Managing incontinence can be challenging, but the right information makes all the difference. If you or a loved one are experiencing bladder or bowel control issues, speaking with a healthcare professional can help you find the best solutions. To make the most of your appointment, here are five key questions to ask.
Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Professional About Incontinence
Luigi Lagustan
| February 27, 2025
1. What is causing my incontinence?
Incontinence can stem from a variety of factors, including age, medical conditions, medications, or even lifestyle habits. Some common causes include:
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Nerve damage from conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis
- Prostate issues in men or hormonal changes in women
- Side effects from certain medications
- Chronic constipation or urinary tract infections
Your doctor can help pinpoint the exact cause and recommend strategies to manage or improve your condition.
2. What are my treatment options?
There are many ways to manage incontinence, ranging from lifestyle changes and exercises to medical treatments and absorbent products. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may suggest:
- Pelvic floor exercises – Strengthening these muscles can improve bladder control.
- Bladder training – Learning techniques to delay urination and increase bladder capacity.
- Medications – Certain drugs can help reduce urgency and frequency.
- Surgical options – In more severe cases, procedures can help restore bladder function.
- High-quality absorbent products – Using the right incontinence products ensures comfort, protection, and dignity in daily life.
For discreet and effective protection, consider MoliCare Premium Mobile 8 Drops (Large), which offers superior absorbency and comfort, making it an excellent choice for active individuals.
3. How can I manage incontinence in my daily life?
Incontinence doesn’t have to disrupt your routine. Here are some practical ways to manage it effectively:
- Plan bathroom visits – Try to use the restroom at set intervals to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Maintain a healthy diet – Certain foods and drinks (like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods) can irritate the bladder.
- Stay hydrated – While it may seem counterintuitive, drinking enough water prevents dehydration and concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder.
- Wear high-quality absorbent products – Products like TENA Pants ProSkin Maxi (Extra Large) provide excellent leakage protection while feeling like regular underwear.
Small changes can have a big impact on your comfort and confidence in daily life.
4. What incontinence products are best for me?
Choosing the right product depends on your level of incontinence, lifestyle, and comfort preferences. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations based on your needs. Some options include:
- Pull-up pants – Great for active individuals who want a discreet and comfortable fit, like Depend Unisex Underwear Super Plus (S/M).
- All-in-one slips – Ideal for moderate to heavy incontinence and those who require more assistance, such as MoliCare Premium Slip 6 Drops (X-Small).
- Bed pads – Provide extra protection for bedding and furniture, ensuring hygiene and comfort during sleep. Try Halyard Underpads 5-Ply for added peace of mind.
Using high-quality, reliable products can help you manage incontinence with dignity and ease.
5. When should I seek additional medical help?
If your symptoms worsen, significantly impact your daily life, or if incontinence is accompanied by pain, blood in the urine, or sudden, unexplained changes, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider promptly. These could be signs of an underlying medical condition that needs further evaluation.
Why It’s Important to Ask the Right Questions
Incontinence is a highly personal and often sensitive issue, which can make it difficult to talk about—even with a doctor. However, asking the right questions is essential to receiving the right care.
Many people assume incontinence is just a normal part of aging or something they have to live with, but that’s not the case. There are various treatment options, lifestyle adjustments, and products that can significantly improve your comfort and confidence. The more you understand your condition, the better equipped you’ll be to manage it effectively.
By engaging in open conversations with your healthcare provider, you can:
- Identify the Cause: Incontinence can stem from various underlying issues, such as weak pelvic floor muscles, neurological conditions, or medication side effects.
- Explore Treatment Options: From pelvic floor therapy to medications and lifestyle changes, there are multiple ways to manage symptoms.
- Find the Right Products: Your doctor can help you choose the best incontinence products that suit your specific needs.
Improve Your Quality of Life: With the right management plan, you can regain control and confidence in your daily routine.
Incontinence Support Through the NDIS
If you or a loved one are living with incontinence, you may be eligible for funding assistance through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS provides funding for incontinence-related products if they are considered reasonable and necessary to manage your condition. Here’s how you can access support:
1. Determine Eligibility
To receive funding for continence aids, you must be an NDIS participant, and your need for these products must be directly related to your disability.
2. Gather Supporting Evidence
You’ll need to provide documentation to support your request, including medical reports from a GP, specialist, or continence nurse, as well as an occupational therapist’s assessment. These documents help demonstrate the necessity of incontinence products in your daily care routine.
3. Discuss Your Needs During Planning
During your NDIS planning meeting, speak with your NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or support coordinator about including continence aids in your plan. They will assess whether these supports meet NDIS funding criteria.
4. Understand Funding Categories
Continence products typically fall under the Consumables category in the Core Supports budget. This category covers everyday items that assist with daily activities, making it easier for you to access essential continence aids without needing additional approvals.
5. Purchase Your Products
Once approved, you can buy incontinence products from registered NDIS providers or purchase them yourself and claim reimbursement through the myplace portal.
6. Review and Adjust as Needed
If your needs change over time or you feel your current plan does not cover enough continence support, you can request a review to adjust your funding accordingly.
Your healthcare provider or a continence nurse can help guide you in selecting the best products and ensuring your documentation meets NDIS approval criteria. For more information on continence support through the NDIS, visit the NDIS website or consult a support coordinator.
Shop Our Full Range of Continence Care Products Today
Incontinence is a common condition, but with the right support, knowledge, and products, you can maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle. By consulting with your healthcare professional and finding solutions that fit your needs, you can take control of your continence care with confidence.
At Platinum Health Supply, we offer a comprehensive collection of high-quality continence care products. Explore our full range today and find the right products to keep you comfortable, dry, and confident.
