Urinary incontinence refers to the fact that a person accidentally releases pee. Men and women over 60 have a higher-than-average incidence of urine incontinence, sometimes an overactive bladder. For many individuals, bladder control disorders may humiliate and drive them to avoid doing what they usually do. However, incontinence is typically treatable. Urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, and constipation may all cause incontinence.
You can manage incontinence more than ever, thanks to advances in treatment options. Treatment options consider the nature and severity of your bladder control issue and your personal preferences and way of life. For the most part, specialists attempt the most straightforward and safest methods first.
Your bladder may be more under your control if you use a variety of therapies, including medication and surgery. You may be advised to try the following by your doctor:
Being physically active
Calories are burned by muscle. In addition, it may increase bone health since the resistance on the muscle provides a beneficial load on the bones. Pelvic floor muscle strengthening may reduce or eliminate incontinence. As the first line of defense against incontinence, pelvic floor muscle workouts are suggested for both men and women. Besides, according to US recommendations for physical exercise, all muscle groups should be worked out at least twice a week.
Your digestive system is a vital organ of your body’s overall functioning and well-being. Your overall health and digestive health will be influenced by what you eat, how much exercise you do, and how much physical activity you engage in. A healthy diet and regular exercise may go a long way toward ensuring that you remain continent.
Practicing good toilet habits
Controlling one’s bladder may be made easier with good bladder practices. Adhering to good hygiene is also possible to prevent bowel control disorders. Using appropriate toilet practices may improve your bladder and bowels’ health. Incontinence, however, may be managed if it cannot be cured. Depends diapers are beneficial for incontinence. Make sure to look for incontinence products that are easy on the skin.
You will feel more confident if you have a product that functions well and is comfy. No one will know that you have an incontinence issue if you’re out, and so nobody will judge for it.
Making healthy lifestyle choices.
You must stay hydrated by drinking enough water, eating a well-balanced diet rich in fiber, and frequently exercising to avoid urine and fecal incontinence. Be sure to see a medical expert about any concerns you have regarding your bathroom habits, such as a nurse or doctor. Losing weight and cutting down on coffee and alcohol are examples of lifestyle modifications. Strengthening your pelvic floor by tightening the muscles there. In bladder training, you learn to hold it in longer before urinating.
Those with overactive bladders may find that certain foods, such as chocolate, citrus fruits, sugar or honey, artificial sweeteners, and spicy dishes aggravate their symptoms. Bladder leakage and other incontinence symptoms might be worsened by consuming these foods. It’s possible to minimize the need to urinate by cutting down on specific items or eliminating them from your diet. Non-citrus fruits, grains, legumes, and vegetables are all excellent sources of fiber, according to doctors.
Incontinence may be cured by drinking enough water.
A person’s dehydration may lead to constipation and bladder discomfort. Avoid dehydration by drinking water as soon as you get thirsty. If your doctor doesn’t tell you differently, aim to get at least two liters of fluid (six to eight glasses of water) per day. While water is the most significant fluid to keep you hydrated, you may also drink fruit juice, tea, coffee, milk, or soup to keep yourself hydrated. Carbonated beverages, alcohol, tea, and coffee may all irritate the bladder, so try to keep your daily consumption to a minimum.
The color of your urine is one way to tell whether you’re getting enough fluids in your system. The light yellow color of your urine shows you are well hydrated. You may be dehydrated if your urine is dark yellow.
Having a diet rich in fiber
To maintain bowel movements, you must consume a nutritious diet. Dietary fiber-rich foods are an essential part of any healthy diet. A poor diet may cause fecal incontinence. Get 25–30 grams of fiber every day. A bowl of cereal includes roughly 8 grams of fiber, whereas an apple has a little more than 3 grams.
Pessary
This kit includes an intravaginal device comparable to diaphragms that support the bladder. It is available in a variety of sizes. For women, a pessary is an implanted ring-like device that helps elevate and support their vagina and bladder. Incontinence caused by coughing or exercising may be reduced with this product. Every three months, a health care expert must remove, check, and clean it. Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner before purchasing a single-use disposable pessary from a store or online for the most significant results.
Takeaways
Treating minor incontinence with just a change in diet and exercise routine is possible. Treatments including medication, surgery, or other procedures may be necessary for certain circumstances. Prescription drugs, for example, may help lessen bladder spasms and nerve difficulties. Make an appointment with your doctor if you’re experiencing trouble regulating your bladder. In addition to providing treatment alternatives, they may assist in determining the source of your symptoms. You may recover control of your life by following your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan.