Contents:
- Medical Video: Stopping Bladder Leakage, Naturally
- Tips for controlling urinary incontinence
- 1. Drink enough
- 2. Don't delay urinating
- 3. Kegel exercises
- 4. Maintain a healthy weight
- 5. Limit caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
- 6. Stop smoking
- 7. Directly look for toilets in public places
- 8. Use adult diapers or sanitary napkins
Medical Video: Stopping Bladder Leakage, Naturally
Urine incontinence or difficulty holding urine can occur due to several reasons. Either because of the natural aging process, menopause, postpartum, or other medical conditions. This is certainly very disturbing. Especially if you are outside the house. Take it easy, you will still be able to carry out activities smoothly if you do these eight healthy strategies.
Tips for controlling urinary incontinence
If you have urinary incontinence problems, you should see a doctor. However, you can also ensure the following steps every day.
1. Drink enough
Don't get me wrong, urinary incontinence doesn't mean you shouldn't drink so you don't "wet your bed". According to a urologist from the University of Kansas Medical Center in the United States (US), Dr. Tomas Griebling, lack of drinking will actually make urine more concentrated. As a result, the bladder becomes irritated and you often feel like you want to pee. In essence, you must not forget to meet your fluid needs so as not to worsen symptoms.
2. Don't delay urinating
Don't wait for the urge to pee first to urinate. This method may not cause problems in normal people. But in people with urinary incontinence, this can actually cause problems. If your bladder is empty, you certainly won't "wet the bed". A urology specialist from Stanford University School of Medicine in the US, Dr. Craig Comiter recommends pee regularly even though there is no urge to pee. For example every two to three hours.
3. Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises are a form of lower pelvic floor exercise that is very useful for people with urinary incontinence problems. This gymnastics is very good for training the endurance and contraction of the muscles that work when you hold and dispose of urine. You can see the guide to doing Kegel exercises here.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
According to a study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), people who are overweight or obese are prone to urinary incontinence. So, you who are currently overweight are strongly advised to maintain an ideal body weight. This can be achieved by living a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you diligently exercise, pay attention to your diet, and get enough rest.
5. Limit caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
Drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, or energy drinks and also alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine has diuretic properties. Diuretics are a class of drugs that make the body often release fluid through urination. Therefore, you should not over-consume caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
6. Stop smoking
As explained by a urology specialist from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the US, Dr. Yvonne Koch, quitting smoking is a very effective way to control urinary disorders. Smoking can weaken the tissues in the body, including the muscles that help you control the urination process. You may also be coughing, making it harder to hold urine. In addition, research has proven that smoking can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
7. Directly look for toilets in public places
For people who have urine incontinence problems, you should immediately find out where the toilet is when you are in a public place. For example when you go to the movies. That way, later if the situation is quite precarious, you can go straight to the toilet. No need to bother looking for a place.
8. Use adult diapers or sanitary napkins
If you want to travel far, you should be on guard by using adult pads or diapers. Likewise, if you are carrying out an activity where you cannot often go to the bathroom, for example doing an exam. Wearing adult diapers can help prevent urine from coming out suddenly. Especially if you are feeling nervous and anxious.