An Effective Alternative to Adult Diapers is Still Elusive

Two conditions cause incontinence in females.

One is pelvic organ prolapse – a condition in which the muscles that support the bladder weaken, allowing them to press against the vaginal wall.

The causes could be:

•        Direct trauma to pelvic  soft tissues
•         Neurological injury
•        Connective tissue disorders

Another cause is stress incontinence. Here the person experiences difficulty in holding urine during a physical activity such as while sneezing, coughing, or exercising. Here too, the sphincter muscles that support the bladder weaken.

In either case incontinence is a distressing condition forcing the sufferer look for dependable incontinence products to live a normal, routine life.

Among the many incontinence products available in the market, adult diapers are among the most sought after ones.

In the not-so-recent times, implantable synthetic mesh was gaining in popularity among health professionals. In 2010, more than 300,000 synthetic meshes were implanted in American women to treat incontinence.

But this procedure has been beset with serious issues such as infections, pain, and other complications. The upshot has been – FDA has issued an order early this year asking the makers of surgical meshes to study its risks.

But the order by F.D.A. to conduct emergency studies is unlikely to be effective. The reason – the device has been in the market for many years now and is already implanted in thousands of women.

Till such time the “hazards” of synthetic mesh subsides,  adult diapers or absorbent will continue to be the mainstay for incontinence treatment.