Urinary and Faecal Incontinence is experienced by many. There’s an array of personal and medical circumstances that results in this condition and help is available. It’s vital for all individuals to feel secure, protected and comfortable despite their level of experience with this condition. They, or you, deserve to get on with life knowing you are covered, and Reward Hospitality New Zealand can help.
This guide is developed to give you an overview of what incontinence is (urinary and faecal) with an introduction to the array of products we offer to give protection, comfort, and wealth of life to anyone and everyone who suffers from incontinence of any level.
What is incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine from the bladder, urinary incontinence, and faeces from the bowel, known as faecal incontinence.
Urinary incontinence affects more than 1.1 million New Zealanders [Stuff.co.nz] with many others likely unreported because they’re too frightened or embarrassed to seek help.
Who is most at risk of urinary incontinence?
Incontinence impacts children, men and women of all backgrounds and health levels and there are some health conditions or life events that put some at greater risk of developing this.
Pregnancy
Pre- and post-natal mothers commonly experience urinary incontinence. As the uterus expands, pressure is put on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles resulting in leakages. Increases in progesterone loosen the ligaments and joints so the pelvis can expand for childbirth resulting in leaks of various portions that are experienced before, during, and/or after childbirth.
Menopause
As women approach or enter menopause, their estrogen levels drop. This hormone is relative to bladder and urethra health and the drop in this hormone results in pelvic floor muscles becoming weak and subsequently light to heavy leaks.
Urinary tract infections
Infections irritate the bladder causing individuals to have strong or constant urges to urinate and on occasion, incontinence. Infections in the kidneys or urethra can develop into incontinence that increases in severity when not treated.
Surgical procedures like prostatectomies or hysterectomies
A prostatectomy is the removal of all or part of the prostate and a hysterectomy is the removal of all or part of the uterus or ovaries. Incontinence occurs during prostatectomies because one of the valves that control the flow of urine is removed with the prostate. Nerve or muscle damage can also occur during this procedure resulting in increased levels of urinary incontinence.
A hysterectomy is a common cause of urinary incontinence in women of all ages, and it can present immediately or many years after the procedure. This is because the pelvic floor muscles are impacted during the operation, nerves can become damaged, and hysterectomies commonly impact the urinary sphincter which helps hold urine in and stop leaking.
Neurological and musculoskeletal health conditions
Multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other diagnoses that fall within these conditions can result in urinary incontinence due to the body's inability to control the urinary tract and muscles.
Other health conditions
Conditions such as stroke, heart conditions, diabetes, obesity or prostate issues can present with various symptoms including urinary incontinence based on a variety of issues that impact the urinary tract and muscles.
This list isn’t conclusive, but it gives a general overview of the vast array of medical and health conditions that can result in urinary incontinence.
How to help individuals with Urinary Incontinence
It is important to remember urinary incontinence is not a disease. It’s a symptom of a medical or physical condition and help is available. Advice is available to New Zealanders via the Health Navigator by calling 0800 650 659.
There are also numerous products available to provide individuals with appropriate protection when they experience various levels of urinary incontinence. These liners, pads and underwear have been expertly designed to ensure adequate comfort as well as peace of mind when selected and used appropriately.
What urinary incontinence products are available?
It’s vital to use respected and expertly formulated incontinence protection products. These items are designed to be comfortable, and hygienically trap leaks, with various products available to suit the individual’s level of incontinence as well as lifestyle.
Reward Hospitality New Zealand has a vast collection of Tena products available to suit your needs. These products have been expertly selected and are the preferred range used by healthcare providers to ensure the best products for their patients and clients.
Tena Liners for incontinence
Personal Hygiene Liners are available in assorted lengths to provide adequate protection against light leaks.
Tena Pads for incontinence
Personal Hygiene Pads are available in various shapes, sizes and absorbency levels to deliver optimal protection to the individual. These products include a range that protects against faecal incontinence as well as urinary incontinence with a range that has been specially produced for bed-ridden individuals who are not able to control incontinence or use a bathroom.
Tena pads cover all levels from light leakages through to maximum heavy leakages, as well as those designed for extended periods like sleep time and long travel. The patented technology is used in the most advanced of these products to improve the materials used, to avoid skin irritation, extra protection to promote health during extended use, and unique shapes to ensure comfort and leakage security.
The Tena range of pads caters for men as well as women. The ProSkin Slip range is unisex and suitable for individuals suffering from obesity or low mobility, with an extra level of absorbency with adjustable waist fasteners for ease of use.
Tena underwear for Men or Women with incontinence
The Tena Underwear or Pants ranges have been formulated with products specifically designed for individuals seeking a discreet product that supports their incontinence while allowing them to feel like they’re not wearing a bulky pad or liner.
These products have been produced for an array of incontinence levels from light to super with the range including disposable underwear that feels like standard underwear through to those designed for optimal protection with very high absorbency for patients who require more than a liner or pad.
Reward Hospitality New Zealand’s extensive range includes an assortment of products specifically designed for men. These include discreet products for those who are very active and need a level of absorbent protection through to an active range designed specifically for men who need a high level of absorbency and protection toward the front of the Active Fit Pants for peace of mind.
Other Tena products for individuals with incontinence
Incontinence protection doesn’t stop with liners, pads, or undergarments. Reward Hospitality New Zealand also stocks a range of bed pads, medical-grade body washes and wipes to ensure hygiene and cleanliness for all individuals including those in medical facilities. It’s vital to ensure cleanliness and hygiene are maintained when incontinence is experienced at any level. These products have been expertly formulated to ensure comfort, and cleanliness and the washes and lotions have been developed for the most sensitive of skin while reducing the spread of bacteria.
It is vital to use the correct incontinence product and replace them frequently
Wearing incontinence products that are soiled with faecal matter can promote bacteria to enter the urinary system and potentially cause a UTI. It is vital to change these products frequently to avoid this from occurring as they may cause more serious health issues that may result in increased incontinence.
Include the use of speciality washes, wipes and creams to ensure hygiene while also minimising skin irritations that can become very uncomfortable and painful during prolonged use of incontinence liners, pads and underwear.
Reward Hospitality New Zealand stocks with quality incontinence products and accessories
If you, a family member, or a patient experiences incontinence of any level – Reward Hospitality New Zealand has an array of incontinence products available for purchase online or in-store. We are the preferred supplier for a range of industries including healthcare and aged care who value our extensive range, fast delivery and online shopping capabilities throughout the Asia Pacific.
Our product range isn’t limited to Tena products and accessories, it includes janitorial items, receptacles, high-grade bed linen and bathroom accessories, PPE, specialist healthcare dining and kitchen products, and so much more.
Check out our range and if you need expert advice, we have a team of professional Healthcare advisors on hand to guide you and answer all your questions.