5. Review and approval:
The NDIA reviews the submitted claims to ensure they align with the child's NDIS plan and eligibility criteria. Once approved, reimbursement or direct payment for the claimed expenses is processed, providing financial assistance to cover the costs associated with managing incontinence.
By accessing the supports and services available through the NDIS, children with incontinence can receive the necessary assistance to enhance their independence and quality of life.
It's essential for families to work closely with NDIS planners or LACs to develop a tailored NDIS plan that addresses the individual needs and goals of the child, ensuring they receive the support they require to thrive.
For more information on the NDIS or to apply, please visit their website or call them on 1800 800 110.
Parkinson’s Disease affects the nervous system, causing issues with movement and motor skills. But did you know it can also affect the bladder and bowel?
Parkinson’s Disease affects the nervous system, causing issues with movement and motor skills. But did you know it can also affect the bladder and bowel?
Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the nervous system and causes movement and motor issues like tremors or shaking, muscle stiffness and impaired balance.
Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately 10 million people worldwide [1], and unfortunately, there is no known cure - however, research is still ongoing and there are a number of medications that help manage and alleviate symptoms.
While it’s mostly known for motor and movement challenges, there are also a lot of non-movement symptoms that people with the condition experience. This can include mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, but also bladder and bowel problems including urinary incontinence and constipation.
Keep reading to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease and how it can cause bladder and bowel issues such as incontinence.
As mentioned above, Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative condition affecting the nervous system, where nerve cells (called neurons) carrying dopamine in the substantia nigra area of the brain become impaired or die [2].
This area of the brain is responsible for the production of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter for the central nervous system as it is required in controlling movement and executive functions [3]. So, when the neurons in this region become impaired or die, it in turn results in reduced dopamine levels and causes impaired movement and motor function.
Symptoms tend to develop slowly and gradually over time, can be motor (related to movement) or non-motor, and vary from person to person. It can be hard to tell if you or a loved one has Parkinson’s, however, the Parkinson’s Foundation has listed ten signs that might indicate the disease - and if you have more than one, it’s recommended to see a doctor.
The exact causes of Parkinson’s Disease are still unknown, but it’s thought that a combination of genetics and environmental factors impact the likelihood of an individual developing the condition.
If you are concerned that either yourself or a loved one may be experiencing signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, we encourage you to make an appointment with your GP to discuss them. There is no singular test for Parkinson’s, and it can only be diagnosed by a neurologist.
There are a range of treatment options that are used to assist those with the condition to manage symptoms and maintain their quality of life. This can include physiotherapy, medication and, for some people, surgery.
Most individuals will require medication to help with motor symptoms. These medications work by increasing the levels of dopamine available in the brain, however, they can become less effective over time as more neurons become impaired or die.
A type of surgery called deep brain stimulation (DBS) may also be used to reduce the severity of motor symptoms, but this isn’t suitable for everyone. Your treating health professionals will be able to advise if surgery should be considered as well as the risks and benefits.
Bladder and bowel dysfunctions are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease:
Bladder:
Bladder dysfunction is estimated to affect between 55-80% of people with Parkinson’s Disease [4].
The most common urinary symptoms are those of an overactive bladder (OAB), which include:
Needing to urinate frequently
Urinary urgency, or the inability to ‘hold on’ once the need to wee arises
This can disrupt sleep patterns, as the increased urge can be very noticeable at night. Some people with Parkinson’s and urinary issues also experience trouble with fully emptying the bladder, as emptying requires a combination of pelvic muscles, including the urinary sphincter, to relax. Parkinson's causes stiffness, rigidity and involuntary muscle tightening, which contributes to trouble emptying the bladder.
Bowel:
Constipation is one of the earliest non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease [5], with an estimated 24.6% to 63% of those diagnosed experiencing constipation.
There are a few ways that the condition causes constipation:
Slower bowel muscle movement
Medications to treat Parkinson’s can impact the bowel
Difficulties with chewing and swallowing can affect diet and water intake
Difficulties with motion and moving can lead to decreased exercise which can impact bowel activity
Chronic and severe constipation can not only cause discomfort, nausea and lethargy but can contribute to urinary issues of frequency, urgency and/or incomplete emptying. It may seem strange, but you can also be constipated and have diarrhoea at the same time, as the loose stool is caused by the hard stool irritating the bowel.
If you or the person you care for is experiencing bladder or bowel problems (or both) due to Parkinson’s Disease, there are some simple things you can do to help regain confidence and maintain comfort:
Discuss it with your doctor
While it can be a difficult topic to discuss, it’s essential that you mention any urinary or bowel incontinence with your doctor or treating health professional as they can make recommendations tailored to you based on your symptoms as well as taking into account any prescribed medications or treatment interventions for Parkinson’s. They’re also able to make any referrals to specialists (like urologists) that may be required.
Wear quality incontinence aids
Mobility issues due to Parkinson’s Disease may make it more difficult to get to the bathroom on time, so it’s important to use quality incontinence aids such as those in our Dailee range to keep you protected from any accidents or unwanted leakage.
For those who care for someone with incontinence, we recommend our range of Dailee Slips for their high absorbency capacity and ease of changing.
Use bed and furniture protectors
Bed and furniture protectors offer extra protection to give you extra peace of mind, so you can travel or sleep soundly without worrying about any leaks or stains. We carry disposable and washable options, too, so you can choose which works best for your needs.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration contributes to constipation and irritating the bladder, which can worsen any urinary incontinence symptoms you might be experiencing. That’s why it’s important to stay adequately hydrated by drinking up to 2L of fluid (preferably water) per day.
Up your fibre intake
Fibre can help with constipation, so it’s important to ensure you’re consuming enough to keep your bowel movements healthy and regular. Fibre is only found in foods that come from plants, so be sure to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds as well as bread, pasta, rice and other cereals.
1 - https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics
2 - https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease
3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536995
4 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0969996111003342
5 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0074774217300971
Our gut health can influence many other areas of our physical and mental wellbeing. Here’s how you can boost it so you can be as healthy as possible!
Our gut health can influence many other areas of our physical and mental wellbeing. Here’s how you can boost it so you can be as healthy as possible!
Ever wonder why the gut is called the ‘second brain'? Well, it's because your gut plays a huge role in your physical wellbeing and even mental health. From digestion to immunity, your gut microbiome is a community of bacteria and other microorganisms that could make or break your health.
When it comes to continence and gut health, there’s still a lot of research to be done but initial studies have produced findings such as that women with urinary incontinence have different microbiomes than those who don’t have urinary incontinence [1]. Whether this different microbiome causes incontinence or is the consequence of incontinence, is still to be determined but there could be some major findings to come.
It’s also known that a healthy gut should allow regular, painless and ‘normal’ (this can be different between individuals and as per the Bristol stool chart) bowel movements. A healthy gut can also reduce bloating and gas.
With all that being said, we’re here to share seven simple yet effective ways to give your gut some TLC and keep it happy and healthy - so you are too!
Let's start with the basics – probiotics. These are the good bacteria that populate your gut and keep the bad bacteria at bay. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha into your diet can help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. Pro tip: Look for products labelled with live and active cultures for maximum benefit.
You may have also noticed that you can buy probiotic supplements from the pharmacy, which have been shown to benefit gut health and other health conditions/symptoms [2]. Always speak to your GP before introducing any new supplements or medications into your routine.
Now that you’ve learned a bit about probiotics, let’s talk about prebiotics. These essentially act as nourishment for probiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres found in certain foods that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Foods like garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, and oats are excellent sources of prebiotics. By including these foods in your meals, you'll create an optimal environment for your gut microbiome to thrive.
If you experience incontinence, you might experience certain foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder or bowel. If any of the prebiotic or probiotic foods listed irritate your incontinence in any way, speak to your doctor or a dietitian for a management plan.
To help manage incontinence leaks or voids, ensure you’re using quality, absorbent continence aids such as those in our Dailee range. The pads, guards, pull-ups and slips feature rapid drying 3-channel technology and odour lock control to keep you feeling comfortable and confident.
Fibre acts as fuel for your gut bacteria, promoting their growth and diversity [3]. Aim to include plenty of fibre-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Not only will fibre keep things moving smoothly in your digestive tract, but it also helps reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
There can be such a thing as too much fibre in your diet, however, so be sure to speak to your GP or a dietitian for tailored nutritional advice based on your individual needs.
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to wolf down your meals without a second thought. But did you know that how you eat can impact your gut health?
Practising mindful eating – slowing down, chewing your food thoroughly, and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues – can aid digestion, reduce bloating and nutrient absorption. Plus, it helps reduce stress, which is crucial for a healthy gut.
Speaking of stress... Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your gut health by disrupting the balance of bacteria and increasing inflammation in the digestive tract.
One Norwegian study even found that people with poor mental health (a consequence and/or cause of stress) are 1.5 times more likely to experience incontinence [4].
Incorporating activities that can manage and even reduce stress like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature can work wonders for your gut and overall well being.
Believe it or not, exercise isn't just good for your waistline; it's also great for your gut. Regular physical activity helps regulate bowel movements, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation throughout the body, including the gut.
Recent studies also suggest that exercise can enhance the number of beneficial microbial species, enrich the microflora diversity, and improve the development of commensal (‘good’) bacteria [4].
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to keep things moving smoothly in your digestive tract.
Last but certainly not least, don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep!
Poor sleep habits disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria and can contribute to digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to give your gut the rest and repair it needs to function optimally.
And there you have it – seven simple yet effective ways to improve your gut health naturally. By incorporating probiotics, fibre, prebiotics, mindful eating, stress management, exercise, and prioritising sleep into your lifestyle, you'll be well on your way to a happier, healthier gut.
This is general advice only and should not be taken as tailored health advice. You must speak to your GP for guidance and treatment suited to your individual needs.
Practising yoga is great for stretching and strengthening muscle groups, including your pelvic floor! We discuss our top 5 simple yoga poses you can try at home.
Practising yoga is great for stretching and strengthening muscle groups, including your pelvic floor! We discuss our top 5 simple yoga poses you can try at home.
Yoga is an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy, and has become a popular exercise that not only promotes physical well-being, but mental well-being and relaxation too!
However, the benefits of yoga stretch far deeper than you may have otherwise realised (pardon the pun), as studies have found that yoga can be beneficial for those with incontinence [1], especially for those experiencing urinary incontinence or women experiencing postpartum incontinence.
That’s right, as well as giving you a physical workout, the poses (and even breathing techniques) employed in yoga can help stretch, strengthen, release and relax the muscles in the pelvic floor [2].
If you’re new to the world of yoga, we’ve put together our top 5 poses that target the pelvic floor region - so keep reading to find out what they are and how to do them!
While these poses are relatively easy to do at home and don’t require much bending or twisting, it’s important to keep the following in mind to ensure you’re not only getting the most out of the poses but avoiding potential injury:
Focusing on the breath is a fundamental part of yoga, which focuses on diaphragmatic breathing (also called “belly breathing”). This style of breathing engages not only the diaphragm but also the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor!
To make sure you’re doing your best yogi breath, place one hand on the middle of your upper chest and the other on your stomach, just below the rib cage. Then slowly take a deep breath in through the nose, drawing the air down toward the stomach so it pushes your hand upwards, while your chest remains still. Then exhale through the mouth while you tighten your abdominal muscles - you should feel your stomach and hand fall, while your chest remains still.
So, with that out of the way, it’s time to roll out your mat and get into our top 5 poses!
Child’s pose is an easy resting position that stretches the lower back and helps with relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles are tightened constantly, it decreases blood flow to the area and contributes to pain or discomfort. Relaxing the muscles helps them recover from any strain, and allows blood flow.
How to:
Cat and Cow poses are separate poses, done together! They warm up the spine through stretching and flexing the pelvic floor, helping to relax and release tension held in the pelvic floor.
How to:
This pose is great at strengthening the core, lower back, legs, glutes and pelvic floor all at once, as it requires each of these muscle groups to work together to support and lift your body into the pose.
How to:
This is another great pose to relax and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles, as well as the hip and lower back muscles - which can all contribute to pelvic floor tightness and pelvic pain.
