Managing Incontinence: Tips And Tricks For Everyday Life

Incontinence can affect all ages. It can be the result of recent surgery, it can affect women after they give birth, or it can be a factor surrounding hormonal changes, age, stress, or cognitive issues. Whatever the reason, knowing it’s easy to manage should give you some peace of mind.  

There are various products available, including everything from adult diapers to bed pads. All promise to give you the tools needed to manage your incontinence daily. The result? When these products are used to your advantage, you can continue to embrace the things you love in life, such as coffee with friends, running errands, traveling, and exercising.  

In this guide, we offer tips and tricks to manage your incontinence. Read on to discover more.  

1. Invest in the Right Products

With incontinence affecting so many across the globe, both male and female, young and elderly, it’s little wonder numerous brands offer various products. From adult diapers and pull-ups to pads and bed pads for incontinence, there is bound to be a product on the market tailored to your needs.  

Investing in the correct products will not only help you avoid unwanted leakage, odors, or embarrassment, but they will also allow you to continue living life to the fullest. Instead of saying no to meeting friends, a workout, a walk, or a weekend getaway, when you have incontinence products to fall back on, you can say yes to everything!  

2. Don’t be Scared to Talk to Others

Incontinence isn’t something to be ashamed of. It can affect all ages and those from all walks of life. Whether you’ve been suffering from it for years or it’s something that has just started to affect you, the key is to talk about it. From discussing this condition with your doctor or gynecologist to talking to friends, carers, and family members, a problem shared is a problem halved.  

If you’re reluctant to discuss incontinence with your nearest and dearest, there are various forums online where you can chat with other like-minded individuals.  

From learning tips on how to tackle it daily to more about the products available and the mental issues associated with this ailment, those who entrust themselves to others with their suffering feel more self-confident, better supported, and generally more joyful in life. 

3. Make Sure you have Products Stocked Up

Whether using diapers or bed pads, having a stockpile of products in your home or remembering to take these products with you when you travel is crucial. Getting caught short will only result in you feeling overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or insecure.  

Whether you buy from your local store or chemist or purchase products online, note down how many items you are using per week and always have enough to cover you in between restocks. Often, buying in bulk can save you money.  

4. Consider your Diet and Lifestyle

What you put in your body can affect your incontinence. Although you may think cutting back on water will prevent leakage, this is a myth. Staying hydrated doesn’t hinder your issue, and you should target to drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses per day. 

Alcohol, fizzy drinks, and coffee, however, are incontinence triggers. Cutting back on these, as well as foods that are acidic or spicy, may improve your symptoms. 

Another top tip? Watch your weight. Losing just 5% of your body fat can help you to manage your incontinence. Instead of driving everywhere, leave the car at home or join your local gym and indulge in a class you’ve never tried before.  

In addition to assisting you with bladder control, these easy lifestyle changes can be rewarding.  

5. Consider Bladder Training

Instead of visiting the restroom only when you feel the urge to do so, stick to a routine and create set times instead. Doing so can help you to regain bladder control and lessen the need for diaper or pad changes. 

Other ways you can train your bladder include embracing pelvic or kegel exercises. These involve squeezing your pelvic floor muscles, which assists in strengthening them and helps to stop unwanted leaks.  

When you’ve emptied your bladder, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles whilst counting to five, then relax them for a further five seconds. Repeat ten reps of this per day. 

6. Invest in Lotions and Potions 

Whether using diapers or bed pads, if your skin is sensitive, these products can irritate you. To avoid this, invest in over-the-counter creams and ointments designed to treat skin irritation caused by excess liquid on the skin.  

Bathing regularly and applying these products throughout the day will ensure your delicate skin stays happy and healthy.  

7. Be Patient

Whether caring for someone with incontinence or you suffer from it yourself, be patient. It can take time to get used to the products and treatments available, but once you do, you’ll find they become part of your everyday life, helping you instead of hindering you. It’s important to remember that accidents can occur and to never feel embarrassed or ashamed.  

Having a relaxed, open attitude to this ailment will help you tackle it effectively.  

The Bottom Line 

Incontinence affects around 300 million people worldwide. This equates to 5% of the population. Yet despite these figures, this issue isn’t preventing individuals from living life to the full.  

Provided you do your research and invest in incontinence products tailored to your lifestyle, you can continue to live independently. All without having to worry about unexpected leaks or accidents.  

From attending your favorite yoga class to enjoying a weekend break with friends and family, following the above tips and tricks will help you tackle a weak bladder with ease.