6 Tips for Managing Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Symptoms include a strong, sudden urge to urinate and an involuntary loss of urine. It can be frustrating and embarrassing, but the good news is there are ways to manage it.
Let’s look at some tips for managing your urge incontinence.
1. Utilise incontinence products
Incontinence products can make a real difference, allowing you to go out and enjoy all of life’s activities free of worry. Whether you’re experiencing light leaks or more significant challenges with bladder control, finding the right product is essential. There is now a wide range of incontinence products available to choose from, including single-use pads and cloth undergarments designed for heavier flows. Depending on your level of absorption needs, you can find the exact absorbency level that best works for you.
While incontinence products are a good short-term remedy, incontinence problems can, in most cases, be treated and overcome all together.
So, let’s have a look at the next tips.
2. Be smart about fluid intake
Limiting your fluid intake throughout the day is one of the most natural incontinence remedies, as this may reduce the urgency of needing to use the restroom. This doesn’t mean you should cut out fluids altogether. However, drinking enough water to stay hydrated without overdoing it is best. Also, avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, which can increase urine production and cause bladder irritation.
3. Watch what you eat
Those suffering from urge incontinence should pay extra attention to their diet. Foods like spicy dishes, fried foods, acidic fruits and vegetables, dairy products, coffee, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol are major irritants to the bladder and worsen symptoms. Eliminating these items from one’s diet can help lessen uncomfortable or embarrassing flares of urge incontinence.
4. Train your bladder
Struggling with bladder urgency can be extremely disruptive and lead to very frequent trips to the toilet. The good news is the bladder is an organ that can be trained. Try scheduling trips to the bathroom at intervals, like every 30 minutes or so for a few weeks. This technique is useful for retraining your bladder, as it recalibrates the signals of when your bladder must go. Sticking to a consistent bathroom schedule can significantly help with dealing with symptoms in the long run.
5. Maintain a healthy weight
Controlling your weight through proper nutrition and regular exercise can significantly impact your bladder control. Not only will it help reduce nuisance episodes of leakage, but the rewards of taking action go far beyond. Those who try to regulate their weight will be rewarded with positive returns, including an increase in energy levels and an overall boost in their mood. Even better is that these changes are not just temporary.
6. Pelvic floor muscle training
Pelvic floor exercises strengthen pelvic muscles that support urinary control, helping reduce leakage episodes due to urgency issues. To do this exercise properly, start by lying down with knees bent, then tighten/pull up muscle around the opening of the urethra, hold for ten seconds before releasing, then repeat ten times three times daily.
Conclusion
Urge incontinence doesn’t have to take away control of your life. Plenty of simple remedies are available, ranging from specialized products to diet modifications that can alleviate its effects significantly over time so you can feel confident again when engaging in everyday activities. With a little planning, managing urge incontinence doesn’t have to be difficult anymore.