How to:
This powerful pose is sure to give your lower body a workout! It helps to strengthen the legs, abdominal muscles and back muscles as well as the pelvic floor since all of these muscle groups need to work together to do it effectively.
How to:
Modification you can try: if this pose feels a bit too challenging, try placing your hands on your knees instead.
We hope this article helps you fire up your pelvic floor and relax your mind through these easy yoga poses. And of course, if you find your incontinence is triggered while doing exercise, we have a wide range of high-quality, super absorbent incontinence aids that are made of slimline, discreet materials - meaning they stay invisible even under yoga pants!
This article is for informational purposes only. We recommend speaking to your GP or treating medical professionals for tailored advice unique to your situation if you are concerned about any incontinence symptoms related to a weakened pelvic floor.
Incontinence affects not only a person’s physical health but can affect their mental health too. So we wanted to share some ways to boost your self-esteem with incontinence so you can live your best life!
Incontinence affects not only a person’s physical health but can affect their mental health too. So we wanted to share some ways to boost your self-esteem with incontinence so you can live your best life!
According to our 2023 Annual Survey, 78% of our customers said incontinence had an impact on their mental health. With 81% saying the condition had negatively affected their social life.
So with these statistics, it’s safe to say that incontinence can then also affect a person’s self-esteem.
While the reasons will vary from person to person, self-esteem could be affected because of factors like:
Being worried about leaking/having an accident when in public
Feeling as though there’s something ‘wrong’ with them
Not wanting people to know they’re wearing incontinence aids
Feeling as though people are judging them
Concerned others may smell incontinence-related odours
Before we dive into ways to boost one’s self-esteem, we want to reiterate that no one is lesser than because they have incontinence. While we acknowledge that the condition can present challenges, it does not detract from who you are as a person!
You are strong and you deserve to feel happy and confident. We hope you find the below tips to boost your self-esteem helpful in some way.
If you need mental health support, you can contact Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 13 11 14. For emergencies call 000.
They might seem small, but the positive impact that saying kind words to yourself can have shouldn’t be underestimated!
Positive affirmations are statements that can help a person overcome negative thoughts and boost their confidence and self-esteem. They are designed to challenge the individual’s thoughts and behaviours that are a detriment to their character.
Positive affirmation statements will be very personal to the individual saying them, however here are some examples to help inspire your own!
“I am loved”
“I am not my condition”
“I let go of the negative thoughts I have about myself”
“I am a caring, supportive person”
“I am confident and I can overcome any challenge”
“I am at peace with my body”
Choose a particular time of day that best suits you to say your affirmations to yourself out loud and without any distractions. You will need to do this consistently (for at least 3 weeks) to start experiencing the benefits.
You can also write down your affirmations onto sticky notes and stick them on your bathroom mirror, on your desk at work or school - really wherever suits you best! You can even record yourself saying the affirmations, or find positive affirmation podcasts/recordings, which you can then listen to.
Those who love and care for you will always build you up and offer support. So it’s important, should you be struggling with self-esteem, to only surround yourself with positive people.
Spend time investing in the relationships that build you up and make you feel good.
The benefits of healthy, uplifting relationships include lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy and more trusting, cooperative relationships [1].
If you’re struggling to find people who fill your cup, you can always try joining community groups or using mobile apps designed to connect and make friends - such as Bumble BFF!
Not isolating yourself and doing your best to socialise can work wonders for self-esteem.
Many people with incontinence, especially those newly diagnosed, can experience fears of leaving the home and engaging in activities they once did - such as going and grabbing coffee with a friend, or taking a walk in the park.
While these fears are understandable, it’s crucial to remember that you can overcome them and doing so will have a great impact on your self-esteem.
Try to give yourself small challenges when it comes to the things you might be nervous about. For example, if you’re worried about going to a cafe with your friend - try inviting them over for a coffee and sitting out on your front porch. Then perhaps you can try going to a nearby cafe and getting a takeaway coffee to take home. Work your way up to the ‘big’ thing you want to achieve.
You can take baby steps with anything you want to achieve - going to a social occasion, joining an exercise group, and so on. You will overcome the challenges as long as you’re willing to put in the effort!
If you’re struggling with low self-esteem consistently and not noticing any improvement, you should speak to a health professional. This could be your doctor, or a counsellor/psychologist.
They will be able to offer tailored advice and treatment to suit your individual needs. This could be physical treatment for your incontinence and/or mental health-related treatment or suggestions to ensure you’re feeling your best.
There is absolutely nothing wrong or shameful about seeking help.
There are also plenty of mental health resources you can access over the phone:
Lifeline - call 13 11 14 or text, available 24/7
Kids Helpline - call 1800 55 1800, available 24/7
Beyond Blue - call 1300 224 636, available 24/7
For emergencies call 000.
A person with incontinence’s self-esteem can be impacted by factors such as worrying about leaking, or odours escaping, when in public or around other people.
Ensuring they have effective and reliable incontinence aids to manage their symptoms day-to-day can make a significant difference to their self-esteem.
Our range of Dailee products features patented 3-channel absorbency technology which rapidly absorbs liquid to prevent leaks and dry quickly to maintain the wearer’s comfort. They also have up to 12 hours of odour lock control so there’s no concern of any unwanted smells escaping between changes.
We have a product to suit every level of need.
Pads and guards for light leaks
Pull-up pants for moderate leaks and some faecal incontinence
All-in-one slips (adult nappies) for heavy leaks and faecal incontinence
If you’re unsure about which product will best suit your incontinence needs, we’re here to help. Our simple but comprehensive online Help Me Choose quiz can help you make a selection, or contact us 6 days a week to speak to our knowledgeable team of product specialists.
We hope you’ve found some useful tips to help boost your self-esteem when living with incontinence. Remember, you are not alone. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and it is nothing to be ashamed of.
This article explores how running can affect the pelvic floor, and what modifications you can make to protect this important group of muscles and still enjoy going for a run!
This article explores how running can affect the pelvic floor, and what modifications you can make to protect this important group of muscles and still enjoy going for a run!
It’s no secret that exercising is beneficial for your physical and mental health - with running being one of the most popular types of cardio exercise!
But did you know that running can put stress on your pelvic floor, and contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary leakage or pelvic pain?
Unfortunately, the impact of running on the pelvic floor is often worse for women, with female athletes being three times more likely to have urinary incontinence [1].
If jogging or running is your exercise of choice, keep reading below to find out what you can do to protect your pelvic floor when running, and what you can do to regain your pelvic floor strength.
Your pelvic floor is a combination of muscles, ligaments, nerves and tissues located in your pelvis. It supports the pelvic organs and holds them in place, including the bladder and bowel, as well as the uterus and reproductive organs for women.
When a person runs, the impact of their feet hitting the ground causes an increase in the pressure in the abdomen - and therefore puts strain on the pelvic floor. The force exerted from running is estimated to be about three to four times your body weight [1], and over time, this increased internal pressure can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
When the pelvic floor is weakened, you might experience the following symptoms:
Leaking urine when you exercise, laugh, cough or sneeze (also called stress urinary incontinence or SUI)
Feeling the urgent need to go to the toilet
Having difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel, or being constipated
Having difficulty in controlling your bladder or bowel, resulting in urinary or faecal incontinence
Pelvic pain, especially after running
A pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
Other factors can lead to a weakened pelvic floor (such as having vaginal childbirth or going through menopause), and running when your pelvic floor is already weak can exacerbate any symptoms you might already be experiencing.
If you’re leaking when you run or experiencing any other symptoms of a weak pelvic floor, it’s recommended to opt for a lower-impact exercise like walking, swimming or cycling on a stationary bike until symptoms improve with pelvic floor strengthening.
There are many different types of pelvic floor strengthening exercises you can try at home (such as kegels), and you might even choose to visit a pelvic physiotherapist to get professional, tailored advice and strengthening programs to follow.
Of course, engaging in physical activity is important to keep your body and mind feeling its best. So if running is your preferred form of exercise, the good news is that you don’t need to give it up to have a strong pelvic floor!
There are different things you can do to minimise the impact and pressure in your abdomen to protect your pelvic floor while running. You might try a combination of the following:
It's also important to keep good posture while running so that your internal organs can all work together to support your body - so be sure your ribs are aligned over your pelvis when you run.
It's recommended to combine the above modifications with pelvic floor strengthening exercises to provide the best support for your pelvic floor.
We hope this article has given you some helpful tips and tricks to maintain your pelvic floor strength while running! And, of course, if you experience any leakage from stress urinary incontinence we have a range of women’s incontinence pads and male guards in different sizes and absorbencies, to offer peace of mind and protection from leaks.
This article is general advice only, we recommend getting in touch with your GP or treating medical health professionals for tailored advice if you’re experiencing symptoms and concerns about incontinence related to a weakened pelvic floor.
They do share some similar symptoms, but UTIs and thrush are distinctly different conditions. Here’s what you need to know…
They do share some similar symptoms, but UTIs and thrush are distinctly different conditions. Here’s what you need to know…
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and thrush are both extremely common infections of the urinary system, affecting mostly women.
Despite them both targeting similar regions and having similar symptoms (which we’ll get into shortly!) the conditions are still distinctly different and also require their respective treatments.
So let's dive into the differences between these two conditions to make sure you’re seeking an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment*.
*While it’s important to be educated about your body and any changes to it, you must always seek professional advice and treatment recommendations from your doctor that are tailored to you.
UTIs primarily affect the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. These infections are usually caused by bacteria (this can be E. coli which is found in faeces) getting into the urethra. Because a woman’s anus is close to her urethra, it can be easier for bacteria from stool to spread when wiping. So be sure to always wipe front to back!
Symptoms of a UTI can include:
Frequent urge to urinate
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Cloudy or bloody urine
Pelvic discomfort or pain
Strong-smelling urine
Fever or chills in severe cases
While UTIs can occur in individuals of any gender or age, they are more prevalent in women due to anatomical factors such as the shorter length of the urethra, which facilitates bacterial entry into the urinary tract.
If you are experiencing a frequent urge to urinate with a UTI, you may experience leakage. Or, if you already have incontinence, a UTI can worsen your symptoms.
It’s important to have quality incontinence aids to help manage bladder leaks, whether short or long-term. Depending on your level of leakage, we have products to suit all needs.
For light leaks, our pads and guards will be your go-to. These fit securely inside the underwear with their adhesive strip and can hold anywhere between 120mL and 1000mL, depending on the absorbency level you choose.
For heavier bladder leaks, or full voids, you should consider our pull-up pants or all-in-one slips.
Our range of pull-up pants can hold between 1000mL and 2200mL of urine. Our slips are designed for those who experience full bladder voids, and may not be mobile, and can hold between 1600mL and 3200mL.
If you need help choosing which product best suits your needs, take our online Help Me Choose quiz or contact us to speak to our team of friendly product specialists.
Thrush, also known as a yeast infection or candidiasis, primarily affects the vaginal area in women. It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast naturally present in the body. Thrush can also affect other regions such as the mouth (oral thrush) and skin folds.
Symptoms of thrush may include:
Itching and irritation in the affected area
Thick, white vaginal discharge (may resemble cottage cheese)
Discomfort during sexual intercourse
Redness and swelling of the vulva
Soreness and burning sensation while urinating in some cases
Factors such as weakened immune systems, antibiotic use, or uncontrolled diabetes can increase a person’s susceptibility to thrush.
While you can see from the above that UTIs and thrush may present similar symptoms, such as discomfort during urination and pelvic discomfort, they are still completely separate conditions.
And here’s how…
UTIs typically exhibit urinary symptoms like frequent urination and cloudy or bloody urine, whereas thrush predominantly presents with symptoms related to vaginal discharge and itching.
Diagnosing UTIs often involves urine analysis to detect the presence of bacteria or white blood cells.
While on the other hand, a thrush diagnosis may entail a pelvic examination and swab of vaginal discharge to identify the presence of elevated candida cells.
The treatment for UTIs commonly involves a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacterial infection. Completing the full course of antibiotics as prescribed is crucial to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
On the other hand, thrush treatment typically entails antifungal medications such as fluconazole, clotrimazole, or miconazole, available in various forms such as creams, vaginal suppositories, or oral tablets. Alongside medication, maintaining good hygiene practices, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and reducing sugar intake can help prevent thrush recurrence.
