Adult incontinence is a common issue – affecting an estimated 18 million Americans– yet it isn’t commonly discussed. This continued silence often leads to embarrassment about the disorder, that prevents sufferers from seeking the treatment or help they need.
While it’s true that urinary incontinence can cause some changes in lifestyle, it certainly doesn’t have to disrupt your day-to-day life, or cause insecurities. There are several ways to discreetly address the typical issues that arise when living with incontinence, so that you can get back to living a normal life.
Use an Absorbent Diaper
One of the most important ways to manage adult incontinence is using a reliable system that prevent leaks and keep your mind at ease throughout the day. For example, you can avoid worrying about smelling like urine or leaking through your pants in public by using a highly absorbent adult diaper during the day. This should help alleviate concerns about leakage while also working as comfortable, discreet underwear.
While it’s understandable to have concerns over wearing an adult diaper, there are several ways to ensure that you are able to conceal your incontinence protection.
Address Intimacy Concerns
Many adults with incontinence are afraid of experiencing leaking during intimate situations. While this is a common and understandable concern, it can cause performance anxiety and lead to further intimate disruption like erectile dysfunction in men, or low libido in women. If this type of performance anxiety is affecting you or your partner, consider speaking with a doctor about treatment options. Men can often be treated with a prescription for erectile dysfunction that contains sildenafil for improved blood flow and stronger erections. Women, on the other hand, can typically benefit from counseling or prescriptions that address Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder.
In addition to that, talk to your partner about how to make the situation more comfortable. Whether it be laying down a towel, taking bathroom breaks, or switching up positions, there are several ways to still enjoy intimacy while living with incontinence.
Keep a Dietary Journal
It’s important to learn what foods or drinks trigger your incontinence in order for you to feel confident and secure throughout the day. Try keeping a small journal that can fit in your bag or pocket so you can write down what you eat before you forget. Then, note whether or not your incontinence was worse after each meal. This should help you keep track of the effects that different foods have on your condition. Often, it’s spicy or acidic foods and caffeinated, sugary drinks that cause the most issues for people. It’s helpful to keep track of your own individual triggers, however, so you can cut back on or cut out anything that will negatively affect you.
Reach Out for Help
Often, people who suffer from incontinence silently can become self-conscious, drawn in, and even depressed. Therefore, it’s important to be sure you’re looking out for your mental health as well as your physical health when addressing this disorder. Sharing your struggles or concerns with others should help relieve some of the stress and prevent mental concerns from developing into more serious issues. Try reaching out to friends and family to talk about your condition. They should be able to offer emotional support and understanding, or just an opportunity to speak about your struggles.
If you’re not comfortable talking about it in person, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are several online therapists you can reach out to in order to speak with someone anonymously. Or, you can check out The National Incontinence Association to connect with others who suffer from incontinence and find other trusted resources.
An adult incontinence diagnosis does not have to mean the end of life as you know it. With these tips, you can address the symptoms and accompanying lifestyle changes in order to regain control of a healthy, stress-free life.