Incontinence The Factors In Your Control

There are many factors that you do have control of when it comes to your incontinence.

You can control how much fluid you take in each day. You can control when you take in these daily fluids. You can control whether or not you consume caffeinated foods and beverages. You can control whether or not you smoke. You can take control over your intake of carbonated drinks and whether or not you eat spicy foods. All these factors have an influence over your incontinence and knowing what each of these factors can do to your incontinence is your responsibility. The knowledge is available online. Your healthcare provider is there to answer your questions and guide you in your decisions. Deciding to take control of your incontinence is what you need to control or not.

Control The Fluid Factor:

Limit your fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses a day (based on what your doctor advises)

Limit the bulk of your fluid intake to the mornings and afternoons

Decrease or eliminate caffeinated and carbonated beverages

Remember to include foods that are fluids like soups, broth, and Jello

Control the Food Factor:
Avoid or decrease the consumption of spicy and acidic foods

Control the Irritant Factor:
Avoid or decrease irritants like smoking, alcohol consumption.

Understand that having concentrated urine is irritating to your bladder and may cause UTIs (urinary tract infections). Urine becomes concentrated when your fluid intake is too low.

Control the Medication Factor:

Some prescribed medications you take may contribute to your incontinent problems. Make sure you doctor is aware of all medications that you take prescribed and non-prescription.

Prescription medications that may contribute to your incontinence are:

Antidepressants

Diuretics

Heart medications

High Blood Pressure

Muscle Relaxants

Sedatives

Talk to your doctor if you are taking any of these listed medications so any adjustments if possible can be made.

Control the Weight Factor:

If you are overweight it can influence your bladder control. Pressure is put on the bladder when you are overweight and are doing physical activity. Lose weight safely and under a doctor's advice.

Control the Smoking Factor

If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start.

Heavy smoking especially can cause you to develop chronic cough. This can cause pressure on the bladder and irritate your bladder. There are many health benefits to stopping cigarette smoking, gaining control over your bladder in just one of them.

Control the Treatment Factor
Be a partner with your healthcare provider, ask questions and gain knowledge concerning incontinence. Ask to be told about every aspect of your treatment so that you can make informed decisions. Ask for options and second opinions especially if surgery is discussed as an option.

Decide today if you want to control the factors that contribute to your incontinence.

Recommended Reading

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