While UTIs and thrush may share some similarities, they are distinct conditions with different paths of treatment.
Recognising the differences between UTIs and thrush is so important when it comes to seeking an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Seeking professional medical advice for proper evaluation is essential for addressing these conditions and preventing any further issues.
Nappy rash doesn’t only affect babies, and can occur in older children and people of all ages who wear incontinence aids. In this article, we discuss how to treat and prevent nappy rash.
Nappy rash doesn’t only affect babies, and can occur in older children and people of all ages who wear incontinence aids. In this article, we discuss how to treat and prevent nappy rash.
Nappy rash is something you might associate with only babies, but can occur in children, and adults, of any age if they use nappies or other incontinence aids.
It can be an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition, but thankfully, it’s generally harmless and can clear within a few days of treatment. For more severe cases, though, it can indicate an underlying skin infection or skin condition, so it’s important to treat the condition as soon as possible to avoid it worsening.
If your child or teenager is experiencing nappy rash, or they have in the past and you’re looking for ways to help prevent it from recurring, keep reading.
Nappy rash, also called diaper rash or diaper dermatitis, is a condition where the skin around the genital area, bottom and/or thighs forms a pink/red rash that is itchy and sore.
A mild case of nappy rash usually resolves within a few days of treatment, however, more severe cases that don’t resolve after starting treatment could be a sign of an underlying condition.
If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to take them to a doctor or paediatrician, as it can indicate severe nappy rash [1]:
Your child is in a lot of pain/discomfort from the rash
Red, raw, inflamed, broken and/or bleeding skin
Blistered, weeping, peeling or ulcerated skin
Pimples, sores, boils or other red bumps on the skin
The rash has spread outside of the area contained in the nappy (eg, onto the stomach)
There are a lot of different things that can cause nappy or diaper rash, with the most common being:
Disposable diapers are designed to absorb and contain liquid, however, they can also trap body heat depending on the materials they’re made of. The combination of wetness, heat and friction from the nappy rubbing against the skin can lead to chafing, resulting in irritated, red skin with a rash.
As you probably already know, urine and faeces contain enzymes and chemicals (like ammonia) that can irritate the skin. Wearing a used or soiled nappy/incontinence aid for a prolonged period can degrade and irritate the skin, resulting in skin irritation.
Similarly, products you choose to use could potentially be irritating your child’s sensitive skin. Soaps, detergents, antiseptics or products with added fragrance can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions or even irritant contact dermatitis. If your child’s skin is already irritated by the use of a particular product, it can be worsened by an incontinence aid.
Yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of a microorganism called Candida albicans. It often infects skin that has been broken down and softened due to contact with moisture, which unfortunately means that a diaper/incontinence aid can create ideal conditions for candida infection.
If your child has a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or even seborrheic dermatitis, they might be more prone to developing diaper rash due to having more sensitive skin. One study also found that 7% of participants with eczema had skin irritation and rashes regardless of using a nappy or incontinence aid [3].
Diaper rash can also be caused by more severe bacterial skin infections or herpes simplex virus (HSV), but it is relatively uncommon. Certain diseases can lead to rashes in the nappy area, too - but before you start to worry, these conditions are quite rare and usually come with other symptoms like fever, swollen glands and/or abdominal pain.
If your child has severe diaper rash, the rash doesn’t seem to be responding to treatment or they develop other symptoms of illness, it’s essential to take them to see their GP or treating medical professional for a correct diagnosis and to rule out any other potential causes.
Generally, a mild case of nappy rash can be treated by the use of a barrier cream that contains zinc oxide - which has been found to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Zinc oxide has also been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, moisturising properties, and assist with wound healing [4]! Consider it your new best friend when it comes to protecting your child’s skin from any incontinence-related skin irritation.
There are a lot of different barrier creams with zinc oxide available over the counter at pharmacies for the treatment of nappy rash, so you don’t need a prescription from your child’s GP to access one.
If the rash on your child doesn’t seem to be responding to an over-the-counter barrier cream, you should take them to their GP or treating medical professional to see if there are any underlying conditions. Depending on what is causing the rash, they might prescribe:
A topical corticosteroid, like hydrocortisone ointment, to reduce any inflammation or irritation
An antifungal if there is a candida infection
Antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection
Thankfully, there are a variety of easy ways to prevent and manage any rashes to ensure your child’s skin is in optimal condition when using incontinence aids, whether that be during the day or night [1]:
While nappies and absorbent pull-up pants might seem like they’re all the same, there can be a lot of differences in the quality and absorbency of different products.
Our Magics Youth Pants are super absorbent, fitted with patented Magical Tube absorbency technology that equally distributes liquid for rapid absorption to keep skin dry even after wetting. They’re also made from fully breathable materials, free of latex and are dermatologically tested, so you can rest easy knowing that your child has a reduced risk of irritation.
Magics Youth Pants are size-inclusive, designed to fit older children and teens from the ages of four to 15 - so you don’t need to stress about them growing out of the limited sizing of supermarket nappies.
As we mentioned earlier, nappy rash can be caused by different skin-irritating compounds contained in urine or faeces.
To help prevent the recurrence of nappy rash, make sure to change your child’s nappy or pull-up as soon as it’s used or soiled. If your child can change themselves, be sure to let them know the importance of changing out of their used nappy or pull-up as soon as possible.
Of course, keeping skin clean is a must for any incontinence skin care regime. Make sure you or your child cleans their skin adequately every bath or shower with fragrance-free wash for sensitive skin.
It’s also a great idea to keep hypoallergenic wet wipes handy in your incontinence kit when you’re out of the house for quick changes on the go. Make sure to dry the area with a soft, gentle towel, cloth or wipe before putting on another pull-up or nappy, too!
While barrier creams are a treatment for nappy rash, they’re also a great preventative!
Keeping the skin moist and protected by a layer of hydrating ointment helps not only to keep your child’s skin hydrated but to form a ‘barrier’ between the skin and the incontinence aid as well as any bacteria or microorganisms that can invade any dry, broken or cracked skin.
As we mentioned earlier, a lot of soaps, detergents, moisturisers or products with added fragrance can irritate the skin, especially the sensitive skin in the genital and perianal region. Be sure to swap out any fragranced soaps, moisturisers and even things like bath bubbles with fragrance-free options that are designed for sensitive skin.
If your child has received any prescriptions from their doctor or other treating health professional to clear up their nappy rash, be sure to continue using it for the recommended duration. This is especially important if your child’s nappy rash also has a viral, bacterial or fungal (candida) infection, as stopping treatment early may cause these pathogens to return.
Some children may not have perfectly ‘normal’ or clear skin in the area for as long as they use a nappy or pull-up, and while this may not give the perfect appearance of the skin, it doesn’t always cause discomfort. Aim for your child to be comfortable and free of discomfort, and be sure to take them to a doctor if this changes or you notice any changes in their skin integrity.
While nappy rash can be an uncomfortable and sometimes painful experience for those who use incontinence aids, we hope that this article helps to keep your child’s skin healthy and rash-free!
As this is general advice only, be sure to take your child to their GP or treating medical professional if you are concerned about any skin issue you may notice to receive tailored advice to your unique situation.
Helping a child navigate faecal incontinence can be challenging, both for them and for their parents or carers. Here are some ways to help empower your young ones with the condition to live a happy, fulfilling life!
Helping a child navigate faecal incontinence can be challenging, both for them and for their parents or carers. Here are some ways to help empower your young ones with the condition to live a happy, fulfilling life!
Faecal incontinence in children, also called soiling and encopresis, occurs when the bowel is emptied in places other than the toilet. This can occur in children even after they’re toilet trained.
Soiling affects 1-4% of children who are aged 4, and the frequency often decreases with older age [1].
While it might not seem overly common, faecal incontinence in children mustn’t be overlooked - both from a physical and mental health standpoint.
In this article, we’ll discuss what causes faecal incontinence in children, how to help a child feel more confident while they navigate faecal incontinence and where to seek support as a parent or carer.
The number one cause of faecal incontinence in children is chronic constipation.
If children have been constipated for a long time, the built-up stool in their rectum can cause the rectum to stretch. This means that a child could miss the urge to go to the toilet and have a bowel movement. Alternatively, soft or liquid stool might overflow around the constipated stool stuck in the rectum without a child feeling it or meaning to let it out.
Other causes of soiling in children can include:
Developmental delays or neurological conditions
Dehydration
Fear of using the toilet
Limited access to a toilet
Nerve damage or abnormalities to the anus/rectum
Illness
Rectal surgery
Other than the obvious of finding faeces in your child’s underwear, some other signs they may be experiencing soiling (and potentially trying to hide it):
They experience sudden urges to have a bowel movement and don’t reach the toilet in time
Frequent and ongoing itching or rubbing of their anus region
Hiding their worn/dirty underwear
Withdrawing from family and friends both emotionally and socially
While you’re figuring out the cause/s and subsequent treatment plan for a child’s incontinence, there are some things you can do to help boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Explain to your child how the body works, how their incontinence might have been caused and that none of it is their fault
Do things that you know your child enjoys (i.e. take them to the park, or the cinema) and before you head out, talk them through how they will be able to manage their incontinence in public (like locating public toilets in advance)
Praise your child when they follow advice from their healthcare professionals
Let your child know that they’re never ‘in trouble’ for soiling
When sending your child to school, or their friends’ house, always provide them with a backup pair of underwear and clothing and spare incontinence aids for any accidents
Speaking of incontinence aids, equipping a child with the best possible products for their needs will also work wonders for their comfort and confidence.
Our Magics Youth Pants are designed to not only rapidly absorb liquid so the top sheet is dry to the touch, but they also feature up to 12 hours of odour-locking control which is an especially beneficial feature if your child is soiling.
They look and feel similar to regular underwear and are very slimline, so your child doesn’t need to worry about someone seeing they have pull-ups on - if this is a concern of theirs.
We offer a 100% money back guarantee so there’s no risk in trying them. Your child can experience the Magics difference that thousands of other Aussie parents love!
The treatment of a child’s faecal incontinence will depend on the causes.
If they’re found to be chronically constipated, their GP will likely suggest using sool softeners or laxatives to help them pass the hardened/stuck stool.
Ensuring your child is eating a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods, and avoiding bowel irritating foods, will help maintain their digestion - as will getting them to drink plenty of water!
Remember, as soon as you’re aware your child or the child you care for is experiencing faecal incontinence, you must take them to see their GP. This will ensure the condition is kept under control from the get-go and avoid it worsening and leading to any other health issues.
*This article provides general advice only. For tailored advice specific to you and your child, please seek a professional medical opinion.
When it comes to bowel movements, it’s not unusual for them to have an unpleasant smell. But it might surprise you to know that there are common foods that can cause the scent to be worse than usual.
When it comes to bowel movements, it’s not unusual for them to have an unpleasant smell. But it might surprise you to know that there are common foods that can cause the scent to be worse than usual.
When it comes to bowel movements, we all know they’re not going to smell like roses! It’s normal to have an unpleasant smell, given it’s one of our body’s ways of expelling waste.
That being said, sometimes stool can smell worse than usual and it might last for a few days or weeks at a time, which could indicate some health issues. Alternatively, the change in scent may be caused by particular foods that are known for temporarily making your stool smell worse than normal.
Keep on reading to find out why your stool may have a different odour than usual, plus learn a few tips to help maintain your gastrointestinal (gut) health.
Now we mentioned earlier that poo is one of our body’s ways of excreting waste - which comes from the food we consume. But it’s also made up of a lot more than just food!
As food moves through our digestive system, it reaches our small intestines where most of the nutrient absorption and digestion happens. The remaining material then goes into our large intestine, where good bacteria and microorganisms get to work breaking it down into usable nutrients through partial fermentation [1]. The final stop on the journey is the rectum, which stores the solid faecal matter and absorbs excess water until a nerve signals that you need to ‘go’.
So, faeces are made up of a lot of different things as well as indigestible food! There’s also water, fats and dead microorganisms contained in stool.
If you’ve noticed a drastic change to the smell of your stool (that’s temporary only), it may have been caused by certain foods. These foods can include:
This diverse group of green vegetables are full of nutrients like vitamins C, E and K, folate, minerals and fibre. But, they also have sulphur-containing chemicals that contribute to their pungent smell - which has the same effect on your poo [2]!
