There's increasing advertising on television for incontinence products for men. Most of this features mainstream brands where they are both educating the market and trying to get a beachhead ahead of others.
We of course love
the education going on because better understanding of men's bladder leakage
will help men take more control of the issue.
The main thing is for men to understand that bladder leakage is normal
as we age. If you are over, then expect to have a gradual weakening of your
bladder closing mechanism and subsequent drips and small flows.
Take control early
by getting accustomed to wearing an absorbent shield in your underpants and if the flow is greater - use a pad. These are
purpose-designed for the male anatomy - obviously quite different to women's
products.
I heard an
interesting story the other day where a man had just had prostate surgery. The nurse was giving him the normal post
surgery instructions which included showing him that he should wear an
absorption pad inside his undies until 'discharge' stopped. To her slight amusement, he commented,
"Oh I've often wondered what a tampax looks like." The nurse hid her
chuckle and thought - ignorance is bliss. (Women 'insert' Tampax for menstruation
control) Trouble is, there's hundreds of men out there who are just as ignorant
of their health, their waterworks and general management of such things.
I was also somewhat
surprised to hear that many men often refuse to wear these pads after an
operation because they just don't want what they think is a 'woman's' gadget in
the underpants. Some even throw them
away before they leave the hospital or medical centre where they have been
fitted. They soon find out why they are
a good idea when they get a real mess inside their trousers. Man-up guys - get to know how to deal with
these personal health issues.
Purpose designed
disposable shields and pads are available - specially designed for men. www.dryfella.co.nz Have a look. You may
not need them now, but over time you will.
Be prepared and know when to adopt them for everyday use.
The dryfellas
