Tag:

Published:

Last Updated:

Summary

If you’re one of the many women in America experiencing urinary incontinence, you don’t need to feel embarrassed. You’re not alone.

Research shows that urinary incontinence in women is fairly common; in fact, up to 63% of women over 20 will experience it in some form. Currently, 78 million women are affected by urinary incontinence.

Many factors play a role in why incontinence occurs more frequently in women than in men. Here are a few that you should know about, and some options for managing it effectively.

Basic anatomy can play a role in the reason women experience incontinence. This is largely due to the differences between male and female urinary systems and how they function.

The first big difference is the length of the urethra. In men, the urethra averages 20-22 cm long. For a woman, the average urethra measures only 4 cm. The shorter female urethra makes women more prone to urinary tract infections, which can result in incontinence (see below).

Another difference is the location of the sphincter muscles. In women, the primary urinary sphincter muscles are part of the pelvic floor, which means that any weakening of the pelvic floor can also affect the sphincter. In men, the primary sphincter is located just below the bladder, away from the pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, the prostate gland surrounds the male urethra, providing soft pressure as well. Below the prostate are the pelvic floor muscles, which work together with the sphincter and prostate to help contain urine.

Both pregnancy and childbirth can sometimes be the causes of urinary incontinence in women. During pregnancy, the womb may put extra pressure on bladder.

This additional pressure can make it more difficult to contain urine, resulting in leakage during a cough, sneeze, or laughter. Childbirth puts major stress on the pelvic muscles, which can cause them to be severely weakened or stretched.

Incontinence can also be a result of going through menopause. After menopause, the body produces less estrogen, a key hormone that plays a role in the health of the urinary system. Without the presence of estrogen, the bladder lining may weaken, sometimes leading to incontinence.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) may also cause a temporary form of incontinence. During UTI, bacteria travels up the urethra and settles in the bladder. When this happens, it can cause inflammation in the bladder, leading to incontinence. It’s not uncommon for incontinence to be major symptom of a urinary tract infection. Incontinence caused by a UTI is usually temporary and should go away once the infection is gone.

There are many options available for women to choose from for managing incontinence. Depending on the type of incontinence and the symptoms, some may be more effective than others. In order to know what’s right for you, you should visit your doctor to learn more about your unique situation.

Incontinence products are the most common items used to manage incontinence. They absorb leakage and lock it away, keeping the skin dry. There are many different types of incontinence products, each one designed to manage a different level of output.

Some insurance plans will cover the cost of incontinence supplies. This means you could use your health insurance to cover the cost of bladder control pads, adult briefs, or pull-ons. Nearly all Medicaid plans cover incontinence supplies, along with some private plans.

Some medical devices may help to reduce the effects of incontinence. A Pessary, for example, is a stiff disc that’s inserted near the bladder to provide it more support, reducing leakage. There are many devices that could be used to help incontinence, but their use is largely dependent on your unique situation. Talking with a doctor is the best way to determine if a medical device is an appropriate solution for you.

Because incontinence is often the result of weakened pelvic muscles, it’s possible that strengthening them can help reduce leakage. Exercises such as Kegels and yoga for incontinence can help provide more support to the bladder, by learning to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles.

Some medications can help reduce incontinence, particularly if incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder. These medications generally work by relaxing the bladder muscles, which keeps it from contracting sporadically and releasing urine. Medications that treat infections that cause incontinence (such as a UTI) can also help reduce leakage.

You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

Tag:

Published:

Last Updated:

Summary

Urinary incontinence is one of the most common conditions in America, but unfortunately, many people don’t understand what causes it.

The biggest misconception about incontinence is that it’s an illness or disease; that’s not the case. It’s most often the result of another medical issue. Understanding these issues are the key to understanding the different causes of incontinence.

One of the biggest causes of incontinence, particularly stress incontinence, is the weakening of the pelvic and sphincter muscles. These are the muscles that work together to control the flow of urine from the body.

If the sphincter or pelvic muscles become weak, then they may struggle to keep the urethra closed when they experience force (such as a cough or a sneeze). This could result in unexpected loss of urine. The severity of leakage can range from a few minor drops to higher flows that are more frequent.

Many things can cause the pelvic and sphincter muscles to weaken. One is simply age. The sphincter may weaken over time, making it harder to contain urine. Childbirth and menopause can also weaken the sphincter muscle, both of which are factors in why incontinence in women is more common than in men.

Cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, could also be one of the causes of incontinence. Cognitive thinking disorders can be one of the causes of incontinence. Cognitive thinking disorders can cause individuals to have trouble interpreting signals that the bladder sends. This could result in the release of urine in locations other than the bathroom.

Irregular nerve signals can also cause incontinence. In order for the bladder to release urine, it needs to receive a signal from the brain. Most people have regular control over when this occurs, but there are cases when the nerves send unexpected signals. When this happens, the bladder may unexpectedly release urine.

A common form of incontinence related to nerve conditions is urge incontinence.

Functional incontinence occurs when an individual has difficulty reaching a bathroom due to limitations in their mobility.

Functional incontinence occurs when an individual has difficulty reaching a bathroom due to limitations in their mobility. The nervous and urinary systems may be healthy and functional, but the challenge is getting to a bathroom in time.

If an individual can’t physically get to a bathroom before they need to go, then often need to use an incontinence product as an alternative. There are many situations in which this may occur, such as confinement to a bed or illness that causes slow, painful movement.

Medications can cause an increased need to urinate, which can lead to issues with incontinence. Diuretics, for example, are designed to flush water from the body.

Antidepressants are also sometimes connected to incontinence. They can make it difficult for the bladder to contract, which means that urine has a greater chance of leaking.

Understanding the causes of incontinence is an important step in managing it properly. Once you know what’s causing it, you can focus on choosing the right product to manage it.

And don’t forget: Most state Medicaid plans cover incontinence supplies. Medicaid and some private plans pay for incontinence products as a covered benefit.

You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

Tag:

Published:

Last Updated:

Summary

When it comes to incontinence, there’s nothing more important than understanding the products. There are many different kinds, and one is designed to handle the specific needs of each individual. Knowing these differences will help you choose the right product for you.

Knowing the differences of the many different kinds of incontinence products will help you choose the right product for you HCD health

Bladder Control Pads are thin, absorbent pads designed to protect against lighter outputs of urine. They’re made with a layer of special polymer that absorbs liquid and locks it away, keeping the skin clean and dry.

An advantage of Bladder Control Pads is that they are extremely discreet. They’re among the smallest of products, making them ideal for active people. However, their small size limits the liquid they can absorb, which is why they are typically only used for light leakage.

NOTE: Bladder Control Pads may be covered by Medicaid.

Male Guards are bladder control pads specifically designed for men. They function just like a regular pad, except that one end is tapered to better accommodate male needs.

Like other bladder control pads, male guards are small and discreet. The polymer layer can handle the same amount of leakage as a normal bladder control pad. Male Guards also work best for managing lighter types of incontinence.

NOTE: Male Guards may be covered by Medicaid.

Protective Underwear provides both more absorbency and a larger area of protection.

Protective Underwear, also known as “pull-ons,” are slightly larger products that can replace underwear and fits underneath clothing. The polymer layer is bigger than in Bladder Control Pads, providing both more absorbency and a larger area of protection. When fitted properly, they help prevent leakage from traveling down the leg and dampening clothing.

Although Protective Underwear is bigger than a bladder control pad, they’re still designed to be discreet and comfortable. They’re a great choice for people who experience moderate leakage, or for people who need more absorption at night.

NOTE: Pull-ons may be covered by Medicaid.

Like Protective Underwear, adult briefs are wearable protection made to fit underneath clothing. They have one of the largest polymer layers and provide more area coverage than other absorbent products. Unlike pads and pull-ons, Adult Briefs can handle both urinary and fecal incontinence.

Adult Briefs are great for managing heavier outputs of urine and any level of fecal incontinence. While they are larger than other products, the special design of their polymer layer allow them to be surprisingly thin. They can still be worn underneath clothing with relative ease and comfort.

NOTE: Adult Diapers and Briefs may be covered by Medicaid.

Booster Pads are a supplemental product designed to be used with another absorbent product. As the name suggests, they “boost” absorbency by providing an extra layer of protection. Booster Pads can only be used with another absorbent product, such as bladder control pads, adult briefs, or pull-ons. They do not have a waterproof side, which means they cannot be used by themselves.

NOTE: Booster Pads may be covered by Medicaid.