While eating these vegetables is undoubtedly beneficial to your diet, reducing the amount you consume might help to avoid foul-smelling stools. Cruciferous veggies include:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Kale
Brussel sprouts
Bok Choy
Radish
It's not just cruciferous vegetables that are high in sulphur compounds that worsen the smell of your stool! You'll also find sulphur in:
Allium vegetables like garlic, onion, chives and leek
Dairy products including milk, yoghurt, mature/aged cheeses
Certain legumes such as kidney beans, black beans and soybeans
Meat, particularly beef, ham and chicken
Fish and seafood including scallops, mussels and prawns
It's important to remember that sulphur is a crucial element that our bodies need to function properly [3], so instead of cutting them out completely, try to limit or reduce intake.
Eating a lot of fatty foods can overwhelm your digestive system - making it unable to break down all of the fat, and therefore the body can’t absorb it. When this happens, the fat gets to the colon and rectum in an undigested state - resulting in foul-smelling, oily and pale-coloured diarrhoea (also called steatorrhea).
However, steatorrhea can also be caused by several health conditions, like coeliac disease or pancreatitis. If you find you're often having smelly, oily stools, we recommend checking in with your doctor.Some medications can cause your stool to smell worse for a short time while you take them, such as antibiotics.
Since antibiotics take a ‘scatter-gun’ approach to killing bacteria, they can disrupt digestive function by throwing off the balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract, resulting in stinky and loose stools. Incorporating a probiotic supplement, or probiotic-rich foods into your diet following a course of antibiotics can help to rebuild your good gut bacteria [4].
Remember, always speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or supplement regime.
If having foul-smelling stool is more of a consistent issue rather than a temporary ‘one-off’, it could indicate a more serious health issue.
This could include:
If you have a food allergy or food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance for example, you might notice you experience bloating, nausea, abdominal pain or cramps, along with flatulence and bad-smelling stool/diarrhoea after consuming the food you’re allergic to.
If you suspect the worsened smell of your stool could be due to a food allergy or intolerance, it's a good idea to see a doctor about it and keep a food and bowel diary to track if your symptoms could related to specific foods.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two conditions that fall under the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) umbrella, and both are characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract [6].
While the two conditions are different, they have similar symptoms, including unpleasant-smelling stool and chronic diarrhoea.
These conditions are long-term as unfortunately, they don’t currently have a cure - but once diagnosed, they can be effectively managed with different treatment options. If you suspect you may have an inflammatory bowel disease, it’s important to seek a diagnosis from medical professionals.
There are many things you can do to ensure the health and optimal functioning of your gastrointestinal system, which can also help reduce the odour of your bowel movements:
Eat a healthy, varied diet with limited intake of processed or high-fat foods
Eating less foods that are high in sulphur content
Limiting alcohol consumption
Avoiding any foods you’re allergic to or have noticed trigger any upset
Ensure you’re drinking enough water to combat any potential constipation
If you’re experiencing faecal incontinence along with any other GI symptoms, our range of pull-up pants and all-in-one slips your best defence from any unwanted odours thanks to their active odour-lock technology.
They also feature patented Magical Tube absorbency technology that quickly wicks moisture away from the top sheet to keep skin dry to the touch and protected from leaks or rewetting.
As always, this article is general information for entertainment purposes only. We recommend seeking professional medical advice from your trusted health provider for information tailored to your unique situation.
1 - https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-03901-1_2
2 - https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet
3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10130226/
4 - https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.001625
If you experience incontinence, you may have experienced how it can affect your sleep quality. Here are some ways to encourage a better night’s rest.
If you experience incontinence, you may have experienced how it can affect your sleep quality. Here are some ways to encourage a better night’s rest.
If you have incontinence, you may likely have experienced disruptive sleep at one stage or another.
One study found that patients with overactive bladder (OAB) - a condition that can cause urge incontinence - had significantly greater sleep disturbance compared to those without OAB [1].
Another analysis found that people with urinary incontinence were four times more likely to suffer from sleep issues than those without urinary incontinence [2].
Whether you struggle to fall asleep as it is or are woken up during the night to use the bathroom or change your incontinence aid, your sleep quality and overall well being could suffer.
So we wanted to share some tips around incontinence and sleep to help you have a better night’s rest more often.
As mentioned, those with incontinence may experience restless sleep due to being woken up during the night to void their bladder.
This could be due to:
An overactive bladder (OAB) occurs when the bladder contracts before it’s full. This means the person may need to go to the toilet often or find it hard to hold on until they reach it and may experience urine leaks.
This increased urgency and frequency of urination is known as urge incontinence.
Nocturnal enuresis is the medical term for bedwetting. While it is common for young children to experience bedwetting while toilet training, this form of bedwetting refers to children aged 5 or older who continue to wet the bed.
According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, nocturnal enuresis affects 1 in 5 children. Another body of research states bedwetting also occurs in up to 20% of 5-year-olds [4].
Bedwetting in children may be caused by:
Constipation
Stress and anxiety
Family history
Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy)
Sleep apnea
Bedwetting in a child that’s usually dry at night may indicate Diabetes
Delay in the development of nerves that control the bladder
While it may not seem overly common at first thought, it’s estimated that between 1-3% of adults (over the age of 18) do experience bedwetting.
So why might that be?
Well, there are several factors that can contribute to bedwetting:
Learning how to manage your incontinence before bedtime can help reduce the risk of regular late-night accidents and wake-ups.
Here are some tips you can try to see if your quality of sleep improves:
Limit your fluid intake leading up to your bedtime. It’s suggested to stop drinking water for around two hours before you jump into bed!
Avoid food and drinks that irritate the bladder at all times, but especially before bedtime.
People with OAB may benefit from double voiding - emptying the bladder twice. Empty your bladder once, wait several minutes and then try and void again to be sure the bladder is empty.
Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles help better hold in urine and suppress urgency. Speak to a pelvic physiotherapist for a tailored routine!
Using effective, and comfortable, incontinence products for your nighttime routine can make a difference in your quality of sleep.
Depending on your level of need, we have products like our Dailee pull-up pants and all-in-one slips that feature our magical tube technology which rapidly absorbs liquid and can keep you dry for up to 12 hours! This can prevent having to get up during the night for changes, especially convenient if you have challenges with mobility.
Our waterproof bedding protectors are also a great addition to your sleep routine. They’ll protect your mattress and bedding from leaks so you can rest easy.
Having some wet wipes on your bedside could also be a quick and convenient way to manage any late-night clean-ups.
Whether you or the person you care for is experiencing bedwetting, it’s crucial to seek medical advice from your doctor. Many cases of incontinence can be treated or at least managed so you can live life comfortably and confidently.
The advice in this article is general in nature. Tailored advice must come directly from your health professional.
We strive to ensure our incontinence aids range is inclusive and adaptive for all levels of need and ability. Read on to find out how our products work for people with disabilities.
We strive to ensure our incontinence aids range is inclusive and adaptive for all levels of need and ability. Read on to find out how our products work for people with disabilities.
Approximately one in three Australians with a disability experience incontinence [1].
Here at ConfidenceClub, we offer a range of products that cater not only to different levels of incontinence needs but also to different needs of those with disabilities.
If you need help navigating which incontinence aid option is best for your needs, or the needs of someone you care for, continue reading our guide.
Incontinence pull-up pants are intended to be worn in place of underwear, fitting and pulling on and off just like them - but with the added benefit of being disposable and highly absorbent.
They’re best suited for those with moderate to heavy urinary incontinence and/or light faecal incontinence and can be easily applied and removed by either the wearer (depending on their mobility level) or the carer. Please note, these can also be torn along the side seam to remove if this is more convenient and comfortable than pulling them down to remove.
Our Dailee range of pull-up pants fit just like regular underwear, staying discreet under clothing, and feature innovative three-channel technology that ensures rapid liquid absorption and locks it away into the core of the pants. This keeps skin dry and reduces any risks of rewetting or leakage!
They’re also dermatologically tested and latex-free in order to maintain optimal skin health and breathability during wear - plus, they’re fitted with active odour-neutralising material that works for up to 12 hours at a time.
Remember to always change the incontinence aid as soon as it’s wet to prevent any irritations or conditions, like incontinence associated dermatitis or urinary tract infections. These can arise from being in a soiled product for a prolonged period.
If the wearer is wheelchair-bound, has limited mobility, or has a higher need for absorbency due to heavy incontinence, then an All-in-One Slip (also called an adult nappy) is likely the better choice.
This is because their absorption capacity is higher than a pull-up, and they can be easily applied and removed by the wearer (if possible) and carers thanks to their adhesive strips on the sides of the products.
Like our pull-ups, our slips also have a wetness indicator - making it easier for carers to quickly identify when a change is needed.
Continence nurse and ConfidenceClub ambassador, Jane Clarke, has also shared her knowledge with us on how to apply all-in-one slips, so if you’re looking for a helping hand you can watch the video below!
Booster pads are absorbent inserts that are designed to be used inside a pull-up or slip to give an extra layer of absorbency. They’re especially helpful to use when the wearer has limited mobility in situations like nighttime use or travel.
Our range of booster pads have a cotton-feel top sheet and are made of breathable materials to be comfortable against the skin, as well as provide that extra peace of mind thanks to offering additional absorbency.
Waterproof bed and furniture protectors (sometimes also called underpads) are helpful accessories to have on hand to prevent any leakage from getting onto bedding, furniture and flooring. They’re designed to be placed on wheelchairs, mattresses/bedding, sofas, car seats, floor surfaces and more, to provide the best flexibility for use at home or when travelling.
Our washable options come in a range of different sizes and feature an advanced four-layer design to allow for maximum comfort, dryness and absorption. You can also machine-wash and tumble-dry them (at low temperatures) for added convenience!
Our disposable options are really easy to use - simply place the protector wherever you want it, and dispose of it in the garbage once used or soiled. Their top sheet feels soft and cotton-like to ensure comfort, while their back sheet is made of waterproof polypropylene in order to keep any liquids contained inside.
ConfidenceClub are here to support you - if you have any questions or queries about our products, you can get in touch with one of our friendly customer service specialists who are always happy to help.
You can also take our Help Me Choose quiz in order to get a shortlist of product recommendations tailored to your needs, based on your answers to a few short questions.
We share our tips on how to talk about incontinence with the siblings of a child who experiences the condition to encourage understanding and support.
With similar symptoms, we share the answer as to whether IBS and Crohn’s have the same characteristics.
Having a child with incontinence can, at times, be stressful for parents - especially if you have other children.
Speaking to your other children about their sibling's incontinence can be important for many reasons, including reducing the stigma around the condition, promoting understanding and support, preventing bullying or teasing and encouraging family unity.
Continue reading below for tips on how to provide guidance and support to your other children on how to understand and support their brother or sister with incontinence.
The first step in helping your child’s siblings understand the condition is to simply just start talking about it.
Explaining what it is, why it happens and how to help their brother or sister is essential in fostering support and understanding of their siblings' condition. This can be especially helpful if they have a neurological or physical condition that contributes to their incontinence, too.
Depending on their age, you might find it helpful to look up resources or fact sheets on incontinence that are made specifically to help children understand the condition.
Communication is crucial to healthy family relationships. An environment where all family members feel comfortable asking questions and talking about their feelings or thoughts without judgement is conducive not only to helping the child with incontinence but also their siblings.
When talking to your child regarding their brother or sister’s incontinence, encourage them to ask any questions they may have. This can help correct any misconceptions they might have about incontinence, too!
Similarly, encourage them to discuss any feelings they have about it with you and their other caregiver/s. This is especially important if their brother or sister has a disability that affects their continence, as studies have found that siblings of children with disabilities experience higher rates of emotional distress, depressive symptoms and social isolation - especially in younger siblings aged between 6-9 years [1].
All siblings squabble, and it’s part of learning to resolve conflict while young. However, bullying or chronic teasing between siblings should never be accepted - especially when it’s about a child’s incontinence or health condition.
