Frequent urges, unexpectedly running to the restroom, getting up at night to go, not knowing when an urge will strike – incontinence can have a big impact on your life. Are you just surviving or are you thriving? Could you use tips for managing your bladder condition?
First, it is important to acknowledge that incontinence is 100% treatable. From medicine to physical therapy to surgery, there are many treatment options available. But if you have yet to seek help, or if your treatment methods are not working optimally, then it’s good to know how to manage your incontinence or overactive bladder syndrome.
Our Top Tips
The following are some of the top tips for managing your bladder condition:
Be ready for anything – If you suffer from overactive bladder syndrome, you know that urges can come at any time, even an inconvenient time. You may try to constantly orient yourself close to a restroom. But sometimes that just isn’t possible. Consider incontinence undergarments, which have become less bulky in recent years. Or keep a change of clothes in your car, just in case.
Stay hydrated – This may seem like the opposite of what you should do. But staying hydrated is important to your overall health. Drinking too little can make your urine concentrated, and irritate your bladder.
Avoid triggers – Though you should be drinking water, you should avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages. That means no coffee or soda. You should also avoid alcohol. These are diuretics, and can cause irritation. Stick to water.
Try a schedule – When possible, stick to a bathroom schedule. This means going to the bathroom every 2 hours to try and ward off urges or accidents. Although you physically cannot control the urges, this is a preventative measure that you can try.
Write it down – Keep a journal of what you drink, how much you drink (use a water bottle with ounce markers to help with this tip), and when you go or when you feel an urge. This is called a voiding diary, and it can be a great way to see what may be triggering an incident.
These measures can help your day-to-day life living with bladder incontinence or overactive bladder syndrome. But remember – there is help. These conditions are treatable and you do not have to let your bladder control your life.
If you or a loved one are suffering from bladder control problems, contact us. Or call our dedicated, discreet Medical Concierge at 800-771-1953.
