Tips for Managing Urinary Incontinence

TIPS FOR MANAGING URINARY INCONTINENCE

Avoid constipation by ensuring adequate fluid intake and fibre in the diet.  Straining at stool, which occurs in chronic constipation, can weaken the pelvic floor.

The exact effect of obesity in stress incontinence is unclear, but it is widely accepted that overweight sufferers would benefit from weight reduction.

A fluid intake of 1 ½ to 2 litres in 24 hours is generally advised.  Fluids known to be irritant to the bladder such as tea, coffee, fizzy ‘pop’ and alcohol, should be avoided.  Drinking two small glasses of cranberry juice a day may reduce the incidence of urinary tract infection.  Please note: Patients taking the drug warfarin have been advised to limit or avoid drinking cranberry juice, due to a possible interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice.  Any concerns should be discussed with their GP.

Restricting drinks is counter-productive, unless the patient has an excessive fluid intake.

With age, the period from sensing the first desire to void until bladder capacity is reached becomes shorter.  It is therefore reassuring for an older person to be familiar with toilet locations.

Clothing which is easy to manage can make a difference, promoting continence and confidence.

Personal hygiene is very important.  After washing, small amounts of prescribed preparation may be applied to the skin.  However, oil-based creams should not be used with incontinence products as the cream will occlude the pores in the coverstock, so trapping urine next to the skin.

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