Incontinence is the accidental loss of urine or stool. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults and women. Incontinence can be caused by various factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, prostate enlargement, and neurological conditions. 

While incontinence can be embarrassing and frustrating, there are many things you can do to manage it and live a normal life. Here are some top tips: 

1. Talk to Your Doctor 

The first step is to talk to your doctor about your incontinence. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.  

2. Make Lifestyle Changes 

There are several lifestyle changes that can help manage incontinence, such as: 

  • Losing weight: Excess weight can put pressure on your bladder and rectum, which can worsen incontinence symptoms. 
  • Quitting smoking: Smoking can irritate the bladder and make incontinence worse. 
  • Limiting caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can also irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence symptoms. 
  • Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help keep your digestive system healthy and regular, which can help reduce incontinence symptoms. 
  • Drinking plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush out the bladder and reduce the risk of bladder infections. 

3. Do Pelvic Floor Exercises 

Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and rectum, which can help reduce incontinence symptoms. 

4. Use Incontinence Products 

There are a variety of incontinence products available, such as pads, liners, and diapers. These products can help absorb leaks and protect your clothing. 

5. Plan Ahead 

If you have incontinence, it is important to plan when you are going out and about. Make sure you know where the nearest restrooms are and that you have enough incontinence products with you. 

If you are struggling to manage your incontinence on your own, Piedmont Medical Solutions can help. We offer a variety of products and services to help you live your best life, including: 

  • Incontinence pads and liners: We offer a variety of incontinence pads and liners to meet your individual needs. 
  • Pelvic floor therapy: Our pelvic floor therapists can teach you how to do pelvic floor exercises and other strategies to manage your incontinence. 
  • Surgery: If you are a candidate for surgery, we offer a variety of surgical options to treat incontinence. 

Contact Piedmont Medical Solutions today to learn more about how we can help you manage your incontinence.  

Additional tips for managing daily life with incontinence:

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing: Loose-fitting clothing can help you feel more comfortable and confident, and it can also make it easier to change incontinence products. 
  • Protect your bedding: If you have incontinence at night, you can protect your bedding by using a waterproof mattress cover and pillowcases. 
  • Keep a positive attitude: Incontinence can be frustrating, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people live with incontinence, and there are many things you can do to manage it.