Summer is usually a great time to spend days with friends and family. But for millions of women who suffer from female incontinence, it’s a time when you have to constantly worry about leaking urine. The good news is that with some lifestyle changes and professional help, you can stay active and have fun this season. We want you to enjoy summer like everyone else. So here are five basic tips to help you manage incontinence.
Balance Your Water Intake
Most people with female incontinence often think they should drink less water. But this is not entirely true. Although too much water can lead to bladder leakage, drinking less water can worsen your bladder health.
For example, when you reduce your water intake, your urine becomes more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and cause increased urgency. As such, strive to balance your water intake this summer. Keep in mind that you’re more likely to lose water because of the warm weather.
Empty Your Bladder Regularly
Since you’re likely to be drinking more water, it’s also recommended you empty your bladder regularly. For starters, visit the bathroom every two to three hours. Don’t wait until your bladder feels full because it will increase your chances of experiencing urinary leakage.
Another great strategy is to empty your bladder before leaving your hotel room, restaurant, office or home. Even if you don’t think you need to visit the bathroom before leaving, do so to prevent accidents.
Locate Restrooms
When traveling or visiting new places this summer, it’s a great idea to find out where the nearest bathrooms are. For instance, if you visit a museum, ask the staff where the bathrooms are or find a directory when you arrive. Also, conduct thorough research if you plan to visit unfamiliar places.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Since weight increases abdominal pressure, you could reduce your risk of urine leakage by losing a few pounds. Studies show that obese women can reduce the risk of female incontinence episodes by half by just losing 10% of their weight.
Keep a Bladder Diary
To successfully manage female incontinence, our team must know the type of incontinence you have. And the best way to determine this is to keep a bladder diary because it can help us pinpoint what could be triggering your incontinence. Therefore, keep a diary of what you drink, how many times you visited the restroom, the time you have a leakage episode, and more.
Incontinence is a serious problem that can adversely affect your quality of life. With these tips and the help of our professionals at H-MD Medical Spa in OKC, you can enjoy your summer. Want to learn more? Contact us today to book your appointment at our office in Oklahoma City.