Incontinence: 3 things you need to know

Incontinence is a challenge affecting many women and men, yet it’s rarely talked about openly. If you’re dealing with bladder leaks or discomfort, you’re not alone; over 7 million Australians* experience incontinence. 

The good news? There are simple, effective ways to manage it while feeling confident and comfortable.  

Incontinence can happen for various reasons, including ageing muscles, medications, hormonal changes, or health conditions. While it may feel frustrating, making small adjustments to daily habits can make a big difference.

• Stay hydrated: It seems counterintuitive, but drinking enough water can help reduce irritation and support bladder health. 

• Know your triggers: Caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods can worsen symptoms. 

• Strengthen your pelvic floor: Simple exercises like Kegels can improve bladder control over time. Find a comfortable seat and identify your pelvic floor muscles by imagining you are stopping the flow of urine, then contract those muscles as if you are trying to hold it. Hold the contraction for 3-5 seconds, relax for 3-5 seconds, and repeat.  

• Use gentle cleaning products: Regular hygiene and products without harsh ingredients’ can help prevent irritation and discomfort, making high-quality wipes, like WaterWipes Adult Care Sensitive Wipes, essential for daily care. 

• Use absorbent liners: High-quality, breathable, and absorbent liners that wick away moisture will help you feel comfortable throughout the day, while helping maintain skin integrity. 

When managing incontinence, caring for your intimate areas and skin health is equally important. Frequent cleaning with harsh products can lead to irritation, especially for those with delicate, sensitive skin. That’s why choosing a wipe, such as WaterWipes Adult Care Wipes, with minimal ingredients is a must.  

Unlike some other brands, WaterWipes Adult Care contain just two ingredients: 99.9% water, plus a drop of grapefruit seed extract. They are alcohol and fragrance-free, making them soft, gentle, and suitable for intimate areas. 

But this doesn’t mean they don’t clean effectively. Their unique 7-step purification process and textured surface helps to give a deeper clean and remove 99.9% of the mess. 

These strong, durable wipes are much larger than regular wet wipes, too – about the size of a sheet of letter-size paper – making it easier for you to clean large areas of skin with fewer wipes and, ultimately, spend less time on cleansing. 

There are many different types of incontinence, affecting everyday Australians in many ways from waking up at night or leaks throughout the day. Some forms of incontinence include: 

• Stress incontinence: Leaking due to increased abdominal pressure (e.g., laughing or exercise).  

• Urge incontinence: Leaking associated with a sudden, strong urge to urinate.  

• Faecal incontinence: Involuntary leakage of faeces.  

Skin becomes thinner as we age and increasingly fragile. Using detergent-free wipes, such as WaterWipes Adult Care, to cleanse skin has been shown to be effective in older adults. 

Incontinence-related irritation in aged skin can cause mechanical injury and increased susceptibility to infection. Cleansing wipes for ageing skin should be formulated to help protect the skin barrier, with mild formulations that gently cleanse and help prevent potential irritation. 

Incontinence doesn't have to hold you back. With the right approach and gentle, effective products, you can live comfortably and confidently.  

Learn more about WaterWipes Adult Care Sensitive Wipes

*Source: Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, Continence Foundation of Australia, June 2024