The bladder stores urine. During normal urination, bladder muscles tighten to move urine into the urethra. Meanwhile, muscles around the urethra simultaneously relax to allow urine elimination. Urinary incontinence happens when a person leaks urine by accident. While there can be many underlying causes, incontinence signals a bladder control problem.

For people with temporary or chronic urinary incontinence, incontinence products for men and incontinence products for women are indispensable. They prevent accidents and embarrassment when incontinence happens. A vast array of medical incontinence supplies and accessories are available including sanitizing wipes, bed pads, protective underwear and even washable incontinence underwear. Each product is designed to help you stay hygienic and comfortable no matter what.

Urinary incontinence occurs when bladder muscles and muscles surrounding the bladder are not functioning properly. This results in accidental urine leaks. It typically happens when the muscles relax without warning. There can be a variety of underlying causes. Weak bladder muscles are a common cause; as are weak pelvic floor muscles or overactive bladder muscles. Nerve damage from Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis can lead to incontinence. In men, blockages from an enlarged prostate can be the cause. In women, vaginal infections can cause incontinence.

Your doctor will need to diagnose underlying causes. For people with this condition, bladder protection products are recommended. For example, protective underwear can prove useful through the diagnosis and treatment process.

Bowel incontinence is sometimes also referred to as fecal incontinence. It is characterized by a loss of bowel control that causes involuntary bowel movements. Causes can vary, but there are many things people can do to treat bowel incontinence. Diet modification or medications may be necessary. Things like bowel retraining and Kegel exercises can help retrain the bowels or strengthen pelvic floor muscles to prevent incontinence.

Incontinence undergarments are indispensable for people unable to make it to the bathroom. There are also other products that will prove useful including incontinence wipes to clean and maintain hygiene and incontinence deodorizers to minimize odors.

Adult diapers come in a variety of sizes. If you’ve never purchased them before, you may not know where to start with sizing. Like many types of clothing, diapers come in sizes from XS to XL and beyond. Often, these sizes are based on waist measurements. For instance, size XS may measure between 20 and 26 inches at the waist. The XL will be larger—as an example, 43 to 67 inches at the waist. Some manufacturers also include body weight in their size charts to help you choose correctly.

Adult diaper sizing can vary from one manufacturer to the next. It is always best to refer to the size chart provided by the brand to make sure that you’re getting the correct size.

Bed pads and under pads are a lifesaver when it comes to protecting a bed from incidents of incontinence. If the incontinence is slight, bed pads are available in a variety of absorbency levels. This will help keep the mattress dry and sanitary. There are both disposable and reusable kinds, depending on your needs.

For larger incontinence issues, pair bed pads with a waterproof mattress cover to simplify the cleanup process. Disposable bed pads or under pads should still be used on top of the mattress cover as they will catch the bulk of the waste, making disposal easier and the bed more comfortable. Bed pads are designed with layers of padding not only to absorb moisture, but to provide cushioning, as well.