If you notice any of this happening between your children, it’s important to intervene to stop the bullying. Speak with the child doing the bullying or teasing about their behaviour and encourage empathy by helping them to understand that name-calling, teasing and bullying hurt their sibling's feelings.
You can try using empathy prompts to help your child to understand the feelings of others as well as reflect on their actions, which can include things like:
Asking the sibling/s how they would feel if they were in their brother or sister's shoes and needed understanding. What kind of support would they hope for?
Prompting them to think about how their actions today might affect their relationship with their sibling in the future. What kind of relationship do they want with their brother or sister?
It’s also important to ensure the child doing the bullying apologises to their sibling as a way to teach responsibility and foster healthy communication and emotional growth.
While having a sibling with incontinence doesn’t necessarily require professional support, it’s important to keep an eye on the child and their wellbeing to ensure they’re coping with any stress, frustration or emotional difficulty that can arise.
If you observe any of the following behaviours happening persistently, it might be beneficial to take your child to their GP to discuss finding additional support for them:
Withdrawing from or loss of interest in social activities
Behavioural changes, including heightened irritability or aggression
Expressing feelings of shame or guilt regarding their sibling
Avoiding their sibling or refusing to spend time with them
If there is ongoing stress or tension within the family due to incontinence, it could also be beneficial to seek therapy as a family unit to get professional guidance on how to manage and navigate through any strain.
We hope this article helps give some ideas on how to talk to your children about their siblings' incontinence constructively. ConfidenceClub is glad to support your child’s journey through our range of incontinence aids for older children and teenagers.
*This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For medical advice tailored to your unique situation, please seek guidance from a GP or other licensed health professional.
Feeling unsure which incontinence aid is right for you as a male? We’ll take you through our top tips for picking the right product for your needs.
Feeling unsure which incontinence aid is right for you as a male? We’ll take you through our top tips for picking the right product for your needs.
Navigating the different types of incontinence products on the market can be overwhelming.
You not only need to consider sizing (which can vary between brands), but also absorbency levels, odour control and, of course, comfort!
Whether you’re new to using incontinence aids or you’re not sure if your current choice is the best for your needs, we’ve got some tips for the men out there to help them better navigate the options and cut through the confusion - because finding the right product for your needs can make such a difference to your confidence.
Choosing the type of product that is best for your needs should start with identifying the type and degree of incontinence you have.
To get an accurate diagnosis, it’s important to seek medical advice from your doctor and discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing. They’ll then be able to provide any referrals to specialists that may be required and will be able to make a plan for the best management and treatment options for your unique situation.
One US survey found that only 22% of male individuals surveyed ever sought treatment for their incontinence [1].
While this statistic highlights how it can be a difficult topic to discuss (even with your health provider), it's important to remember that there are strategies to manage and treat incontinence, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Having incontinence aids that fit snugly to the body is essential to getting the best protection from leakage.
A 2017 Italian study assessed 14,493 people who use incontinence aids to see whether the products they used were the most appropriate for them - and the main issue found in 75% of cases was wearing products that were too large [2].
To ensure you’re choosing the size that will fit you best, be sure to measure your waist and hips prior to ordering (or get someone to help you measure). You can then use our Size Chart, which you can find easily on each of our product pages (in the choose size section top right), to determine which size is most suitable based on the measurements.
If you’re unsure whether your incontinence aid is the right size, our continence nurse and ConfidenceClub ambassador, Jane Clarke, has shared some things to to look out for:
Slipping when wet, experiencing leaks or gaping at the leg holes can all be signs that the product is too big.
Experiencing irritation/marks on the skin after removal or feeling that the product is uncomfortably tight to wear can be signs that the product is too small.
Remember that any purchase made with us is risk-free thanks to our It Fits or It’s Free 100% money back guarantee! So if you order the wrong size, simply contact us and we will exchange the item for the correct size - even if you’ve already used some from the pack.
Knowing your type and degree of incontinence, as mentioned above, is essential for selecting the product that will offer the right absorbency level for your needs.
Higher absorbency products are understandably larger and thicker than less absorbent products, due to the extra amount of absorbent material inside. So if you have light or minor leakage, a male guard should provide you with the correct amount of absorbency.
For those with moderate leakage, a pull-up pant is a comfortable and convenient option that looks and feels just like regular underwear. Our Dailee range of pull-ups has superior 3-channel absorbency technology inside that rapidly absorbs liquid - without any of the bulk.
If you experience heavy incontinence - including double or faecal incontinence - have limited to no control and/or have difficulties with mobility (or are caring for someone who does), then an all-in-one slip is your best option as they can contain larger volumes of liquid as well as being easy to change.
While they may look similar, not all incontinence products are made equal. That’s why it’s crucial to know you’re investing in high-quality products that have extra features and benefits to ensure your comfort and confidence.
These can include:
Maintenance of Skin Health
Keeping your skin in optimal condition is crucial when using incontinence products, as prolonged contact with moisture on the skin can lead to damage or even skin conditions such as incontinence associated dermatitis.
Be sure to check that the product is dermatologically tested, fully breathable and free of any materials that can irritate the skin (such as latex), like those in our Dailee range.
Active Odour Control
Not all incontinence products are made the same when it comes to odour control, with some products not being equipped with any neutralising materials, or being only fragranced as a way to ‘cover-up’ or ‘mask’ unpleasant smells. Neither of these approaches is effective at controlling odours - and fragranced products for intimate areas can cause both skin irritation and allergy responses [3].
Be sure to invest in high-quality products that are fitted with active odour control, for example, our Dailee range. The super-absorbent polymers within the products are also odour-neutralising, keeping you feeling fresh for up to 12 hours at a time.
Sustainability
As we’re all becoming more aware of the impact on the environment from single-use disposable plastics, it may be important to you to consider the environmental sustainability of your product of choice.
ConfidenceClub proudly delivers products and services that are manufactured in carbon neutral facilities that utilise renewable energy, as well as being cruelty-free and vegan.
We offer a wide range of high-quality incontinence aids that are engineered with your comfort in mind. By answering just a couple of questions in our quick and easy online Help Me Choose quiz, you can get a range of product suggestions to suit your needs, or look below for our suggestions:
We hope that these top tips help you to find the best male incontinence product/s for your needs - and remember, you can always contact us to speak to our friendly customer service team who are here to answer any questions or queries you may have.
Alongside your wearable incontinence aids, there are some other accessories we recommend having in your kit to enhance your skin health, comfort and confidence.
Alongside your wearable incontinence aids, there are some other accessories we recommend having in your kit to enhance your skin health, comfort and confidence.
Ensuring you’re wearing the right incontinence aids, whether pull-ups, slips, pads or guards, is so important. It allows you to live your life comfortably and confidently while managing your incontinence.
But aside from your wearables, having a kit of incontinence accessories can make quite the impact on your comfort day-to-day.
In this article, we’ll talk you through the accessories we recommend having in your kit for an enhanced experience. Of course, every person is different so you may choose to include all or just some of these items in your kit - that’s up to you!
Wet wipes play a super important role in maintaining hygiene, comfort, and skin health for those with incontinence.
As you may know or have experienced personally, incontinence can lead to frequent and unpredictable episodes of urinary or faecal leakage, which can result in skin irritation and discomfort. Especially so if it’s not cleaned effectively.
Wet wipes provide a gentle and effective solution for refreshing your intimate areas without causing further irritation. Unlike regular toilet paper, wet wipes are moistened and often contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile, relieving sensitive skin.
This moisture helps to thoroughly cleanse your skin while minimising friction, reducing the risk of chafing and inflammation. The convenience of wet wipes is also a major plus! Along with having them in your home, you can easily pack them with you when you go travelling, to work or to any other public spaces.
Our RealCare Wipes are pH-balanced, dermatologically tested and fragrance-free to be extremely gentle on the skin. They contain those soothing ingredients mentioned above, aloe vera and chamomile, as well as vitamin E to keep your skin hydrated and fresh. They’re also an extra-large design (23x30cm) to clean larger surface areas quicker and more effectively!
Remember, all wet wipes are single-use and need to be disposed of after use - and avoid flushing them as this can cause plumbing blockages.
Now for some, the need for gloves might render pointless. However, they should be an essential part of a carer’s kit at all times.
Caring for someone with incontinence may require you to change their incontinence products and help them with toileting and cleaning away urine and/or stool.
Gloves not only maintain your health as a carer, but they also make the process of caring for someone with incontinence 100% hygienic. Now you shouldn’t just rush out and buy any old disposable gloves. You need to make sure they’re gentle enough on skin to avoid irritation - or them breaking!
Our range of Nitrile Powder Free Gloves are latex-free and chemical-resistant, making them both comfortable and durable. They also feature micro-texture finger tips to give added grip where you need it, without them compromising on their gentle feel.
As it goes with wet wipes, gloves should also be disposed of immediately after use.
Whether you’re the person experiencing incontinence, or you’re the person caring for someone else who does, ensuring you’re washing your hands after each change and trip to the bathroom is crucial. It not only maintains proper hygiene, but stops the spread of harmful bacteria and germs.
However, we know that sometimes hand soap may not be easily accessible (in a public bathroom for example), or you may be in a scenario without running water, so having hand sanitiser in your kit is a great idea.
Ensuring you choose a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content will ensure you’re removing germs and bacteria as effectively as possible. It’s recommended by health professionals to always opt for handwashing with soap over using hand sanitiser for the most effective cleaning, however, hand sanitiser is a great backup!
While leaks can be a thing of the past with our range of highly absorbent Dailee incontinence aids, having a last line of defence in the form of furniture protectors will give you added peace of mind.
Our range of bed and furniture protectors are available in both washable and disposable forms and protect your bed, chairs, wheelchair and even the floor from any potential leaks that might occur. The washable protectors are all super soft and padded so are comfortable to have on your couch or chair at all times.
Disposable protectors are a great option especially for travel as you can dispose of them after each use instead of trying to find a laundry to wash a reusable protector.
Barrier cream is essential for your incontinence kit. This product will act as a protective shield for your skin against the potentially harmful effects that come with prolonged exposure to moisture and irritants from urine and stool.
Prolonged contact with urine and stool can cause skin breakdown, redness, and discomfort and lead to conditions like incontinence associated dermatitis.
Applying a barrier cream to your skin prevents irritants from penetrating it and causing damage. Barrier creams typically contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or dimethicone, which soothe, moisturise, and create a protective layer.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist about which barrier creams you should use if you’re unsure.
We hope you’ve found this article helpful! Remember, this is generic advice only and for personalised health or medical advice you should seek guidance from a professional.
In this blog, we explore 4 simple ways to make sure your home is as comfortable as possible for your child or teen experiencing incontinence.
In this blog, we explore 4 simple ways to make sure your home is as comfortable as possible for your child or teen experiencing incontinence.
Wetting or soiling accidents can be distressing for children to experience.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that their bedroom and the rest of your home are comfortable, safe and incontinence-friendly!
In this article, we give 4 of our favourite tips and ideas for ensuring your home is a safe and comfortable space for your child, as well as equipped to handle any unexpected accidents along the way.
Parents and carers will know just how common it is for children to wait until the very last minute to go to the bathroom. This is why having their bedroom as close to a toilet as possible will help prevent any accidents!
Having the bathroom be easily and quickly accessible by your child from their room, especially at night-time if bedwetting is a problem, can help them save time when they have an urgent need to ‘go’.
If your child shares their room with a sibling, make sure their bed is closest to the door - this can make it quicker for them to get to the toilet, not to mention avoid disrupting sleep for their brother or sister!
Tired of frantically looking through drawers and cupboards to find supplies when you need them most? You aren’t alone - and there’s one super simple solution we love to make change time go as smoothly as possible!
Setting up a designated incontinence station in your house can save you time, as well as make it easy for your child to access themselves if they’re able to change solo.
Choose a cupboard or drawer in the house, perhaps in the bathroom or your child’s bedroom, and keep all your kids’ day-to-day incontinence supplies in there. Not only does it give you peace of mind knowing everything you might need is kept in one spot, but it makes it easier to see when you’re running low on supplies and it’s time to stock back up.
