Discover the many benefits of using pads with health benefits…

 No more embarrassing moments!

 The negative ion pads oxygenate the body, and kill bacteria within 60 seconds and therefore eliminate odour caused by bacteria, and, are also helping men with all sorts of issues.

 What are Negative Ions? (Anion)  

Under normal circumstances, air molecules or atoms are neutral. Neutral ionization caused by cosmic rays, ultraviolet rays, micro radiation, lighting and thunder, etc., will cause some air molecules to lose their electrons that were orbiting around the nucleus. These free electrons that are negatively charged will combine with other free molecules to make them negatively charged as well. These are the anion in the air. Anion in the air is as important as vitamins in food.

Anions have great effects on our health, and their benefits should not be underestimated. They have extraordinary absorption capabilities to gather dust particles, bacteria and viruses which are normally positively charged and neutralize them. They can even enter into the cells of bacteria to kill it off.

When the Anion strip in the pad emits a high density of anions, it also produces high concentration of oxygen that is negatively ionized which leads to the change in anaerobic environment, promoting biological enzymatic transformation and balancing the acidic and alkaline level of the body.

Energy / Pain

When humans lack access to negative ions, their body chemistry changes.  These changes can lead to bouts of depression, physical fatigue and anxiety. Negative Ions (Anions) are required to sustain life.  They have strong absorption capabilities to absorb micro particles in the air to remove dust and bacteria.  

•   People suffering from pain are reporting amazing results when placing activated pads on the pain affected areas. I.e Back pain, knee pain, toothache, tennis elbow, carpel tunnel, shoulder pain, neck pain, hip pain etc.

• People such as Builders, Teachers, and Sales persons who work on their feet all day report that when the liners are placed in their shoes they do not have sore legs at the end of their day.

• Others are reporting that they have an increase of energy and the ability to stay awake far past their normal bedtime

• Some are placing the Anion Strip in their water to oxygenate their water

Common Problems for Men¹

                After-dribble

                Continence management following prostate surgery

                Pelvic floor muscle exercises for men

 After-dribble

What is after-dribble?

After-dribble refers to the loss of a small amount of urine after emptying the bladder. It can be annoying and embarrassing and occurs when the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis) is not completely emptied. This occurs when the muscles surrounding the urethra do not contract properly, which in turn prevents the bladder from fully emptying.

What can I do?

There are a number of different things you can try to minimise after-dribble:

• Sit down on the toilet to empty your bladder.
• Make sure that you pull your pants and the elastic of your briefs down properly, so that both the penis and scrotum are fully exposed when you empty your bladder. The elastic from your briefs will apply some pressure behind the scrotum and help to straighten the urethra so that it is completely emptied.
• Place your fingertips (three fingers wide) behind your scrotum and apply gentle pressure upwards and forwards to encourage the flow of urine along and down the urethra, then shake or squeeze the penis in the usual way. Repeat this movement twice to make sure the urethra is completely empty. 

Anion Pads are designed to absorb any moisture. They also contain an Anion strip, which keeps bacteria at bay so no odours can develop. It kills bacteria within 60 seconds.

Where can I get help?

If you experience after-dribble alongside any of the following symptoms it is important that you seek professional help:

• difficulty initiating the flow of urine
• having to strain to empty your bladder
• a slow urine stream when emptying your bladder
• feeling the need to urgently empty your bladder
• burning, discomfort or pain when emptying your bladder
• blood-stained urine
• having to get up several times overnight to empty your bladder, and
• having to change your lifestyle because of problems with your bladder or bowel.

Speak to your GP or contact the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 to speak to a friendly continence nurse.

Continence management following prostate surgery

Bladder weakness, or urinary incontinence, is experienced by many men following prostate surgery (prostatectomy or TURP). This is a common problem and often men find this the biggest challenge they have to cope with during the recovery process.

Most men regain their bladder control over time and are fully recovered within 6 to 12 months. However, it is important to get professional advice to help cope with bladder weakness during this time.

Why does it happen?

The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ. It is about the size of a walnut and sits at the base of the bladder. The thin tube (urethra) that carries urine and semen out of the penis runs through the centre of the prostate gland. At the point where the bladder and urethra join, there is a ring of muscles known as the bladder neck sphincter, which opens and closes like a camera-shutter. The bladder neck sphincter is closed most of the time to prevent urine leaking out but when it gets permission from the brain, it opens to allow urine to be passed. Another (external) sphincter is part of another set of muscles below the prostate called the pelvic floor. These muscles are also involved in bladder control. If the bladder neck sphincter is damaged during prostate cancer surgery, this can lead to urinary incontinence.

Anion Pads are designed to absorb any moisture. They also contain an Anion strip, which keeps bacteria at bay so no odours can develop. It kills bacteria within 60 seconds.

What are the symptoms?

