There are many reasons for incontinence and it is experienced by up to 22% of those 45 years old and increases exponentially after that age. Incontinence often occurs during episodes of raised intra-abdominal pressure like coughing laughing or sneezing. As a result of incontinence they usually experience embarrassment, lower self esteem, increased cleaning of laundry, and a withdrawal from activities that would otherwise keep them healthy.  It is expected that more woman experience this situation, but are less likely to admit it due to the embarrassment. Patients, both men and women usually women avoid seeking medical help due to the misconception that the condition is a normal part of aging or due to embarrassment.

The most common cause of incontinence is a lack of support to the upper urethra and bladder. A second leading cause seen in about 15% of women with urinary stress incontinence is poor urethra function. This is frequently termed Intrinsic sphincter deficiency or ISD. The upper urethra and bladder opening is supported by pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. If this tissue is firm, there is no leakage. This condition is usually associated with age, surgery, radiation, and hysterectomy.

Many people are fortunate to have control and manage urinating in the toilet. For

Tena Comfort Pants

those who cannot always manage that, there are ways to mediate the unpleasantness of the condition. Moderately absorbent diapers, Tena Comfort pants are positioned like underwear, they are light and airy. They produce little sense of presence, and can be worn comfortably throughout the day. One of the attractions is that they are washable and reusable.

One manufacturer has even produced a garment that resembles Mens Boxer Shorts. Dignity Men’s Boxes Shorts are

Dignity Men's Boxer Shorts

designed to be worn and feel like any boxer short, they use  ThinSerts Liners or Briefmates Guards, a blend of cotton and polyester, as an absorbent pad. They can be machine washed and dried. They are stylish with a plaid design.

HealthDri for Ladies provide a fit like regular underwear. Its unique patented design, pulls moisture away from the body, leaving the skin dry. A moisture barrier keeps the ladies out garments dry. They can be washed over 300 times, and offer the economy of reuse in these challenging times. These are considered Heavy Panties, as an indicator or the high absorbent capability.

There is also a HealthDri Mens Heavy Brief, with all the same absorbent and stay dry properties of the ladies version. These briefs hold up to 6 oz of liquid.

To offer a lighter alternative, there is the Lady Dignity Panty. This panty is a Poly/cotton blend fabric delicately edged with lace. It has an excellent mechanism for holding the absorbent pad in place. They are washable and reusable.

Net pants are designed to be washable and reusable. They are  stretch net pants help hold the drip collector in place. Also helpful for other absorbent pads or dressings.

Simple vinyl pants offer a very economical alternative. They usually are machine washable, and provide quiet motion to avoid embarrassment.  They are elastic at the leg and waist to avoid leakage.

Sir Dignity is a new masculine approach to mens incontinence. There is a great deal of new incontinence patients today as a result of newer methods to diagnose and treat various cancers. The Tena Knit is a female version of a garment that helps a woman feel her femininity is not threatened.. This too is a reusable garment.

The Ultra Fit Reusable Brief is a garment with snap buttons and elasticized leg and waist bands. This helps eliminate leakage.

Sani Pant Reusable Briefs

For waterproof briefs for incontinence protection, the Sani Pant made of soft, white, plastic-coated nylon, makes them the perfect cover-up for pads and diapers.  The Sani Pant accommodates disposable or reusable pads and liners. They are machine washable.

Cost effective incontinence is available through the reusable shields, panties and shorts. The designs are made with comfort and dignity f the patient in mind.  Disposable Urinary Incontinent Products are also available for convenience at times when washing is not always possible. Garments like the ones listed are similar to those used  by NASA for Space Travel.  These garment also provide comfort while sleeping and help avoid adding insomnia to the worries of patience that experience incontinence.