Caring for someone suffering from a chronic illness can be overwhelming, and incontinence adds even more stress to the situation. It’s natural for caregivers to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or upset. However, it’s important to remember that management and treatment options are available that could help improve a patient’s condition significantly.
Let’s look at some effective methods for treating urinary incontinence.
Use of incontinence products
Managing urinary incontinence doesn’t have to be a struggle. Incontinence treatment usually comes as incontinence aids, helping individuals maintain their lifestyle with confidence and dignity intact. Incontinence products such as adult diapers or absorbent pads provide discreet protection against embarrassing accidents while helping keep clothes dry and furniture protected from unsightly stains.
From pads tailored for women to unisex varieties perfect for any body type, people can choose which product best fits their needs.
Increased fluid intake
Do you experience urinary incontinence? Staying hydrated with eight to ten glasses of water daily is essential to managing its symptoms. It keeps the bladder muscles relaxed, but drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce any urges associated with this condition. However, always check in with a doctor for advice about how much liquid would be best for you.
High fibre diet
Consuming a diet high in fibre can promote regularity, reduce bladder pressure, and lessen symptoms of urinary incontinence. Add variety to meals with whole-grain oats, nuts, grains, and legumes. These powerhouse ingredients are among the best dietary fibre sources and are affordable, too.
Bladder training
Strengthening the bladder muscles with proper training can help you reduce the urge to go to the bathroom frequently. Talk with a healthcare professional about setting up an individualised long-term plan for maximum benefit and control over urinary frequency episodes. Bladder training is just one of many methods that have been scientifically proven useful in addressing urinary incontinence for men and women.
Pelvic floor exercises
Exercising the muscles of your pelvic region can have far-reaching benefits. Regularly participating in pelvic floor exercises tones the important muscle groups that support bladder control and bowel movements, which may help combat incontinence symptoms like leaking urine or discomfort when engaging in intimate activities. In addition, strengthening these musculatures with exercise is one way to make positive changes for overall health and well-being.
Certain medications
The management and treatment of urinary incontinence hinges upon accurately identifying the origin of the issue. Urge and stress incontinence call for different treatments, which must be prescribed with care. Diuretics or alpha-blockers can cause further urinary problems in those with urge incontinence but help manage stress incontinence.
Similarly, while certain medications, such as a short-term course of laxatives, may be recommended for those with urge incontinence, they would not help someone experiencing stress urinary incontinence caused by physical activity. These nuances are essential for a successful outcome when treating urinary incontinence.
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence doesn’t have to be a condition that takes away from living life fully. There are many ways individuals can take back control and make their lives more manageable when dealing with its episodes. However, if you’re looking for better ways to manage this condition, you must contact a doctor for further advice.
Also read: 4 Hidden Causes of Bladder Pain: Know the Signs & Symptoms
