Incontinence Products and Advice for Men and Women



	High quality & innovative incontinence products for consumers

Product Search...

What Can You Do About Faecal Incontinence?

Your family doctor is there to help you. He/she knows about faecal incontinence and can advise you. Advances have been made in our understanding of the causes of faecal incontinence and treatments have been developed which can help a large number of sufferers regain bowel control. It is important not to let embarrassment or fear stop you seeking medical advice and benefiting from these advances. Apart from advising investigations and treatment if appropriate, the doctor or the practice nurse will be able to offer practical advice to make living with faecal incontinence more bearable.

Any person who experiences a change in their normal pattern of emptying their bowel which lasts longer than a week, or who notices bleeding or slime coming from the anus, should consult their doctor. These symptoms may signify diseases for which early diagnosis and treatment are required.

What you can do for yourself or for someone you care for

As mentioned above, the first step is to discuss the problem with your doctor or the practice nurse.


			If lack of mobility is at the root of the problem, then some rearrangement of the house may be considered although this is not always possible. Local authority grants may be available to help fund such alterations but the availability of these will depend on personal circumstances and the local regulations. It is essential to ensure that there are no loose carpets or obstructions between the room which the person usually occupies and the lavatory. Alternatively, a commode may be helpful. Modern commodes are less obtrusive and more sanitary than earlier models.

			Pay particular attention to stool consistency. Faeces should be the consistency of tooth paste. It is usually possible to achieve this by adjusting the diet or the use of softening, bulking or constipating agents. Your doctor is the best person to advise you.

			If you become constipated and cannot solve the problem quickly, consult your doctor or practice nurse. Sometimes a course of enemas is required to re-establish your regular bowel activity.

			Use appropriate incontinence-care products. You will have to consider disposable pads, garments and bed and chair protectors.

			Over the years a variety of different products have been developed to make life more comfortable. People’s needs and likes differ and it is important to select products that are best suited to your particular requirements. Advice can be obtained by telephoning the help line – 01452 880932.

			One of the most distressing problems of faecal incontinence is odour. This is embarrassing for the sufferer and unpleasant for those in attendance. It is often the embarrassment of the odour that leads the sufferer to a life of isolation. To keep odour to a minimum it is essential to pay utmost attention to personal hygiene. Pads and garments should be changed frequently and the bottom washed. Highly perfumed soaps should be avoided as they can cause irritation. Disposable wipes are available and are useful. Products, such as Nodor, are available to combat faecal odours.

Print the full Guide to Incontinence
A full version of Dr Alan Riley's Guide to Incontinence is now available as a printer friendly 'PDF' document. If you click on the link above you can print a full copy of the guide NOW from your own computer or if you would prefer you can call us and we will send you a copy FREE of charge.

Page 4 0f 4

If you are not sure which product would be best for you, Call us on 01452 880932
between 10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday and speak to one of our experienced advisers.

Free Delivery on all Orders over £50.00 UK Mainland Only.


	EMS Medical Ltd, Whitworth Court, Baird Road, Waterwells Business Park, Gloucester GL2 2AF Tel: 01452 728770 Fax: 01452 728894 Registered office: 41 Rodney Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1HX. Company Number 6645705.