By Jane Wishneff
BAHP, Executive Director


With the addition of NorthShore Care Supply to the membership of The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products (BAHP), the association is reinvigorating its focus on issues surrounding adult incontinence products.

Incontinence is a chronic condition that carries with it a negative stigma that often impacts many aspects of a person’s daily life, such as being able to work, travel, exercise, socially interact and one’s sex life. While we know that one in three people in the U.S. suffers from incontinence, only a small percentage of those speak with their doctors and seek treatment. The reasons often cited for lack of engagement surrounding incontinence include embarrassment and shame.

BAHP, in partnership with its members, is helping to end this stigma and provide more information on treatment options through education for consumers, caregivers, medical professionals and policymakers.

As an initial step, BAHP organized a new task force within its membership to identify opportunities to connect and engage with stakeholders, stressing the importance of incontinence products. Unfortunately, there are many resources out there that don’t even focus on absorbent hygiene products as a means to manage incontinence. We know that using these products is a way to stop the leaks and provide an understanding that people can live active and productive lives, and it is essential that both consumers and caregivers understand this option exists. There are now more choices than ever for those dealing with incontinence to use products that allow them to continue to live their lives without fear or interruption. 

To change the way underlying conditions are viewed, it is also important that the industry continues to educate that incontinence products are not only for those of advanced age. Both women and men of all ages suffer from leakage, and there is much to be done to end the perception that incontinence is an elderly person’s problem. Anyone can get urinary incontinence at any time. Those more at risk of suffering from incontinence include those who are pregnant, or have recently given birth, have a family history of incontinence, are over the age of 40, are overweight or have neuropathological problems such as dementia and Parkinson’s.

It is critical that consumers have access to these types of products. BAHP is exploring opportunities beyond traditional diaper banks where consumers, who may not have the financial means to provide this continuous medical support, can seek assistance. That may be by seeking changes in government-sponsored programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or through Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-sponsored Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts. 

The stigma of incontinence needs to be replaced with facts, compassion, understanding and proactive care management to improve the quality of life of millions of Americans. BAHP is excited to join in these global efforts. #EndHealthStigma

For more information on BAHP, or if your organization is interested in working with BAHP in advancing consumer knowledge of incontinence issues, please contact Tatiana Letcheva at tletcheva@socma.com. 


About BAHP:
BAHP represents the personal absorbent hygiene products industry in North America by promoting and supporting the safety, sustainability and integrity of these products through advocacy and education. Its membership represents more than 90 percent of the industry in North America and provides more than 10,000 direct manufacturing jobs for disposable diapers, menstrual products, incontinence products and personal care wipes.