Take action and promote continence
Promoting continence and preventing incontinence are important aspects of maintaining health and well-being. By taking proactive measures, you can not only reduce the risk of incontinence, but also improve your quality of life. There are a variety of steps and strategies that can help to promote continence and prevent incontinence.
Consultation with a specialist
Consulting a specialist is an important first step for people struggling with incontinence. A specialist, often a urologist or gynecologist, can perform a thorough examination to determine the causes of incontinence. During the doctor's visit, various diagnostic tests such as a bladder examination will be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. Based on the results, the doctor can then recommend an appropriate treatment strategy, which can range from medication and physiotherapy to surgery. Consulting a specialist not only offers the opportunity for sound medical care, but also the chance to ask questions, raise concerns and receive support on the road to recovery.
Lifestyle changes
After consulting a specialist, it is often advisable to make certain lifestyle changes to reduce the symptoms of incontinence and improve your overall quality of life.
Adjust your diet
A balanced diet rich in fiber and vitamins can help reduce constipation and lower the risk of urinary tract infections. Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as sugary or caffeinated products.
Regulate your fluid intake
Adequate fluid intake is important, but it may be helpful to reduce fluid intake before bedtime to minimize nighttime toilet visits.
Regular exercise
Physical activity can promote overall health and strengthen muscles, including the pelvic floor muscles. Light to moderate exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga can be particularly beneficial.
Weight management
Being overweight can increase pressure on the bladder and worsen incontinence symptoms. Healthy weight loss can therefore help to reduce the strain on the pelvic floor and alleviate symptoms.
Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol
Smoking can impair bladder function, while alcohol can increase urine production and irritate the bladder. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can therefore have a positive effect on incontinence.
Pelvic floor training
Pelvic floor training is an important measure in the treatment of incontinence and can be recommended as part of a consultation with a specialist. Through targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, sufferers can improve control of their bladder and reduce incontinence symptoms. The specialist can create individual training plans tailored to the needs and abilities of the individual and provide instructions on how to perform the exercises correctly. Through regular pelvic floor training under medical supervision, patients can actively help to manage their incontinence and improve their quality of life.
Psychological support
Coping with incontinence can be a challenge not only physically, but also emotionally. Psychological support can help to cope with the psychological effects of incontinence and boost self-confidence.
Counseling and therapy
Individual counseling or therapy can help you understand and deal with the emotional impact of incontinence. An experienced therapist can help you process your thoughts and feelings and develop strategies for coping with incontinence.
Support groups
Talking to other sufferers in a support group can be very helpful. Here you can connect with people in similar situations, share experiences and encourage each other. The cohesion of the group can provide a sense of community and understanding.
Stress management
Incontinence can cause stress and anxiety. Stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, breathing techniques or meditation can help to reduce emotional stress and improve well-being.
Self-acceptance
Psychological support can help you to accept yourself and boost your self-esteem, regardless of your incontinence. By developing a positive self-image, you can gain more self-confidence and lead a fulfilling life.
Making everyday life easier: using incontinence products
If you live with incontinence, special incontinence products can help you manage your daily life and improve your quality of life. Here are the different types of incontinence products and how they can help you:
Small shaped pads
These thin, discreet products are suitable for mild to moderate incontinence. They are worn in the underwear and offer protection against small urine leaks.
Large shaped pads
These offer greater absorbency than small shaped pads and are suitable for moderate to severe incontinence. They can be worn in conventional underwear or in special incontinence pants.
Incontinence slips
These disposable products are similar to conventional underpants and offer a secure fit and a high degree of absorption. They are ideal for moderate to severe incontinence and offer discreet protection.
Pull up pants
Pull up pants look similar to ordinary underwear and offer a high level of comfort and an optimal fit. They are particularly suitable for active people with moderate to severe incontinence and offer protection day and night.
Bed protection
These waterproof pads are placed on the bed and protect the mattress from urine loss during sleep. They provide additional safety and make cleaning easier in the event of an accident.