Pelvic floor health is a major part of a woman’s overall well-being. This often-overlooked aspect of a woman’s physical health plays a pivotal role in maintaining bladder and bowel function, supporting pelvic organs, and contributing to sexual health. But incontinence is a pelvic floor health condition affecting a significant percentage of women, most of whom manage in silence. As a progressive condition, incontinence has an inevitable impact on a woman’s quality of life, and the most common treatment methods don’t treat the root of the issue—just the symptoms. Pads and diapers in particular are readily accessible, but here’s why women deserve better than diapers for incontinence.
The Limitations of Pads and Diapers
Pads and diapers are considered superficial symptom management. Their purpose is to contain and absorb urine or stool, but they don’t address the underlying causes of incontinence, such as weakened pelvic floor muscles or nerve damage. And beyond the psychological component, they pose other issues and limitations.
Prolonged use of pads and diapers can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and infections. The constant exposure to moisture and lack of proper ventilation can compromise the integrity of the skin, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of dermatological issues. When women rely solely on pads and diapers, they may not feel motivated to seek truly effective treatment and rehabilitation for pelvic floor issues. Since incontinence only worsens with time, this sets them up for continue issues down the road. Pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, behavioral strategies and therapeutic interventions all play important roles in a holistic approach to managing incontinence, and this is something that women can access with a physician who understands how best to treat the condition.
- Pelvic floor exercises. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, help trengthen the muscles that support bladder and bowel control. A tailored exercise regimen, guided by a healthcare professional, can significantly improve muscle tone and function, reducing the severity of incontinence.
- Lifestyle modifications. Addressing lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding constipation, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes, can also contribute to better pelvic floor health. These modifications go beyond the temporary containment offered by pads and diapers, focusing on long-term improvements.
- Behavioral strategies. Implementing behavioral strategies, including timed voiding and fluid management, helps regulate bladder function and reduces the frequency of incontinence episodes. These strategies empower women to take an active role in managing their pelvic floor health.
- Professional guidance and therapies. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, such as pelvic floor physiotherapists, urogynecologists, sacral neuromodulation specialists, and specialized nurses, ensures a comprehensive evaluation of pelvic floor issues. Therapeutic interventions, such as biofeedback and pacemaker stimulation, can complement pelvic floor exercises for more effective results.
The Takeaway
Pads and diapers may serve a temporary purpose in managing incontinence. But they fall short of addressing the root causes and providing long-term solutions for women’s pelvic floor health. There’s a better way to treat incontinence. By promoting awareness and education on these comprehensive strategies, we can empower women to prioritize their pelvic floor health and enhance their overall well-being. Given the high success rate of today’s therapies, including sacral neuromodulation, there’s simply no reason to rely solely upon pads and diapers.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of incontinence and doing your best to manage it on your own, you have another option. Contact the team at Nevada Surgical today to learn more.
