What caregivers should know about male urinary incontinence
What caregivers should know about male urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence, or the involuntary leakage of urine, is a common and treatable medical condition. If you are caring for someone with incontinence, know that you aren’t alone. You should also know that there are things you can do to make life a bit easier.
Here are some tips you should know about male urinary incontinence
Talk with your loved one’s healthcare provider
Broaching the subject of incontinence can be difficult. A qualified medical professional can relieve some of the pressure as well as share valuable information about options for treatment and management. Prepare for the visit by detailing the patterns and problems of incontinence. Consider using a journal to record information such as frequency and volume of urination, when accidents occur and food/drinks consumed.
Urinary incontinence can be worsened by certain foods and medications
Some medications, such as those taken for high blood pressure, can cause incontinence. Foods with citrus, caffeine and hot spices are also contributing factors. Review medication labels for side effects and talk with your healthcare provider about making adjustments as needed. Keep a food and drink journal to help you identify problem foods.
Lifestyle changes can lead to improvements
Alcohol use, smoking and obesity aggravate symptoms of urinary incontinence. Encourage moderation or abstinence in alcohol consumption. Your loved one should also lose weight and stop smoking. It is a good idea to monitor toileting habits to reduce the likelihood of accidents. For example, encourage urination every 3 hours or so. Keep the path to the bathroom clear to avoid falls. Invest in easy to remove garments so accidents don’t happen while fumbling to remove complicated buttons and buckles.
Skin problems should be treated immediately
Incontinence often leads to rashes and irritation. Untreated skin problems can cause pain and infection, so treat immediately.
Don’t under hydrate
You may be tempted to restrict liquids, but don’t. Dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, constipation and even urinary tract infection or kidney disease. Again, encourage regular trips to the bathroom even if there is no felt urge to urinate.
You can sleep through the night
Caring for someone managing incontinence can be extremely stressful. However, sleepless nights and wet sheets only make the problem feel worse. Men’s Liberty offers an external catheter that you can wear all day and night and work with bedbags to ensure everyone can sleep through the night safe and dry. No more worries about extra loads of laundry or getting up to change in the middle of the night. Our easy to use non-invasive catheter seals to the end of a man’s anatomy, protects the skin and gives you peace of mind. Urinary incontinence is a common and manageable medical condition. Men’s Liberty can help your loved one stay dry and accident free.