Urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing and isolating condition that affects your physical and psychological health. Although it is not life-threatening, it usually has a negative impact on your quality of life. Incontinence can affect your social life, your work, and your sex life. It causes physical and emotional discomfort and can lead to low self-esteem.
Urinary incontinence can make you feel powerless. Having unwanted urine leakage in a public place can be upsetting and embarrassing. This could lead to fear of leaving the house and a sense of isolation, preventing you and your loved ones from thoroughly enjoying life.
There are many causes of incontinence. Some can be cured, and others can be managed. Social attitudes to urinary incontinence can make it difficult to talk about it, even to your closest friends. Looking for professional help can take your mind off your situation and cope with the condition better.
How can I get help?
Some specialist doctors and nurses can help you with your incontinence problem. Health care professionals are there to help you find a solution to your urinary incontinence problem. Do not be afraid to ask for their help.
How can I deal with incontinence in my daily life?
General lifestyle changes can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Follow the advice of your doctor or nurse.
Try to make sure you always know where the nearest toilet is. Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask where the bathroom is when you are away from home.
Plan to empty your bladder every 2 to 4 hours and before going to bed at night. Install night-light and grab bars in your bathroom to help prevent falls when you are in a hurry.
Many products help contain urine leakages, such as pads, drip collectors, and external collection devices. Discuss with your doctor or nurse which type of continence product best fits your lifestyle needs.
There are many absorbent pads available to help you manage urine loss. There are different products for men. Most products are no bulkier than regular underwear, and you can wear them quickly under everyday clothes. Absorbent incontinence pads are different from menstrual pads; ask if you are unsure which product to use. Regularly change your pad to keep the groin area clean and as dry as possible. This will help prevent skin irritation and control odor. Pads are generally available at pharmacies, supermarkets, and medical supply stores.
Men who have problems with dribbles of urine can use a drip collector or a small pad. Drip collectors are worn over the penis and held in place by your underwear. Men also have the option to wear an external adhesive device over the penis, attached to a leg bag, and worn under the trousers.
How can I deal with incontinence at work?
It can be stressful to have to work when you worry about your incontinence. There are certain things you can do to make you feel more in control and worry less:
- Make sure you always have plenty of good-quality pads at work
- Invest in odor preventers. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about these
- Wear your favorite perfume. It will not prevent the odor, but you will feel better
- Avoid drinking too much during working hours
- Avoid caffeinated drinks
- If you are in a meeting, only take sips of water rather than cups of coffee or tea.
- Try to use the toilet before you feel your bladder is full. Standing up with a full bladder may cause urine leakage.
- Try to use the toilet every 3 or 4 hours.
- Wear dark-colored clothes. Lighter-colored clothes may show stains more easily.
- Have an extra set of clothes at work
- If recommended by your doctor, try to do your pelvic floor exercises during work hours.
How can I deal with incontinence while traveling?
Traveling exceptionally long distances can be difficult when you suffer from urinary incontinence. To make travel more comfortable, you can:
- Try to pre-book a seat near a toilet on trains and planes
- When traveling by car, plan toilet breaks throughout the trip
- Try sitting on cushions to prevent vibrations
- Avoid drinking too much, especially coffee, alcohol, and tea, right before and during travel
- Wear loose clothes for comfort
- Wear protective pads if necessary
How does urinary incontinence affect my sex life?
It can not be easy to feel attractive and confident when you do not always feel in control of your body. Fear of having urine leakage during sex can lead to avoiding being intimate. Low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety related to incontinence can also affect your sex life.
Communication is essential. Otherwise, you may be deprived of affection and nurturing when you need it most. Discuss your wishes and needs with your partner. You could also consider attending a local support group to get help and support with any difficulties that you are experiencing.
How does a catheter affect my daily life?
It may sometimes be necessary to have a catheter to prevent urine leakage. You can be taught how to insert an intermittent catheter to empty your bladder every couple of hours. In other cases, it may be necessary to have an indwelling catheter in place.
Having a catheter does not mean you cannot be sexually active. Both men can have sex with a urinary catheter in place. The tubing can be bent backward and folded next to the penis, and a condom could be applied to keep it in place.
