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Avoid constipation. Constipation makes incontinence worse. If you tend to be constipated increase fibre and fluid in your diet. A leaflet on overcoming constipation is available from Milton Stay~Dry.
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Do not reduce your fluid intake. Drinking less does not help incontinence, it makes it worse. You should drink at least 10 cups of fluid every day. You may find that some drinks, for example coffee and tea, may make your incontinence worse. These should be avoided. |
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Avoid frequent visits to the lavatory. It is a natural reaction to go to the toilet very frequently in order to avert accidents. This often makes the problem worse. Instead, when you feel the urge to pass urine try to hang on for as long as possible. You may find that you will gradually reduce your frequency of having to empty your bladder. |
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Watch your weight. If you are overweight, weight reduction sometimes helps. |
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Avoid increasing abdominal pressure. Activities, such as coughing, lifting heavy objects, straining to open your bowels, can make incontinence worse and should be avoided. |
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Do pelvic exercises. Most people can benefit from tightening up their pelvic muscles and sometimes this helps overcome incontinence. A leaflet describing pelvic exercises is available from Milton Stay~Dry. |
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Try to come to terms with the problem. The more anxious and worried about incontinence you are the worse it will become. Try to adopt a positive attitude to the problem. Rather than thinking “this problem is making my life a misery” think “what can I do to prevent this from spoiling my life?”. |
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Obtain advice on incontinence products. A large variety of specially designed pads, underclothing, bed and furniture coverings and other helpful aids are available. People’s needs and likes differ and it is important to select products that are best suited to your particular requirements. Advice can be obtained by telephoning the Milton Customer Care Line FREE on 01452 880932 between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Friday. |
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Take steps to avoid odour. One reason why people with incontinence stop mixing with other people is the fear of embarrassing odours. Change pads and soiled garments frequently. Wash yourself whenever you are uncomfortable because of wetness. Avoid using strongly perfumed soaps which may irritate your skin. Products, such as Nodor, are available to combat urinary and faecal odours. |
