How to Manage Urinary Incontinence

How to Manage Urinary Incontinence

It can be overwhelming to learn the ins-and-outs of urinary incontinence, but management is an essential part in ensuring that your quality of life doesn’t decrease due to this common yet frustrating issue. Cheap Chux recommends the following early-stage management suggestions for men and women who have just begun their incontinence journey:

• See your doctor — Although relatively uncommon, especially in women, urinary incontinence can signify something serious, such as cancer. The first step in managing urinary incontinence is to talk to your doctor about potential causes and treatment options and discuss whether your incontinence is linked to a more serious issue. Your doctor will be able to recommend treatment options such as surgery, medication or behavioral training techniques to help you control incontinence.
• Assess your diet — Like many things in life, your diet is strongly linked to urinary incontinence. When you put on added weight, the body puts extra pressure on the bladder and urethra, which leads to urinary incontinence. With that being said, those who are of a healthy weight often experience urinary incontinence, too. Eliminating caffeine, alcohol and tobacco can significantly reduce bladder-related accidents. On the same note, introducing more fiber to your diet can help prevent constipation, which puts pressure on the bladder and triggers accidents.
• Pick the right products — Incontinence products aren’t one-size-fits-all. Reference our incontinence products buyer’s guide to learn which types of products are best-suited for your particular incontinence concerns. For example, men and women require different types of products to control leaks and odors. Cheap Chux is the best place to start if you’re a first-time buyer in search of the appropriate adult diapers, briefs or pads for incontinence.
• Look into bladder training — Moderate incontinence can sometimes be curbed by bladder training, the practice of delaying urination after you feel the urge arise. You can begin this practice by attempting to hold off urination for 10 minutes as soon as you feel the urge to go. Over time, this will train the bladder to lengthen the time in-between bathroom trips.

Quick Tips for Managing Incontinence

• Always keep backup products, such as individually wrapped pads or briefs, in your purse or bag when you go out
• Try double voiding, the practice of urinating as much as you can and then relaxing and going again; This will help you completely empty your bladder and prevent pelvic pain and urinary infections
• Drink less liquid, especially drinks with caffeine and alcohol, which can cause your body to produce more urine
• Strengthen the pelvic floor with pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, that help you hold your urine for longer periods of time (Yes, men can benefit from Kegels, too!)
• Introduce more fiber into your diet to prevent constipation, which can put extra stress on the bladder
• Quit smoking and avoid using tobacco products
• Keep a bladder diary so you can accurately measure how often you’re going and how your changes are affecting your bathroom schedule
• Build in scheduled toilet trips to help train your bladder to urinate every two to four hours rather than waiting for the urge to go