How do Incontinence and Ostomy Care Products Help Resume Normal Activities?

The number of older adults is increasing in several regions globally. Older adults are prone to several conditions, including colorectal cancer, urinary incontinence, and other gastrointestinal disorders. These conditions often necessitate ostomy procedures to help individuals improve their quality of life and enable them to live independently.

Incontinence and ostomy care products are essential during and after ostomy procedures. Continue reading as we explore the basics of incontinence and ostomy care. Additionally, we’ll examine the key factors driving the incontinence and ostomy care products market demand.

Incontinence: Overview

Incontinence is a common problem. It occurs when the individual loses control of their bladder and leaks urine. The condition is often embarrassing and can have a negative effect on the individual’s life. The urinary system consists of several organs. These organs are responsible for filtering, storing, and removing waste from the body. The normal functioning of the urinary system usually provides the individual with sufficient time to reach the restroom to urinate. Incontinence occurs when the parts of the urinary system don’t function as intended.

Ostomy: Introduction

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that alters the way stool or urine exits the body. It involves rerouting the stool or urine from its usual path due to malfunctioning parts of the digestive or urinary system. An ostomy can be temporary or permanent. A temporary ostomy is performed to allow the urinary or digestive tract sufficient time to heal after surgery or disease. A permanent ostomy can help replace the damaged part of the urinary or digestive tract if it’s permanently damaged or needs to be removed.

Types of Ostomies

The surgeon chooses the specific ostomy type based on the part of the digestive or urinary tract they are bypassing. Below, we’ve explained the types:

Colostomy

A colostomy involves the surgical creation of an opening in the abdomen. The procedure creates a passageway that brings a piece of colon to the outside opening in the skin. This enables the digested food to pass into an external pouch system. Individuals who have undergone colostomy typically don’t experience any effect on their ability to eat food. In colostomy, the movement patterns of the bowel are based on the amount of colon being removed and pre-surgery patterns. People of all ages may need a colostomy for various reasons.

Ileostomy

This procedure involves creating an opening in the abdomen where a piece of the ileum is brought outside the abdominal wall. This is done to create a stoma that can pass the digested food into an external pouching system. Individuals who have undergone an ileostomy have no control over the stool and gas that pass through the opening. A bag or pouch is worn over the opening to collect the gas and stool. Also, people who have undergone ileostomy have had their colons removed due to conditions like Crohn’s disease.

Urostomy

This ostomy procedure type involves creating an opening in the abdominal wall. Here, a small piece of the intestine enables the passage of urine. The ureter, which is responsible for carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder, is diverted through the small intestine piece. The stoma enables the urine to flow out of the body and into the ostomy pouch. People of all ages may need this surgery. It is typically performed for spinal cord injuries and bladder cancer.

Market Metrics

We anticipate sustained growth in the incontinence and ostomy care products market in the coming years, according to our latest analysis. The market was valued at USD 16.99 billion in 2024. It is projected to register a CAGR of 5.33% between 2025 and 2034. The rising aging population globally is creating several market opportunities. In addition, the growing prevalence of chronic conditions is contributing to the increased adoption of these products.

Types of Ostomy Bags and Pouching Systems

Below, we’ve explained to you the various products of ostomy care and accessories:

One-Piece Systems

One-piece systems are a singular unit. They consist of a conjoined skin barrier and a bag. As such, changing the bag requires replacing the entire system. These systems are discreet under clothing. However, after placing, adjusting the angle of the bag requires the replacement of the entire system.

Two-Piece Systems

These systems consist of two separate components: the pouch and the skin barrier. These components attach together using a built-in adhesive. They can also be snapped together using a seal. The skin barrier can last for multiple days before needing replacement. Two-piece systems offer individuals the convenience of easily switching between bags to suit their various activities.

Drainable Pouches

Drainable pouches allow users to empty their contents without needing to remove the pouch. These pouches feature an opening or clamp at the bottom. The clamp opens to expel the waste. Drainable pouches are typically used by individuals who have undergone colostomies or ileostomies.

Closed Pouches

Individuals with colostomies commonly use these pouches in ostomy care. They are typically suitable for moderate amounts of formed fecal outputs. These pouches aren’t intended for emptying or reuse. Once full, they are disposed of and replaced. Closed pouches are a good choice for individuals with colostomies who prefer not to manage an emptying a drainable pouch.

To Sum It Up

Adjusting to a normal routine and life after having an ostomy surgery can take time. Individuals undergoing the surgery often have questions about how they can resume their normal activities now that they have a stoma. Thankfully, incontinence and ostomy care products enable individuals to continue doing all the things they were able to do before surgery. The incontinence and ostomy care market players offer a wide variety of bags and pouches to cater to the diverse needs of users.