Forget TMI: Let’s Talk About Urinary Incontinence
You do not have to live quietly with incontinence. It might be cured, treated, or at least better managed. People with urinary incontinence often don’t do certain activities and spend a lot of time worrying about the possibility of leaking urine. With some lifestyle changes you can stay active and lead a normal life.
Here are 5 tips that can help you manage the challenges of—and live well with—urinary incontinence.
1. Find an Incontinence Product that Works for You
Depending on your needs, there are products to help you get through the day without an embarrassing leak. If you’re pregnant or post-partum, you may notice a small amount of leakage when you sneeze or laugh. You may want to try a Poise pads and panty liners. Specifically designed to protect you against bladder leaks, the unique absorb-lock core and soft comfort-dry cover gives you the amazing protection you need and the softness you want.
If you are experiencing more leakage and need more protection, you should try Depend underwear. Depend products use a thin pad made of super absorbent polymers that draws wetness in and away from the skin, helping to lock in urine and odors while helping to keep skin dry. All are latex-free and contain no lotions or fragrances.
Finding a product that works for you will help bring the right protection to approach any day with comfort and confidence.
2. Balance Your Fluid Intake
Think drinking less water will decrease the risk of an accident? Not true. While drinking too much fluid can lead to leakage, not drinking enough can as well. When you don’t drink enough water, your urine becomes concentrated, which can be irritating and increase urgency. Don’t give up hydration thinking it will help. It won’t.
3. Empty Your Bladder Regularly
Going to the bathroom regularly (maybe every 2-3 hours) is a good practice for everyone, but especially good for people with incontinence. Empty your bladder before leaving the house, or office, or the restaurant—even if you don’t think you need to go.
4. Do Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises (“Kegels”), can benefit both men and women who have urinary incontinence. To do a Kegel, squeeze or tighten your pelvic floor muscles (the muscles you use to stop urinating) and then release, or get yourself a Kegel Exerciser to help! Doing Kegels regularly will strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and help prevent leaking urine.
5. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol is a good idea if you have urinary incontinence. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics (causes an increased passing of urine), and they can be irritating to the bladder. Limiting intake may help reduce the urgency you feel.
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