The loss of control of your bladder is a common problem that can be quite embarrassing. This can be anything from an occasional leak to having a sudden urge to urinate so badly that you can’t reach the toilet in time. In many instances, a simple lifestyle change can ease your discomfort – and sometimes even stop urinary incontinence altogether. Let’s explore a few of the ways that you can effectively manage your problem:
A medication alarm can prevent the stress of your urinary incontinence problem and its resulting irritations
- By using behavioural techniques, you can work on improving your incontinence problems. Some of the most popular methods are bladder training, scheduled toilet trips, and managing your fluid intake and diet habits. The more you work on these behavioural changes, the more success you will see in regards to overcoming your problems. Strategies such as trying to hold your bladder, going to the bathroom on a regular schedule rather than waiting until you have to go, and reducing your caffeine intake can all work to alleviate your incontinence.
- Try physical therapy to strengthen your muscles. You’ll need to exercise your urinary sphincter and pelvic muscles so that you can better control your urination. Squeeze your muscles as if you are trying to stop the flow of urine, count to three, and then repeat this pattern. Just as with your other muscles, working the pelvic floor muscles will provide you with greater control as they strengthen with exercise.
- Ask your doctor for medication if you aren’t having success with the other techniques. Medication can work to calm your bladder, reduce your symptoms, and ease the stress that might be causing your problem. Be sure to follow your doctor’s directions and commit yourself to taking your doses on a regular schedule. Even if you have the right medication, it won’t work if you aren’t taking it as prescribed.
- Try a medical device. You can find an affordable alarm that will assist you in overcoming your incontinence during the evening hours and while you are sleeping. This alarm will wake you up when you begin to urinate in your sleep so that you can get up and go to the bathroom. You will stay dry, avoid bed-wetting, and become more capable of controlling your bladder.
There are many ways that you can work through your urinary incontinence and the bed-wetting that goes hand in hand with this condition. From practical ideas like limiting your intake of fluids before you retire for the evening to avoiding the caffeine found in chocolate and other snacks that you may sometimes eat before bedtime, you can combine these tips to find a plan of action that works well for you. With the help of behavioural strategies and perhaps a medication alarm, you’ll be able to manage your incontinence problem effectively and remain drier throughout the day and night. Keeping a positive attitude and arming yourself with knowledge and good habits will be effective tools to help you overcome your problems, no matter how severe they may seem at first.
