Urinary Catheters for Females?
Management of Incontinence is NOT a Long-term Solution

Urinary catheters are a short-term treatment plan for incontinence while Elitone treats the underlying issues.

More than 33 million women across the nation suffer from urinary incontinence. Incontinence can come in many forms, from those “accidental” leaks when coughing or sneezing, known as stress incontinence, to that uncontrollable need to urinate, called urge incontinence. Despite these different variations, the bottom line is that bladder leaks will almost always worsen with time. If you are struggling with this, you might be looking for a quick fix for these symptoms. However, in the long run, there are a few reasons why treatment is more beneficial than just the management of incontinence symptoms.

External catheters for females

Management for Urinary Incontinence

Like any other medical condition, managing symptoms instead of treating the underlying condition only prolongs symptoms and lowers quality of life. Billion-dollar adult diaper and sanitary pad companies would love for it to stay that way, but putting a band-aid on the symptoms of incontinence is only a temporary fix. However, if you are waiting for a diagnosis or are taking time to find out what works best for you, these temporary solutions may help.

  • Protective underwear:

    These garments have a similar look to their regular counterparts but are designed with extra padding and strong absorbent material to contain leaks. Newer brands like Thinx and Knix attempt to make it fashionable, and they are environmentally friendly since they are washable and reusable. Still, the smell of urine contained may be an issue.

  • Underpads:

    If you want to protect your mattress and sheets during the nighttime, these cloth-like waterproof pads (usually rectangle sheets that you place over your sheets) can come in handy to absorb any wetness.

  • Disposable sanitary pads:

    Pads are a common sanitary item used by women who suffer from urinary leaks. Instead of ruining clothes and undergarments, the pad will soak up the urine. It can be disposed of in the trash and replaced with a new one. This option is a good quick fix in the event of an emergency, but it is both costly and ineffective for treating incontinence.

  • Catheters for females:

    External catheters for females like the Purewick system by BD are simple external urine collection systems that can be used while sleeping. The urine is collected by a catheter wicking system placed outside the urethra, and the entire urine collection system vacuums away the urine into a sealed canister to keep the skin dry throughout the night. By being external, Purewick keeps infection risk low. Internal catheters for women are simple drainage tubes that need to be placed inside the urethra. Available in stores and online, catheters help with the temporary management of incontinence.

While these options are effective at collecting urine and minimizing messes of accidents, it does not actually treat the cause of the urine leaks. The harsh reality is that as convenient as external catheters for females are in the management of incontinence, symptoms will continue and it must be treated at its source. Luckily, there are other options available that treat the source permanently instead of temporarily. Management of incontinence doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are simple treatments available that can help improve your pelvic health and stop symptoms from worsening.

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Treatment of Symptoms

Urinary incontinence is when bladder control is lost, which can cause embarrassing urine leakage to occur. The key solution to this issue is to strengthen the weak pelvic floor muscles to build a better support system for the bladder. Kegel exercises are pelvic floor exercises that are typically the first line of home health treatments recommended by physicians. With 30% of women doing Kegels incorrectly, that’s where ELITONE comes in.

Elitone is an external and non-intrusive device that does your Kegels for you. It delivers therapeutic stimulation that gently contracts your pelvic floor muscles so that you can have control over urine flow. The thin and discreet gel pad gives you the freedom to move during the short 20-minute treatment. This quick and convenient home health treatment is a game-changer for women who are fed up with only treating their symptoms and not the actual issue. The best part is that no doctor appointments or physical therapy visits are needed. Unlike other feedback trainers, Elitone is FDA-cleared for incontinence.

While we believe that Elitone is the most effective long-term treatment for urinary incontinence, we understand that it may take some time to get diagnosed and figure out what works best for you. See a comparison of all Kegel exercise devices and even other non-surgical options.

Ready to begin your path to leak-free living?

We understand. Those urinary leaks are not just annoying “accidents.” They might be the reason you’re waking up to wet sheets or not getting a full night of sleep. Restless nights mean groggy unhappy days, and life will suddenly become drastically less carefree than it was in the past. External catheters for females, disposable pads, and protective underwear are only temporary solutions for the management of incontinence. Don’t wait to address your incontinence, because the earlier treatment begins, the easier incontinence is to treat. It’s up to you to make your health a priority because incontinence will not get better by itself.

Before ELITONE, the middle of the night trip to the bathroom was becoming scary because of leaking. I’ve got that under control now. Easy to fit in my routine. Much more effective than my attempts with Kegels. Well worth the money.”  – Susan

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