Some things you might choose to keep in your child’s incontinence station include:
Wet wipes for quick cleaning after accidents
Barrier creams to protect your child’s skin
A supply of Magics Youth Pants or other incontinence aid that works best for your child
Plastic or zip-lock bags to put used supplies in before disposing of them in the bin
If your child is younger, having a toy or other activity can be helpful to keep them occupied and still while you’re changing them
Ensure your child and any other caretakers know where the supplies are, and be sure to keep the area free of any empty packages so you know everything in the station is ready to go.
Using incontinence aids like our dermatologically-tested Magics Youth Pants can be a real lifesaver when it comes to childhood wetting or soiling - whether during the day or night.
They’re engineered with patented Magical Tube technology inside them. This is a cutting-edge three-channel technology that expands when the inside of the pants comes into contact with liquid. This allows them to be super absorbent, without excess bulk or risk of leaks.
Not only are they ultra-absorbent, but they’ve got leak protection at the leg cuffs, a super comfy and stretchy waistband, and can be pulled on and off just like regular underwear. Active odour lock technology keeps your child fresh for up to 12 hours, while a flash dry top sheet keeps skin dry. They’re sure to be your new secret weapon!
If bedwetting is a factor for your child, investing in our waterproof bedding can do wonders for protecting the mattress from any overnight leaks or lingering odours. Plus, it’ll save you time and energy because you won’t have to worry about cleaning a mattress. It’s a win-win!
It’s no secret that incontinence can have a real impact on the mental health of children experiencing it. To avoid adding to any negative feelings they may already have about their wetting or soiling, it’s important to have the home be a safe, supportive and encouraging environment for them on their journey.
Remember that any accidents that happen aren’t the child’s fault, and they aren’t doing it on purpose. Avoid using punishment to try to stop the problem - this has been shown to actually have the opposite effect!
Keep calm and get them cleaned up without making it a big deal. If they’re distressed, remind them that it isn’t their fault - and of course, be sure to give them plenty of comfort, love and encouragement.
Be sure that all members of the family (including any siblings!) know not to tease or shame them for their accidents, too.
If you’re looking for extra information on how to maintain your child’s confidence, you can check out our blog for helpful hints here.
We hope these ideas help you and your child on their continence journey. Remember that any of these strategies should always be used in conjunction with professional recommendations from your child’s treating medical professionals, as they’re best equipped to give informed advice tailored to your unique situation.
*This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Parenting is a rollercoaster. Having a child with incontinence can pose another set of challenges. Here’s how to manage the emotional toll as a parent and ensure you’re getting enough self-care.
Parenting is a rollercoaster. Having a child with incontinence can pose another set of challenges. Here’s how to manage the emotional toll as a parent and ensure you’re getting enough self-care.
Parenting is an incredibly rewarding journey filled with lots of love and great memories. It's also true that parenting comes with its fair share of challenges, and one that many parents face is managing the emotional toll of kids' incontinence.
Supporting a child or teenager with incontinence can be emotionally draining for parents, but it's crucial to remember that taking care of your own mental and physical wellbeing is just as important as caring for your child.
In this guide, we'll unpack the emotional impact of a child’s incontinence on parents and also provide practical self-care strategies to help you navigate challenges.
Dealing with a child's incontinence goes beyond the physical aspects of managing accidents and changing their nappies. The emotional toll can be overwhelming and cause stress, anxiety, and even feelings of guilt. Parents may find themselves grappling with a range of emotions, from frustration and helplessness to embarrassment and sadness.
It's important to recognise and validate these emotions. It’s okay to feel what you feel. Parenthood is a learning experience, and no one has all the answers. Acknowledging your feelings is the first step toward effective self-care.
1. Seek support
The first thing to understand is you’re not alone in facing the challenges of managing a child’s incontinence. There are online forums and in-person support groups you can find to then connect with parents with this shared experience. These are safe spaces for sharing your stories and advice and asking questions.
You can contact the Continence Foundation of Australia and speak to one of their continence nurses who can also refer you to local services.
2. Communication is key
Open and honest communication with your partner, family members or whoever is in your support network is crucial. Talk to your loved one about your feelings, concerns, and thoughts about managing your child's incontinence.
This strengthens your relationship and ensures that if you’re in a situation where you live with your partner or another family member, they are actively involved in finding solutions and providing emotional support.
3. Establish a routine
Creating a predictable routine can help alleviate stress for both you and your child or teen. Having a schedule for managing incontinence-related tasks, such as nappy changes and bathroom breaks, can provide a sense of control and stability in your daily life.
4. Choose products you can rely on
A lot of the stress that comes with managing a child or teen's incontinence can be triggered by accidents and leaks - because, of course, you’re not prepared for them!
Of course, not all accidents can be avoided but ensuring you have effective, reliable products on hand will help prevent them.
Our Magics Youth Pants are designed to fit kids from age 4 up to age 15 and feature patented ‘magical tubes’ technology. They allow liquid to be rapidly absorbed and evenly distributed into the centre of the pants to avoid leaks and maintain dryness.
Their odour-locking fabric also keeps smells contained for up to 12 hours which makes them great for both daytime wear and nighttime wear to stop bedwetting. They’re a product you and your child can rely on!
5. Prioritise self-care time
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it's a few minutes of meditation, a relaxing bath, or a quiet walk in your neighbourhood, try to find moments for yourself. We know as parents it’s easy to say you don’t have the time or not wanting to step away from caring for others, but it really will make a difference.
You can’t give from an empty cup! Taking time to recharge allows you to approach parenting challenges with a clearer mindset.
6. Educate yourself
Knowledge is power. Take the time to learn more about your child's specific condition, available treatments, and coping strategies. Understanding the factors contributing to incontinence can help you approach the situation with a greater sense of control and confidence.
7. Seek help when you need it
Don't hesitate to seek professional assistance - that’s what it’s there for! Paediatricians, counsellors, and/or therapists can offer valuable guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.
Professional help can provide both you and your child with tools to navigate the mental health and practical/physical health aspects of incontinence.
8. Healthy lifestyle choices
A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep contribute significantly to emotional well-being. Ensure you are taking care of your physical health to better handle the emotional challenges that come with parenting a child with incontinence.
Remember too, there are food and drinks to avoid to control incontinence which may assist in managing your child’s experience with the condition.
9. Set realistic expectations
The parenting journey as a whole is one filled with ups and downs. When it comes to managing their incontinence, set realistic expectations for yourself and your child.
Celebrate the small wins, and don't be hard on yourself or your child when things don't go as planned.
Parenting a child with incontinence is undoubtedly challenging, but it's important to remember that your wellbeing matters too.
By acknowledging the emotional toll of managing kids' incontinence, you can build your resilience and strength. Taking what works for you and your situation from the above self-care strategies into your daily routine will help you to navigate these challenges with a healthier mindset and a greater sense of control.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and taking care of yourself ultimately benefits both you and your child.
Read our latest article to find out how creative outlets help improve your mental health, as well as 6 activity suggestions to get you started!
Read our latest article to find out how creative outlets help improve your mental health, as well as 6 activity suggestions to get you started!
Incontinence doesn’t only have an impact on a person’s physical health, but their mental health too. Our most recent ConfidenceClub annual survey found that 78% of people said incontinence negatively impacted their mental health.
Many other studies conducted have also shown that there is a relationship between mental health conditions like depression and anxiety in individuals with incontinence [1].
However, there are a lot of different approaches available to improve your mental health - and one in particular that might surprise you is turning to creative outlets. These outlets can include the likes of painting, writing or knitting!
So keep reading to find out 6 creative outlets you can use to help improve mental health and reduce stress.
Engaging in creative activities can improve mental wellbeing in a variety of different ways, such as:
Increasing positive emotions
Relieve stress and anxiety
Enhance mindfulness and promote relaxation
Lessen feelings of shame, anger and depression
That’s right - creative hobbies are an important therapeutic tool you can tap into to improve your mental health! They can provide a distraction from negative thoughts, as well as provide a sense of accomplishment and a confidence boost from completing projects.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person, we all have an innate creativity that we can tap into. You probably already engage in creative activities without even realising it!
You don’t need to go out and spend a lot of money on art supplies or instruments to take part in creativity - there are plenty of simple activities you can engage with at home! Here are our suggestions for 6 easy creative hobbies you can try:
Many studies have shown that journaling your thoughts and feelings can help improve mental health by allowing us to process our emotions and gain a better understanding of them.
It’s one of the simplest and most cost-effective creative activities to engage with, as you can choose to write with pen and paper, on your laptop/tablet or even just through the notes app on your phone!
There’s no “right” way to start journaling - just choose the best method for you and write whatever thoughts and feelings come to mind. You might also want to incorporate gratitude journaling, too, which can include writing a list of things you’re grateful for.
Try to journal regularly - even just a few minutes a day can help get you into the habit.
If words aren’t your forte and you prefer to express yourself in more visual ways, drawing or painting is another simple and low-cost way to tap into your creativity.
You might choose pencils, texta, watercolours or paints - whatever mediums you feel most drawn to. The most important thing is to let go of any judgement of what looks “good”, and just enjoy the process of sketching, doodling or just filling a page with patterns.
If you’re not sure exactly what to draw, you might find colouring in books to be a good place to ease in and get started without staring at a blank page for inspiration.
If you’ve always wanted to take up a craft like knitting, sewing, crocheting or felting, there may be no better incentive to get started than knowing it can help improve your mental health, cognition and memory!
There are lots of tutorials available online for these types of hobbies, and they’re a fun way to be ‘hands-on’ with a project - and at the end, you’ll have a new skill and sense of accomplishment, as well as a new handmade object.
If you’re interested in crafting as part of a group, you can find classes for beginners in your area to help get you started. You might also consider joining a Facebook group for the hobby to feel a sense of community by sharing your finished projects with others.
You may be surprised to know that this task many of us do daily is considered a creative hobby, too! Results from a 2020 study found that cooking contributed to better well-being by improving mood and social connections [2].
Experimenting with new recipes or baking with friends or family is a great activity to get the creativity flowing - whether it be considering flavours and ingredients to combine, looking for fun new recipes or how to decorate a cake or cookie in a fun way.
This can be a great way to make yourself enticing treats that take into account any dietary requirements or modifications you may have to help manage your incontinence, too!
You don’t need to have a green thumb or an expansive backyard to engage in gardening.
At its core, gardening is all about taking time out to connect with nature and the natural environment. A 1992 Japanese study found that simply viewing plants reduced stress, fear and sadness, as well as reduced blood pressure [3]!
It can be as simple as caring for and nurturing an indoor plant, propagating plants from cuttings, going to a park and appreciating the greenery or even pressing flowers you’ve picked.
There are many online resources available - including online gardening groups - to help you on your gardening journey if you’re new to the activity, too!
If you’d rather garden with a group, you might consider joining your local community garden, volunteering at a local farm, or having some friends or family over to plant a small herb garden.
Plus you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labour (pun intended!) by having greenery indoors or using ingredients you’ve grown yourself in meals.
If you’ve ever wondered why listening to your favourite song makes you feel good, it might interest you to know that listening to music can stimulate different parts of your brain and release feel-good hormones like dopamine [4]. This helps relieve stress and improve your mood!
If you play an instrument, you’re getting stress relief and mood improvement as well as the addition of a sense of achievement, creative release and activation of different regions of the brain! So, if you’re musically inclined, playing your instrument either solo or in a group can help regulate your mood.
But you’ll also benefit from just listening to music, too - studies have shown that listening to music for at least 30 minutes a day helps lower stress, anxiety and depression [4], as well as improve memory and cognition [5].
We hope that you try out some of the above creative activities to help improve your mental health and find an enjoyable hobby that helps you feel more relaxed.
In addition to trying out a new creative hobby, we recommend trying our range of high-quality incontinence aids to offer you peace of mind and reliable protection from leaks all day long - whether you’re out in the garden or sketching at home!
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you are concerned about your mental health, or the mental health of someone you care for, we recommend seeing your GP for medical advice tailored to your situation or call 000 for emergencies.
We investigate how anxiety impacts our bladder and bowel, as well as ways to manage the condition.
We investigate how anxiety impacts our bladder and bowel, as well as ways to manage the condition.
If you’ve ever been in a high-pressure situation and found you suddenly needed to run to the bathroom, you’re not the only one!
