Overview

If you're experiencing issues with urinary problems or frequently waking up at night to urinate, it's essential to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider right away. There could be an underlying medical condition that can be effectively treated. You owe it to yourself to seek answers, and in most cases, you don't have to resign yourself to living with incontinence indefinitely.

If you've been keeping a urination diary, be sure to bring a copy to your appointment. Also, maintain a comprehensive list of your medications, including non-prescription drugs, herbs, and supplements.

Self-Care at Home

Incontinence is never considered normal. If you're dealing with urine leakage issues, it's crucial to consult a medical professional.

While you're waiting for your appointment, here are some steps you can take to make yourself more comfortable:

•  Avoid foods and beverages that may irritate the bladder. These include alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, citrus fruits, and acidic fruits and juices.
•  Don't consume excessive fluids. Aim for six to eight cups a day, more if you're exercising, sweating heavily, or in hot weather. Individuals with kidney stone disease should void at least 2 liters of fluid daily, as fluid restriction may lead to stone growth or formation.
• Urinate regularly.
•  Never ignore the urge to urinate or have a bowel movement.
•  If you're overweight, work towards achieving a healthier weight.
•  If necessary, use absorbent pads to manage urine leakage.
•  Maintain good hygiene, which not only enhances your comfort but also helps prevent odors and skin discomfort.

Kegel exercises can be beneficial for women experiencing stress or urge incontinence. Here's how to perform them:

•  During the exercises, engage the pelvic muscles you use to control urination.
•  These exercises might be familiar from childbirth education.
•  Insert the first and second fingers of one hand into your vagina to locate the muscles. Squeeze as though you're holding urine in until you feel the muscles tightening.
•  The exercise involves tightening these muscles, holding for at least 10 seconds, then relaxing for 10 seconds. Repeat these exercises at least 10-20 times, three times a day. The more consistently you practice, the more effective they are likely to be.

Create a urination diary and record your urination patterns daily. This information will assist your healthcare provider in diagnosing your issue:

•  Note the time of the urge to urinate (or if there was no urge).
•  Assess the strength of pain or urge.
•  Record the time you actually urinated.
•  Measure the volume of urine.
•  Document the amount of leakage.
•  Specify the type and quantity of fluids you consume and when you consume them.

A relatively new but promising treatment option is biofeedback. It has shown significant benefits, especially in pediatric cases. Bladder retraining may also help many incontinence patients, as some of them have pelvic floor dysfunction with unknown causes. Biofeedback, facilitated by a certified technician, involves pelvic muscle contraction and relaxation. While it demands commitment from the patient, it may help avoid the need for medication or surgery.

Follow-up

Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations closely.

Arrange and attend regular follow-up appointments, where you can discuss your progress with your provider, and they can adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Prevention

The following measures can help maintain good bladder and urinary health:

•  Stay adequately hydrated.
•  Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
•  Urinate regularly.
•  Steer clear of foods that irritate your bladder.
•  Maintain overall health: Consume a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and engage in daily physical activity.

Regularly follow up with your primary care provider.