If you’re living with urinary incontinence, you might feel frustrated or embarrassed about leaking urine or having to rush to get to the bathroom. You might think other people don’t have to deal with incontinence. But millions of people experience bladder control problems at some point in their lives.
Incontinence can happen at any age and it can be linked to a lot of different factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, aging, medications and medical conditions.
Treatment can help you manage day-to-day urine leaks and feel more comfortable and confident.
“There are many treatment options available and sometimes you need to try different therapies and combinations to find relief. It is important not to lose hope,” said Christian Twiss, MD, a urogynecologist with Banner Health.
Dr. Twiss shared some simple tips and products you can use right now, plus guidance for when to seek care.
Everyday tips to manage bladder leaks
Small adjustments can make a big difference in reducing urine leakage and improving control. These strategies can help with many conditions, including:
- Stress incontinence: You leak urine when things like laughing, coughing or exercise put pressure on your bladder.
- Urge incontinence: You have a sudden, strong urge to urinate.
- Mixed incontinence: You have symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence: You leak urine because your bladder doesn’t fully empty.
Your plan may depend on the type of incontinence you have. These daily habits may help:
Adjust your fluids
Some drinks can irritate your bladder muscle or make you feel like you need to urinate more urgently. Limit or avoid:
- Coffee and other caffeinated beverages
- Soda or carbonated drinks
- Alcohol
Staying hydrated is still important, so drink plenty of water spaced out evenly throughout the day.
Schedule bathroom breaks
Going to the bathroom at set times can help prevent having to go urgently. You may want to start with going every 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Over time, this helps retrain your bladder and reduce the chance of leaks when coughing, sneezing, exercising or laughing.
Empty your bladder fully
When you pee, lean forward slightly or take a few extra seconds to make sure your bladder is completely empty. This technique can help make sure you don’t have any urine left in your bladder and may lower the chance of overflow incontinence.
Plan ahead when leaving home
A little preparation helps prevent stress:
- Know where restrooms are located when you’re away from home
- Carry extra pads, underwear or wipes in your purse, car or backpack
Keep a bladder diary
Tracking your symptoms, triggers, fluids and how often you pee can help you spot patterns and make changes. If you need professional treatment, this information can help your provider recommend a care plan.
Helpful products for daily comfort
Products don’t treat what’s causing incontinence but they can make everyday life easier and more comfortable. You’ll need treatment for lasting relief.
Products like these may work for your routine and activity level:
Absorbent protection
- Disposable pads, guards or briefs: Men may find briefs more comfortable than pads
- Washable, reusable underwear
- Light liners for small leaks
- Higher-absorbency options for nighttime or travel
Bedding protection
- Waterproof mattress covers
- Washable or disposable bed pads
- Sheet protectors
- Waterproof covers you can wear between diapers and pants
Skin care
Urine leaks can irritate your skin. Consider:
- Gentle wipes: Adult wipes are like baby wipes, just bigger
- Moisture barrier creams
- Washing with unscented soap and warm (not hot) water
Lifestyle aids
- Odor-control sprays or products
- Discreet disposal bags
- Extra clothing protectors
Newer options
- Reusable underwear with better absorbency
- Smartphone reminder apps or alarms
When to see a doctor
“If simple behavioral and lifestyle modifications are not working, then it's time to see your doctor,” Dr. Twiss said. Incontinence is common but it is not something you have to live with. It’s time for a medical evaluation if you notice:
- Frequent leaks that affect your daily activities
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Blood in your urine
- Symptoms that suddenly or severely get worse
- Trouble starting your stream or fully emptying your bladder
- A history of urinary tract infections with new leakage
- Loss of bladder control after surgery or illness
Treatment depends on the type of bladder issue you are facing. That is why an evaluation matters.
Dr. Twiss said your provider may recommend treatment options like:
- Strengthening the pelvic muscles and learning how and when to squeeze them
- Oxytrol patches, which may help treat urge incontinence
- A disposable continence pessary, which is placed like a tampon to help stop leakage with stress incontinence
Coping with the emotional side of incontinence
Living with incontinence can impact your confidence and well-being. You may feel embarrassed, isolated or frustrated and you may avoid social activities. It’s important to remember:
- Incontinence is a medical condition, not a personal failing
- It can happen to people of any age or gender
- Treatment works and it is possible to reduce or even eliminate your symptoms
Talking with friends or family may help. If incontinence affects your mood or confidence, you may want to connect with counseling or behavioral health support.
Next steps with Banner Health
You don’t have to manage urinary incontinence alone. At Banner Health, we offer:
- Urology specialists with experience in treating incontinence
- Pelvic floor physical therapists who can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
- Advanced treatments like nerve stimulation, minimally invasive surgery, pessaries and bladder training
- In-person and virtual visit options
- Guidance based on trusted resources
To learn more about urinary incontinence diagnosis and treatment, reach out to a Banner Health specialist. We’re here to support you with compassionate care and proven solutions.