Feelings of nervousness and anxiousness disrupt the way our brain and nervous systems operate, which in turn has an impact on bladder and bowel control [1]. Anxiety can bring on a sudden urge to urinate or pass stool, and research has found that a lot of people with urge incontinence or overactive bladder (especially women) also have anxiety [2, 3].
But how does anxiety impact our bladder and bowel, and what can you do to manage it? Keep on reading to find out!
Generally speaking, anxiety is an emotion that brings on a sense of tension, nervousness or dread. When we feel anxious, we might experience a wave of worried thoughts or even have physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, an increased heartbeat or, as we mentioned above, a more frequent urge to urinate/defecate.
It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, and chances are you’ve likely experienced it before - especially in a situation like public speaking or taking an exam!
The feeling will usually pass once the anxiety-inducing event is over. However, when feelings of anxiety are chronic, persistent or have an impact on your day to day life, it could be an indication of an anxiety disorder.
While it can be difficult to discuss mental health, there are ways to treat and manage anxiety. If you’re concerned you or someone you care for may be experiencing an anxiety disorder, we recommend booking an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns, as they’ll be able to provide referrals to specialists (such as counsellors or psychologists), and/or provide any prescriptions if necessary.
It’s important to know that our brain and gastrointestinal system are linked together by what is called the brain-gut axis, which allows these organs to communicate to one another through a complex system that flows in both directions [4].
If you’ve ever had the sensation of ‘butterflies in your stomach’ before, this was your gut-brain axis at work!
So when we’re under stress, our bodies respond by releasing stress hormones and sending signals from our brain to our stomach, which interfere with our gastrointestinal functions and can result in physical symptoms like diarrhoea or constipation. The stress response can cause our muscles to tighten and contract, too, which can lead to an increased urge to ‘go’.
All of these factors can exacerbate any incontinence symptoms you may already be experiencing.
It seems the link between anxiety and incontinence can go both ways, though, with many studies showing increased rates of anxiety in individuals experiencing incontinence.
For example, one 2016 American study on individuals with overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence found that over half of the subjects with these conditions experienced symptoms of anxiety. It was also found that individuals with both conditions reported more severe incontinence symptoms [3].
While it can be difficult to experience symptoms of both anxiety and incontinence, don’t forget that there are things you can do to help you manage.
While it can be difficult to talk about these conditions, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to suffer in silence and effective help and treatment is available to you.
If you’re concerned that you (or someone you care for) may be experiencing anxiety in conjunction with incontinence symptoms, it’s important to mention it to your doctor.
Your GP will be able to make any necessary referrals or prescriptions as well as provide tailored advice to your unique situation.
There are many different activities that you can engage in to both lessen your anxiety levels and benefit your overall mental health. It’s a win-win!
You might also consider engaging in relaxation techniques, which can include:
Breathing exercises
Meditation or mindfulness
Gentle physical activity such as yoga or a walk
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another great way to reduce stress or anxiety levels, so it might be helpful to engage in daily healthy habits such as:
Eating well and avoiding any foods that irritate your bladder or bowel
Remain social and spend time with friends and family
Spending time outside
Doing things that you enjoy
If you find your anxieties are due to concerns about leakage or accidents, staying prepared by having a supply of quality incontinence aids can do a lot for your peace of mind.
Our Dailee range of products are made from slimline materials in order to fit snugly to the body and stay discreet under clothing, while they’re also fitted with an active odour neutraliser and superior absorption technology inside. The flash dry top sheet quickly wicks any moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and fresh for up to 12 hours at a time.
By using quality incontinence products, you can get back to living your life with confidence and have one less thing to worry about.
We know it can be difficult to speak to friends or family about incontinence, anxiety or both, but having a support network of people you trust can be extremely beneficial to our health. You can check out our tips on how to start the conversation with friends or family here.
While it can feel overwhelming at times to be experiencing both incontinence and anxiety, remember that you aren’t alone on your journey. We hope that the above article has been informative and helps you continue to live your life with confidence.
Heading back to school can be daunting for children for several reasons, incontinence being one of them. Here are some helpful tips to help take some of the stress out of heading back to the classroom.
Heading back to school can be daunting for children for several reasons, incontinence being one of them. Here are some helpful tips to help take some of the stress out of heading back to the classroom.
As the back-to-school season creeps closer, parents are no doubt gearing up for the whirlwind of preparations. Think shopping for school supplies, buying a new backpack or lunchbox, and getting the school uniform ready to go.
However, for parents of kids with incontinence, there's an additional layer of planning involved to ensure a smooth transition.
In this guide, we'll explore practical tips to empower parents and prepare kids with incontinence, whether this be daytime wetting or bowel incontinence, for a confident return to the classroom.
Start by fostering open communication with your child about their incontinence and what their concerns or fears might be in terms of returning to school.
Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing how they feel and what they’re worried they may face at school.
Discussing their needs openly helps build trust and confidence in children and allows parents to better address potential issues, even before they occur.
One of the key steps in preparing for back to school is speaking with teachers and other relevant school staff about your child's specific needs. Managing incontinence at school isn’t just the parent and child’s responsibility, the school is there to support you.
Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher/s before the school year starts, if you can, to discuss their level of incontinence, what they require to make them feel comfortable (scheduled/frequent bathroom breaks for example) and then develop a plan to address potential challenges that arise in the classroom and schoolyard.
You could also speak to their teacher about having a discreet incontinence aids station where your child knows they can find the products they wear or use away from their peers if required. More on which incontinence products to go for a little further down!
Consistency is key when managing incontinence. Work with your child to establish a routine that includes regular bathroom breaks. Encourage them to use the toilet before leaving for school, during breaks, and immediately after school.
By incorporating scheduled bathroom breaks into their daily routine, you’ll empower your child to take control of their situation and not feel as though they ever have to “hold on” - as this will likely lead to accidents, and could cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) or constipation.
Choosing the right incontinence products is crucial for your child's comfort and confidence. Explore different options such as pull-up pants and waterproof protectors that can be used in the classroom if necessary, and work together to find what works best for your child.
Our Magics Youth Pants are great because not only do they have 3-channel, fast-acting absorbency technology, but they are still slimline and comfortable to wear so your child won’t need to worry about them looking bulky under their uniform. Their odour-locking capability also keeps any unwanted scents at bay between changes, and even once you dispose of them.
Ensure that your child knows how to discreetly change or dispose of these products, both at home and at school.
Prepare an emergency kit that your child can keep at school in the special spot designated by them and their teacher that we mentioned earlier!
This kit should include the likes of spare comfortable clothes, wipes, and any necessary incontinence products such as those mentioned above.
Label the kit with your child's name and provide clear instructions to the teacher or school nurse on its use. Having a readily accessible kit minimises disruptions and ensures your child can manage any accidents discreetly.
Teach your child to advocate for themselves by equipping them with knowledge and tools to manage their incontinence independently. Remember, education is power!
This might mean practising scenarios where they can confidently communicate their needs to teachers or classmates, helping to reduce any risk of embarrassment.
Connect with other parents of children with incontinence to share experiences, tips, and resources. Building a support system can offer valuable insights and emotional support - for both you and your child.
Additionally, consider involving your child in support groups or activities that foster a sense of community and understanding. This can also help build their confidence in addressing their incontinence around other children.
If you need help finding a support group for you and your child, you can speak to their GP or use resources like the Continence Foundation of Australia.
Unfortunately, children with incontinence may face teasing or bullying from their classmates due to the stigma associated with this condition.
Do your best to give your child strategies to handle such situations, such as reporting incidents to teachers and seeking emotional support. You could also try and encourage empathy and understanding among classmates by organising educational sessions about incontinence with your child’s teacher.
If you need support, you can always go on the Kids Helpline website or give them a call on 1800 55 1800. They are available 24/7 for emotional support.
Maintain open communication with your child throughout the school year. Regularly check in on their mental health and address any concerns or challenges they may be facing. By staying actively involved, you will identify and address issues as soon as they arise, ensuring your child feels supported and things don’t worsen.
Preparing a child with incontinence for back-to-school involves a combination of open communication, education, and proactive planning.
By fostering a supportive environment at home and collaborating with teachers and school staff, parents can empower their children to manage their incontinence confidently and thrive at school!
Knowing how to correctly remove, replace and dispose of continence aids in public will allow you to go about your day more confidently and comfortably.
Knowing how to correctly remove, replace and dispose of continence aids in public will allow you to go about your day more confidently and comfortably.
Knowing how to best change and dispose of your continence aids when out in public can give you a newfound sense of comfort and confidence.
However, whether you’re new to incontinence or not, sometimes knowing how and where to dispose of your incontinence products as an adult might not be clear or easily accessible.
That’s why our continence nurse and ConfidenceClub Jane Clarke has shared her tips below on effectively managing the condition when you’re out and about.
While most only see sanitary bins for feminine hygiene products, they can be used to dispose of incontinence aids.
Sanitary bins should be in female toilets, disabled toilets, and baby change rooms. Fortunately, there has been growing recognition for male toilets to also contain sanitary bins, so these facilities are becoming more available in men’s toilets as well.
If there is not a sanitary bin available, or the product does not fit into the sanitary bin, it should be wrapped and bagged securely, and placed into a rubbish bin. More on how to do this effectively is below, so keep reading!
Used incontinence aids can be folded or rolled up to avoid leakage and reduce odours. If your pull-up or slip is soiled, make sure you empty the stool into the toilet before rolling up and disposing of it.
These used products should then be placed in a suitable disposal bag and discarded into a rubbish bin.
Using a scented opaque disposal bag can help prevent odours and conceal the contents, helping to maintain privacy and dignity. Be sure to fasten the bag securely to prevent unpleasant smells or leakage. If you’re worried, you can place the soiled product in a snap-lock bag, and then inside a disposable bag for added protection.
Remember, incontinence aids of any kind (including wipes) should NOT be flushed down the toilet. This can cause serious damage to plumbing.
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap (or use hand sanitiser if you don’t have access to a sink) after removing and changing your incontinence aid.
Accidents happen and you never know exactly when you may need to change your incontinence aids, so being prepared is always a good idea.
A change of comfortable clothes might also be a good idea if you suffer from complete loss of bladder or bowel control.
Think ahead of time and consider packing spare pads, wipes, nappy bags, underwear, and hand sanitiser. If you are particularly concerned about odour, consider using odour-controlled incontinence products such as the Dailee by ConfidenceClub pads, pull-ups and slips.
These products feature incredible odour-locking technology and materials that keep unwanted scents at bay for up to 12 hours. This is great peace of mind when you’re out and about and concerned about changing and disposing of adult nappies and other incontinence products.
If you’re concerned about putting your used incontinence aid in the bathroom bin at a friend's or family member’s house and you aren’t staying overnight, you can place the item in a scented, opaque disposal bag and then place this inside a closable bag or backpack until you leave.
If you’re staying overnight and don’t wish to place any waste in the bathroom bin, you can always dispose of your product/s in the larger outside rubbish bin. Still, be sure to tie it tightly in a disposal bag before doing so.
To make things more comfortable overall, we recommend having a conversation with your loved ones about your incontinence. If you’re not sure where to start, or you’re nervous about how to talk about it, we created some conversation tips to help you.
We hope you’ve found these tips for how to change and dispose of your adult nappies and other incontinence products helpful.
If you need any product recommendations, please don’t hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable product specialists.
The sun is out and the warm weather is here. So in this article, we give our 5 tips on how to enjoy a stress-free day at the pool or beach this summer.
The sun is out and the warm weather is here. So in this article, we give our 5 tips on how to enjoy a stress-free day at the pool or beach this summer.
When it’s hot and sunny outside, nothing is more refreshing or relaxing than having a dip in the pool or at the beach.
However, for some people with incontinence, the thought of going for a swim can bring stress and anxiety instead of excitement or relaxation. This can be because of the fear of leaking, having an accident, or worrying about any unwanted odours.
And while these feelings are completely valid, you don’t need to let them stop you from being poolside or beachside.
That’s why we’ve put together 5 tips for a stress-free day at the pool or beach!
Planning ahead not only makes for a smooth trip to your swim spot of choice but can offer peace of mind in knowing you’re prepared for whatever the day may bring.
