Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. There are a number of causes, such as getting older, childbirth, nerve damage, as well as other interrelated conditions. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges as well. An individual may leak urine occasionally or during physical activity only, or there may be no warning at all before a sudden and intense urge to urinate.
If you are currently living with incontinence, you are certainly not the only one. In fact, it’s quite common; people just don’t talk as openly or comfortably about it as other conditions. According to the Urinary Care Foundation, a quarter to a third of men and women in the United States has some form of urinary incontinence. When medication or other treatment methods such as surgery are not enough, intermittent catheters may be prescribed to help manage the incontinence.
As we are now in the winter season, it’s important to prepare yourself for the symptoms of urinary incontinence to maintain your day-to-day life.
Tips For Managing Urinary Incontinence
Stay Hydrated
It might seem counter-intuitive to drink more liquids to manage urinary incontinence, but hydration is important for managing the urinary system as well as maintaining the health of your entire body. Dehydration can cause thickening of the urine, which may irritate the bladder. You lose water every time you breathe, especially in the cold, dry weather in winter. Even though you may not feel dehydrated, monitor your fluid intake just to be on the safe side.
Avoid Diuretics
Pay attention to the types of fluid you drink. In winter, you may be more likely to drink tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, which all contain levels of caffeine. Caffeine is a known diuretic, which can irritate the bladder and worsen the symptoms of incontinence.
Empty Your Bladder Before Leaving the House
Symptoms of urinary incontinence often come without warning. When you know you are going to be away from your house for a while, use the restroom beforehand. This will help ensure your bladder is empty, which is even more important in winter. This is because extreme weather occurrences are more likely in winter, which could create airline or traffic delays.
If you use intermittent catheters, contact us today. We’re glad to help you learn more about our wide selection of high-quality products and treat you to our renowned customer service.