Urinary incontinence usually occurs when you undertake activities that increase the pressure inside the abdomen, and push down on the bladder. If the pelvic floor muscles (external sphincter) are not working well, urine will leak out. This is known as 'stress incontinence'. Typical activities that can cause leakage are coughing, sneezing, shouting, laughing, lifting, walking, bending, pushing, pulling and moving from lying to sitting or sitting to standing positions.

Will it go away by itself?

Incontinence will usually improve with time but by learning how to control the pelvic floor muscles, you can speed up the recovery process and reduce the leakage. If you don't strengthen these muscles, the leakage may persist.

For more information about the pelvic floor muscles and how you can regain control visit the pelvic floor section below.

Where can I get help?

There are a number of health professionals who can help you with incontinence following prostate surgery. Continence nurse advisors or urology nurses can give you advice about diet, exercise (including pelvic floor muscle exercises) and products. Continence physiotherapists specialise in pelvic floor muscle exercises and can develop an individual program to suit your needs. If your incontinence persists beyond 12 months, talk to your urologist as there are a range of surgical alternatives to help you achieve dryness.

Remember, incontinence can be treated, managed and in many cases cured. If you are unsure who you need to see, contact the National Continence Helpline on freecall 1800 33 00 66.

For more information about prostate cancer or to find your local support group visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises for men

How can I find my pelvic floor muscles?

The first step in performing pelvic floor muscle exercises is to identify the correct muscles. There are several ways to identify them.

Method 1 - Stopping the flow

When you go to the toilet, try to stop or slow the flow of urine midway through emptying your bladder. If you are able to do this you are squeezing the correct muscles. Do not do this repetitively. This is not an exercise, but a way to identify the correct muscles.

Method 2 - Visualisation

Stand in front of the mirror (with no clothes on) and tighten your pelvic floor muscles. If you are tightening the right muscles, you should see the base of the penis draw in and scrotum lift up. The back passage will tighten too but it is not the focus of the exercise. When you relax your muscles you should feel a sensation of ‘letting go'.

Anion Pads are designed to absorb any moisture. They also contain an Anion strip, which keeps bacteria at bay so no odours can develop. It kills bacteria within 60 seconds.

Getting the technique right

Correct technique is very important when doing pelvic floor muscle exercises. You should feel a ‘lift and a squeeze' inside your pelvis. The lower abdomen may flatten slightly, but try to keep everything above the belly button relaxed, and breathe normally. A continence physiotherapist, continence nurse advisor or urology nurse can help if you have trouble identifying your pelvic floor muscles.

Exercising your pelvic floor muscles

Once you master the art of contracting your pelvic floor muscles, try holding the inward squeeze for longer (up to 10 seconds) before relaxing. If you feel comfortable doing this, repeat it up to 10 times. This can be done three times a day. Make sure you continue to breathe normally while you squeeze in.

You can do the exercise lying down, sitting or standing with your legs apart, but make sure your thighs, bottom and stomach muscles are relaxed.

Many men find it difficult to remember to do their pelvic floor exercises. Linking the exercises to a regular activity such as meal times or brushing your teeth is a good way to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Important information for men who have undergone prostate surgery

Performing pelvic floor muscle exercises after prostate surgery is vital to your recovery as it is these muscles that help you control your bladder.

Doing pelvic floor muscle exercises after surgery (whilst a urinary catheter is in place) can irritate the bladder and cause discomfort. It is therefore recommended that you do not do any exercises during this time. However, once the catheter is removed you may start the pelvic floor exercises straight away.

For more information on this topic you can order a copy of Continence and prostate: a guide for men undergoing prostate surgery from the Continence Foundation of Australia.

When to seek professional help

Seek professional help when you have bladder or bowel control problems with symptoms such as:

• Needing to urgently or frequently go to the toilet to pass urine or bowel motions
• Accidental leakage of urine, bowel motions or wind
• Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel
• Pain in the bladder, bowel or in your back near the pelvic floor area when exercising the pelvic floor or during intercourse.

These problems may not necessarily be linked to weak pelvic floor muscles and should be properly assessed.

Like all exercises, pelvic floor exercises are most effective when individually tailored and monitored. The exercises described are only a guide and may not help if done incorrectly or if the training is inappropriate.

Incontinence can have many causes and should be individually assessed before starting a pelvic floor muscle training program. Tightening or strengthening pelvic floor muscles may not be the most appropriate treatment so speak to a health professional if you have persistent problems with your bladder or bowel.

Health professionals

Continence or pelvic floor physiotherapists specialise in pelvic floor muscle exercises. They can assess your pelvic floor function and tailor an exercise program to meet your specific needs. They can also prescribe other treatment options such as biofeedback and discuss relevant lifestyle factors with you.

For a list of continence or pelvic floor physiotherapists, visit the Australian Physiotherapy Association or call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66. 

1.        http://www.continence.org.au/pages/common-problems-for-men.html

 Anion Liners contain an anion strip. This strip can emit 6070 anions per cm when in contact with moisture or friction, releasing ionised oxygen.