Incontinence can be a daily struggle to deal with but there are ways to reduce intensity and frequency. Let's explore some of the things you can do to help manage it.
1. Avoid Certain Medications
Make sure to check the medications you’re taking, some medications cause an overactive bladder as a side effect.
Always consult with your doctor or read the labels on any medications you take and avoid the ones that disrupt the natural process of urine production in your body if possible.
The following medication types may cause symptoms that can exacerbate your incontinence:
- Sedatives
- Antidepressants
- Diuretics
- ACE Inhibitors
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Medications
2. Drink Plenty of Fluids
This may seem counter intuitive on how to reduce the frequency of your incontinence, but it is very significant. Concentrated urine is caused by a lack of fluids and may greatly irritate the bladder. The fluids you drink, especially water, help to flush out urine and reduce the concentration of your urine.
3. Know What to Do During Constipation
It may not always be easy to avoid constipation, but it is critical to know how to deal with it when you’re living with incontinence. Constipation may increase the urge because it can cause blockage in the bladder. Drinking lots of fluids, staying active, and eating a healthy amount of fiber can help ease constipation and will keep your bladder happy.
4. Manage Your Weight
Managing your weight is key to incontinence because a weakened bladder is more likely to relieve urine. How does a bladder become weakened? Extra weight that you carry around when you are overweight causes unnecessary extra pressure on your bladder. The extra pressure must be released by your bladder and it is done by releasing urine.
5. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a diuretic and causes your body to lose more fluid than normal through increased urination.
Alcohol consumption also causes the detrusor muscle, located within the bladder, to become relaxed in order to allow the bladder to store urine. This muscle contracts during urination. Alcohol can affect the detrusor muscle by stimulating it to contract too often, which will cause leaking. Thus, consumption of alcohol combined with incontinence issues can increase the frequency of incontinence. Decreasing the consumption of alcohol can reduce the urge.
The tips expressed here are general and may vary depending on your situation, please consult with you physician when making any medical decisions. ExpressMed has a wide selection of incontinence
products to help you stay comfortable and dry! You’ll find
Briefs & Protective Underwear,
Wipes,
Pads,
Skin Care products, and more! If this is your first time buying Incontinence supplies check out our popular incontinence
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