Incontinence: The Health Issue Nobody Wants To Talk About

Incontinence is one of those health issues that nobody likes to talk about because it can be very embarrassing. Unfortunately, that means that people experiencing incontinence don’t realize just how common it is and they don’t always get the best information about how to manage it. The reality is, millions of men and women are affected by incontinence every year and it is estimated that around a quarter of women will have issues with incontinence for a year or more after pregnancy. 

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Incontinence is defined as a loss of bladder control, leading to leakage, and although it is more common in older people, it can affect people of all ages. It’s important that we break the taboo surrounding this problem so people can effectively manage it and stop it from getting in the way of their day to day lives. If you are concerned about incontinence, these are some of the best things you can do to keep the problem under control. 

Incontinence Underwear 

Incontinence underwear is the best way to make sure that any leaks are contained while you are out and about during the day. Many people feel embarrassed about wearing incontinence diapers but nobody else will notice that you are wearing one and it gives you the freedom to go about your day without worrying about leaks. Often, people end up isolating themselves because they are afraid to go out in case they leak through their clothes, but an incontinence diaper can solve that problem. 

The only potential issue you may face is diaper rash. Wearing an incontinence diaper all day can cause some skin irritation and lead to rashes. If that is the case, you can try these simple home remedies to soothe the rash and stay comfortable.  

Pelvic Floor Exercises

The pelvic floor is a muscle that supports your bowel and bladder and if you can strengthen it, you will notice a reduction in incontinence problems. Pelvic floor exercises are common after pregnancy but they are useful for anybody with incontinence issues. In some cases, they could help you completely recover from the problem. Follow the exercises in this great video and you should see a big improvement. 

Manage Your Weight

It’s well documented that carrying excess weight increases your chances of a range of health issues. However, a lot of people don’t realize that it makes incontinence issues worse. In fact, weight loss can cut instances of urinary incontinence in half in women, so it’s definitely an important factor to focus on. Finding ways to reduce your weight, even by a small amount, can help you manage your incontinence. 

Reduce Alcohol And Caffeine Intake

Alcohol and caffeine are both diuretics, which means that they remove water from the body and increase urine production. So, if you have an issue with incontinence, you should reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake because it will only make the issue worse. Studies show that people that drink a lot of caffeine are far more likely to have incontinence issues, so avoiding coffee is best. 

There is no need to feel embarrassed about incontinence because it is a problem that a lot of people face. Use these methods and you can manage it to make sure that it doesn’t interrupt your lifestyle.

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