External Catheters, also known as condom catheters, are a unique incontinence product in that they don’t work by absorbing liquid. Instead, they collect urine into a drainage or collection bag. There are three basic parts to an External Catheter system: The External Catheter, the collection tubing, and the collection bag. Urine travels through the catheter into the collection tubing, which carries it to the collection bag. Once the collection bag is full, it can either be thrown away or emptied, depending on the model.

NOTE: Condom Catheters may be covered by Medicaid.

Underpads are soft, thin sheets of absorbent materials attached to a waterproof barrier on one side. They are designed to protect surfaces from leakage during the changing of an incontinence product. There are two types of underpads: disposable and reusable. Disposable pads are thrown away after use, while reusable pads may be washed and reused. Most underpads do not contain a polymer layer, which means they will stay wet once they absorb liquid.

NOTE: Underpads may be covered by Medicaid.

Understanding the types of incontinence products is a crucial first step for successfully managing your condition. With this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right incontinence product.

You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

Tag:

Published:

Last Updated:

Summary

If you’re one of the 25 million Americans with incontinence, there’s something important you should know: The incontinence product you use during the day probably is not the one you should use during the night.

It’s very common for people to use more than one kind of product, and for good reasons. Sleep means more time without changing and different body positions your daytime product may not be able to handle.

So that leads to the big question: What product is best to use during the night?

That depends on your experience and needs. Here are the most important things to consider when choosing a product for your night-time needs.

One thing to consider is how sleep will affect your ability to change products. For most people, sleeping results in longer periods of time without a product change. That means more leakage, which requires a product with more absorption.

A good place to start is by comparing your changing frequency to the number of hours you sleep. For example, if you have to change your product every 5 hours during the day, but you sleep 8 hours, then you may need a more absorbent product to cover those 3 extra hours.

Another important consideration is the position of your body while sleeping. Incontinence products work best when firmly pressed against the skin, and some positions may cause products (especially bladder control pads) to shift away from the body. This could result in unabsorbed leakage.

To determine if you may need a better-fitting product, examine the absorbency area when you wake up. If it’s dry (or mostly dry) and you’re experiencing wet clothing or sheets, then it means your product is not fitting snugly enough while you sleep. If the product is damp or wet and there is no outside leakage, you’ve found the perfect product and fit.

You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

Tag:

Published:

Last Updated:

Summary

If you’ve ever tried to use your health insurance benefits to cover medical supplies, you may have been told that you first need a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN). That begs two questions: What is it, and how do I get one?

A Certificate of Medical Necessity is a document that confirms a need for medical supplies. It’s a vital part of the healthcare process, because it ensures that healthcare dollars are being used as efficiently as possible. And it will help you get medical supplies.

A Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) is an official state document that establishes why you need certain medical supplies. It lets insurance companies know that you’ve seen a physician, and that the physician has determined you need medical supplies as part of your treatment.

Each state has its own requirements for what information needs to be included. This could include:

• Doctor’s diagnosis
• Product type
• Quantities needed

Some states will only accept CMNs that they have issued. Because of this, you may not be able to use one state’s CMN in place of another (even if the information on them is the same).

The first step to getting a Certificate of Medical Necessity is visiting your doctor to get a diagnosis. Only a doctor or physician can determine if the supplies you need are medically necessary.

Once you’ve received your diagnosis, it’s time to contact us and enroll. We’ll handle the Certificate of Medical Necessity for you, so you won’t have to worry about it. The process is simple:

1. Once you’ve enrolled, we’ll contact your doctor and send them the correct CMN to fill out.
2. Your doctor will return it to us, and we’ll submit it to your insurance on your behalf.
3. If your insurance needs to authorize supplies before you can get them, we’ll handle that as well.
4. Once that’s done, you can start getting your medical supplies.

If you’ve already been diagnosed, contact us today. We can get to work obtaining your Certificate of Medical Necessity (or any other paperwork that’s needed) right now.

Living with a chronic condition that requires medical supplies?

Let us help you get the products you need — delivered discreetly to your door.

Many people manage ongoing health conditions, and the right medical supplies can make all the difference. The team at HCD works with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to support a wide range of needs, including urological, ostomy, diabetes, and wound care. We’ll help ensure you get the supplies you need to manage your condition with confidence.

Call 866-938-3906 to see if you qualify or reach out through our Contact Us form by selecting “An individual looking to see if I or a loved one qualifies for medical supplies.”