3 Tips for Living with Incontinence

Incontinence is a common condition that affects 25 million people in the United States. One in four women over the age of 18 can get the condition. One-third of women and men between 30 and 70 have had incontinence at some point in their life. Here are three tips for living with incontinence.

1. Drink more water. Although many people with the condition believe that reducing water intake is the best way to deal with the condition, the opposite is true. Too much water causes leakage and affects bladder health. When the urine becomes concentrated, irritation in the bladder occurs, increasing the likelihood leakage. Decreasing water intake does not decrease accident risks. In fact, drinking too little water increases accident risks.

2. Always have extra protection. This will give you peace of mind in the event of an accident. Always have several of your favorite supplies on hand and an extra change of clothes. It is always better to be over-prepared than not prepared. Planning ahead will provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. Identify the disposable underwear and other products that make the most sense for you, but always keep absorbency in mind when deciding on the right product for your needs.

3. Maintain a healthy weight. The heavier you are, the more stress you put on your bladder. The extra pounds lead to more bladder pressure. If you get adequate activity and alter your diet to include more fresh foods, you can shed the extra weight. In addition to weighing less, you will likely see your symptoms improve. Some researchers believe that incontinence can be prevented with the right diet.

Living with incontinence requires a little extra planning. It’s important for those with the condition to know that they don’t have to put their life completely on hold just because of the condition. While some accidents can’t be prevented altogether, being well-prepared can limit embarrassment.