Symptoms of incontinence range from occasional leaks when coughing or laughing to severe urges to urinate. Although urinary incontinence can be embarrassing, it is treatable. There are many treatment options, including medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatment options.
You should make changes to your lifestyle to help improve your bladder control. These changes may include avoiding certain foods and drinks that irritate your bladder. You should also avoid drinking beverages before bedtime. You should also avoid lifting heavy objects. You should also make sure that your bathroom is kept clean and clutter free. You should also use absorbent underwear when you are going away from home.
One of the most common causes of incontinence is a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or a spinal cord injury. A bladder infection can also cause urinary incontinence. You can treat urinary tract infections to reduce the frequency of urination.
You should also talk to your healthcare provider about your incontinence. Your doctor can help you identify the source of your incontinence and create a treatment plan. You should also try to avoid certain things that irritate your bladder, including alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus, and foods that affect the acidity of your urine.
Another way to treat incontinence is by strengthening your bladder muscles. You can do this by performing Kegel exercises. You may also try biofeedback, which involves an electrical patch over your bladder. This helps you control your muscles and learn when to urinate.
Another option is to reduce the amount of water you drink. Too much water can cause your bladder to become overly full and irritate it. It may also make your bladder leak more easily. You may also need to cut back on the amount of liquid you eat during the day. It’s a good idea to keep a journal about your incontinence so that you can track how much you urinate.
You can also try a special pad to catch the dyed urine that you urinate. These types of products can be either disposable or reusable. Some of these products are packaged with lubricant to help you feel more comfortable.
Lastly, there are products designed to help you with incontinence skin care. These products can help keep your skin dry, moisturized, and odor free. You can also find skin care products that are designed to help prevent infections. You can also purchase disposable wipes that are designed to help you clean up after your leak.
You may also want to talk to your healthcare provider about incontinence skin care. If your skin is irritated, you can use topical antimicrobials or soaps that are designed to reduce bacteria growth. You can also use moisturizing creams to keep your skin healthy and moisturized.
If you are suffering from bladder and bowel control problems, you should take a quick quiz to see if your condition is treatable. If it is, your healthcare provider may recommend a treatment plan.