Before setting out for a day by the water, you might want to prepare by:
Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that don’t press too firmly against your bladder and/or bowel
Looking up where the restrooms are at your desired location
Make sure you have a bag of any supplies you may need (more on this later!) as well as a change of clothing just in case
Make a plan to sit close to the restrooms so that you can access them quickly when you feel the urge to go and be sure to visit them before hopping in the water for a swim, too.
Whenever you’re heading out of the house, it’s always a good idea to have a bag of your incontinence supplies on hand for when you need them - and this is especially true when planning for a day out in the heat.
Make a list of the items you’ll need, such as spare booster pads, hand sanitiser and any incontinence aids you use for when you're out of the water, and be sure to pack them. Bring along a disposable bag as well for any wet or soiled items, too.
It’s a good idea to include some wet wipes for a quick clean and refresh on the go. They can be a lifesaver to clean away any pesky sand from sensitive areas or to aid in washing off any pool chemicals (like chlorine) which can be drying and irritating to the skin.
Once you’ve had enough of swimming, be sure to change out of your swimwear as soon as possible to help avoid any chafing or skin irritation.
This is especially important if you have incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) or other skin conditions, as prolonged contact with moist, damp or wet materials can cause further irritation or damage to the skin. Quickly changing out of wet clothing can help in preventing a urinary tract infection (UTI), too.
When you're back in dry clothes, you can also go back to using your day-to-day incontinence aid of choice, like our Dailee range of pads and guards, pull-ups or slips, depending on your level of need.
Remember that unless specified, incontinence aids are not suitable for use while swimming - so be sure to only wear them for protection from leaks while you’re out of the water.
When you’re going out for a day in the hot sun (with SPF applied, of course!), it’s especially important to drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated.
It not only helps to stave off heat-related illnesses (like heatstroke or heat exhaustion), but it can be really helpful for your incontinence management as well.
When we’re dehydrated and urine is dark and concentrated, it can exacerbate any incontinence symptoms like urgency or leaks by irritating the bladder. Water intake helps to dilute the urine, making it less concentrated - which in turn makes it less irritating to the bladder. Being adequately hydrated also helps to avoid bowel issues such as constipation, too.
Make sure you’ve got plenty of cool fluids on hand to sip throughout the day. If you’re not sure if you’re drinking enough water, you can check out our guide here to find out.
Perhaps the most important tip in our list is to make sure you have fun and enjoy your day out at the beach or pool.
While it can be daunting, it’s important not to let incontinence hold you back from activities you enjoy, and continuing to live your life with confidence is essential to maintaining good mental health.
Plus, swimming and other aquatic exercise have also been found to be helpful for incontinence symptoms [1]!
We hope these 5 tips for swimming with incontinence help you to relax and feel confident when going for your next dip! If you’re looking for other ways to keep yourself feeling cool, comfortable and rash-free in the warm weather, check out our summer skin care tips here!
*This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised health advice you should always speak to your GP.
In this blog, we investigate the links between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and incontinence in children.
In this blog, we investigate the links between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and incontinence in children.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among children, affecting an estimated average of 5% of children globally [1].
Studies have shown the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), daytime wetting, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and faecal incontinence are much higher in children with ADHD, and can often coexist [2].
An ADHD diagnosis can sometimes mean that a child’s toilet training may take longer [3]. But don’t let this discourage you, as with time, your child can gain bladder and bowel control.
So, how are these conditions linked and what are you able to do to help if your child has both ADHD and incontinence? Read on to find out.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a medical condition that often begins in early childhood, and affects the development of the brain in multiple areas. The areas affected include the prefrontal cortex, which plays a significant role in controlling focus, behaviour, organisation and emotion [4,5].
So, it makes sense that common signs of ADHD in children include:
Difficulty focussing on or completing activities
Easily distracted
Fidgeting, squirming, or constantly needing to move
Forgetfulness
Interrupting conversations or inability to wait their turn
Unfortunately, we still don’t have all of the answers about what exactly causes the condition, or why some people have it.
Symptoms often present differently from individual to individual as it is a complex condition, and sometimes what seems like underlying ADHD can be indicators of something else - such as not getting enough sleep, stress or anxiety.
If your child has not been formally diagnosed and you are concerned they are displaying signs of ADHD, it’s important to take them to a medical professional to be correctly diagnosed and never self-diagnose. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists have the knowledge and training to diagnose and/or prescribe medications to treat ADHD.
Multiple different methods of treatment can relieve ADHD symptoms, including counselling, skills training, behavioural therapy and medications, all of which have proven to be effective [6].
While studies on the link between ADHD and urinary and/or faecal incontinence in children show a strong correlation, the research on how or why is much less clear.
Some research indicates it could be due to delays in the maturation of the central nervous system, disruptions in neurological pathways as well as genetic and environmental factors [4].
There’s also evidence that other conditions contributing to voiding issues or soiling occur more in children with ADHD - for example, a 2021 Canadian study found that children with ADHD had higher rates of visits to their doctor for issues such as constipation [7].
Despite the limited knowledge on how or why ADHD is linked to incontinence and its symptoms, it’s important to remember that with time and patience, your child can gain bladder and bowel control.
Research has shown that the continence journey for children diagnosed with ADHD can be a little longer than for those without the condition, but that doesn’t mean you should be discouraged.
Here’s a short list of tips to keep in mind while you help your child with their bladder and bowel control.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, it’s a good idea to speak to their treating medical professionals about any wetting or soiling issues they may be experiencing.
If your child has not been diagnosed with ADHD but you’re worried they may be showing signs of the condition, it’s important not to self-diagnose. Instead, book your child in for an appointment with their GP or paediatrician to discuss your concerns.
They will be able to provide advice and treatment tailored to the unique needs of your child, as well as make any necessary referrals or prescriptions that may be required.
Research has shown that treatment of ADHD in children diagnosed with the condition often positively impacts their incontinence outcomes [8] - so discussing options with your child’s health professionals should always be the first step.
Whether your child is coping with daytime wetting, soiling, bedwetting or has regressed back to bedwetting after being dry, it’s important to stay patient, supportive and encouraging.
Punishing children for wetting/soiling accidents has been linked to negative mental health outcomes for the child, and can often result in making the problem worse. Instead, comfort your child and let them know they aren’t alone, and you’re here to support them.
Remember that for a lot of children, whether they have ADHD or not, experience setbacks on the road to continence. It may be a slightly longer journey, but remaining calm, patient and supportive throughout the process will help your child in the long run.
Using quality incontinence aids can be a helpful way to prevent any leaks or stains on clothing, furniture or bedding from accidents.
Our range of Magics Youth Pants are the perfect solution for daytime or nighttime wetting. They fit just like regular underwear, but with the added benefit of being ultra absorbent to protect furniture, clothing and bedding from any accidents.
They’re made of thin materials, so they stay discreet under clothing - so your child doesn’t need to worry about anyone being able to notice them.
They’re fitted with a flash-dry top sheet that quickly absorbs any liquid and locks it away into its core that features patented absorbency technology. An active odour neutraliser in the pants also helps to keep your child fresh for up to 12 hours.
We also have a range of bedding protectors that come in either reusable or disposable options, which are extremely helpful in saving you time cleaning in the transition to dry nights.
They can be a real life-saver when it comes to protecting mattresses, pillows and doonas - so you won't have to worry about the daunting task of cleaning a mattress again.
Taking your child to see a paediatric continence physiotherapist is another helpful option to support your child.
They specialise in helping children understand their bodily functions, but doing so in an engaging way adapted for children, and can help them to pay more attention to their body - including noticing when they feel the urge to urinate or have a bowel movement.
*This blog is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. If your child has ADHD and incontinence, or you suspect your child has ADHD, we recommend seeking assistance and diagnosis from a medical professional.
1 - https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30167-0
2 - https://www.nature.com/articles/nrurol.2013.213
3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25863677/
4 - https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.21058
5 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20596295/
7 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1477513121002047
For those with incontinence, anxieties over unwanted odours aren’t uncommon. These are our 5 tips for how to prevent and eliminate them if they do occur.
For those with incontinence, anxieties over unwanted odours aren’t uncommon. These are our 5 tips for how to prevent and eliminate them if they do occur.
Many people experience shared anxiety that others can smell an unpleasant bodily odour on them. This could be sweat on the body, or bad breath, for example.
For those living with incontinence, though, these concerns can be even further heightened and may have a negative impact on both their social and mental health [1].
We understand those concerns, but want to reiterate that there are ways to not only eliminate incontinence odours, but actually prevent them in the first place.
Keep reading to find out how to prevent incontinence odours in just 5 steps.
There are a lot of benefits to staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water during the day, but did you know it can also reduce the scent of urine?
When dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated and therefore has more of an odour. Drinking the recommended 1.5 - 2L of water per day (for adults) not only keeps you hydrated but dilutes your urine and reduces odour.
Drinking enough water also has the added benefit of assisting in the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and constipation - both of which can exacerbate incontinence symptoms.
You can tell if you’re hydrated enough by the colour of your urine - a light yellow colour is a good sign you’re well hydrated, while a darker yellow colour can be a sign you need to drink some more.
Ensuring you’re disposing of your incontinence products correctly is a great way to minimise any odours hanging around in the home.
If you have faecal incontinence, it’s important to remove any stool in your pull-up pants or slip into the toilet before disposal. After this, wrap the used product up and place it into a plastic or zip lock bag before placing it in the bin to further help contain any odours.
You can do the same wrapping and placing into a plastic bag for used urinary incontinence products, too.
While it may seem tempting to flush the product down the toilet for immediate disposal so you don’t have to place it in the bin, doing this is not recommended as it can cause plumbing blockages.
Choosing a product that is appropriate for your needs is essential in managing incontinence. Ensuring that you invest in a high-quality option with an active odour neutraliser will be extremely helpful in eliminating smells.
Some incontinence products either aren’t fitted with odour control or only rely on odour masking (where the product is fragranced as a way to ‘cover’ unpleasant smells). Both approaches are not very effective.
This is why it’s important to choose a product that is equipped with active odour-neutralising material, like all of the products in our Dailee range that feature crystals made of super absorbent polymers that are treated with an odour locking material to neutralises odours for up to 12 hours.
It’s equally as important to ensure you change your incontinence aids once they’re wet or soiled, which not only benefits you by reducing odours but also by reducing the risk of skin irritation or incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD).
At every change, be sure to clean and dry your skin - if you’re out of the house, you can opt for using a body wipe for a quick refresh while on the go.
Sometimes accidents happen, and if you get stool or urine onto your clothing, bedding or furniture, it’s important to wash it as soon as possible.
Leaving it for some time before cleaning can not only make stains harder to remove, but it means any odours may linger for longer as well.
Adding some white vinegar and/or baking soda to warm water and allowing the fabric to soak for an hour before washing is a great option to help neutralise any odours.
If you’re unable to put a soiled item in the wash (like a sofa or chair, for example), try blotting the area to absorb as much of the liquid as you can before applying a cleaner. You can try using white vinegar here too as a natural option to neutralise odours.
You can also find cleaners with added enzymes that are very effective at removing odour-causing compounds in bodily fluids like faeces and urine, as they’re able to effectively break down the proteins within them.
While cleaning urine out of a mattress may seem more daunting than other fabrics like clothing or bedding, we’ve got an easy how-to guide that you can read here.
Using waterproof furniture protectors is a great option to prevent any leaks from getting onto your furniture and therefore any unwanted odours! These products really can save you time and money on clean-up.
Here at ConfidenceClub, we have both disposable and washable options that help make your living space incontinence-friendly.
Our washable options feature an advanced four-layer design, with a super soft, cushion-like outer and both waterproof, absorbent inner layers. They’re machine washable for up to 300 times and safe to tumble-dry (at low temperatures), so they’re super convenient to clean. Available in a range of different colourways, you’re sure to find an option that’s best suited to your space.
Our disposable protectors are extremely durable yet silky soft due to their cotton-like top sheet. They quickly draw fluid away from the surface and trap it in its core, while the waterproof back sheet keeps your furniture safe from any leaks.
They’re convenient and easy to use, as they simply need to be thrown away once wet or soiled.
We hope that these suggestions help give you peace of mind on your incontinence journey by keeping your home free from any unwanted odours.