Bowel and urinary incontinence--the inability to fully control defecation and urination, respectively--can be the result of a variety of factors. If ignored, incontinence can affect hygiene and self-esteem and may lead to more severe health problems. Several medical devices and supplies are available to help manage the discomfort, inconvenience and embarrassment that often accompany incontinence.
Protective Undergarments
Various undergarments are sold that will contain stool and absorb liquids and odors caused by both urine and bowel incontinence. Protective devices like adult diapers or pads and liners that can be worn inside underwear are readily available at drug stores and supermarkets. Drip collectors and small pockets of absorbent material that can be worn over the penis are available at medical supply stores for men with urine incontinence. Disposable incontinence undergarments tend to be more expensive than their washable counterparts.
Urinary Catheters
If urinary incontinence is caused by a bladder that does not empty properly, your doctor may teach you how to insert a soft tube catheter into your urethra several times a day. This process, known as self-intermittent catheterization, can work to properly empty your bladder to help manage your incontinence. Urinary catheter kits require a doctor's prescription and are available for sale at medical supply stores.
Pessary
Available only at a doctor's office, a pessary must be inserted by a trained medical professional. Used to treat urinary incontinence in women, a pessary is a stiff ring that is inserted into the vagina to place pressure against the vaginal wall and urethra. The pessary can work successfully to stem urine leakage, but the device also requires frequent monitoring for its tendency to cause urinary tract infections.
