Not being able to control the flow of urine, a condition known as urinary incontinence, can be a distressing problem for adults. Fortunately, many products help with management of incontinence so enjoyable activities can be continued. Incontinence is considered a symptom of other conditions, not a condition in itself, according to the National Association for Continence. Until the problem can be corrected, wearing pull-up diapers may be a good option.
Causes
Incontinence can be caused by a wide variety of situations. For women, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and hysterectomy can all cause some loss of control of flow of urine. For men, prostate removal or cancer can prevent the total emptying of the bladder or control. For both, arthritis, memory impairment and other functional obstacles can make getting to the bathroom problematic, according to MayoClinic.com.
Basics
If urinary leakage is more than can be handled by an absorbent pad worn inside underwear, you may want to consider using adult pull-up briefs or diapers. Disposable pull-up brands allow for one-time wearing and are thrown away after use; special, washable underwear are also available, according to the National Institutes of Health. Choose a size that fits snug, with elastic around the legs to prevent leaks. Consider those with a plastic covering for extra protection.
Options
Adult pull-ups or diapers don't have to be uncomfortable. Companies today are manufacturing brands with a range of choices, such as those that are worn much like underwear, to those that are fastened and unfastened much like traditional diapers. Some even have discreet, underwear-like waistbands, to avoid the embarrassment of accidentally revealing that one is wearing an absorbent product.
Considerations
In addition to wearing pull-up briefs or absorbent pads, keeping your skin clean and dry is important for your comfort with urinary incontinence. A washcloth, plus perhaps a little powder, moisturizer or deodorizing tablet, is all that's needed to feel fresh and eliminate odors, advises MayoClinic.com. Be careful not to wash too often or use other products that may irritate the skin.
Recommendations
If you are using pull-ups for incontinence along with a variety of other coping mechanisms, and you feel embarrassed or limited in your activities, there are a number of other ways your doctor may be able to help you treat urinary incontinence, advises MayoClinic.com. New treatments are continually being discovered, so it may be worth inquiring about solutions other than relying solely on adult pull-up diapers.
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