Urinary leakage: what lifestyle should I adopt?

Male urinary incontinence is a major health problem, the main causes of which should not be overlooked. However, it is possible to cope better with this situation and regain control by adapting your lifestyle and adopting better hygiene. Here are our tips for good hygiene when suffering from incontinence.

Urinary incontinence and personal hygiene

People suffering from iurinary ncontinence doivent absolument respecter certaines preventive hygiene measures. A lack of cleanliness can have repercussions on the comfort and the health of the patient.

Urinary incontinence and hygiene: preventing the development of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD)

Also known as DAIthe dermatitis associated with incontinence is a type of irritant contact dermatitis. It causes painful skin inflammation and leads to a burning and itching on the anal and genital areas, which can lead to pressure sores and fungal infections. This is due to the prolonged contact of urine and faeces with the skin.

The treatment of these ailments can be very unpleasant, difficult and expensive. It is therefore important toremove any wet spots on the skin and to check that the skin is clean and dry after finding a leak.

Four hygiene tips for incontinence

  1. Realise several private toilets during the day. Indeed, during each change of urine protection absorbent incontinence products, it is recommended to systematically perform an intimate cleansing to get rid of bacteria and bad odours that can occur. Indeed, with the use of these disposable or washable protections which also exist for men (anatomical protectionIf there has been no urine leakage, a washcloth or a small, discreet, single-use wipe can be used. If there has been no urine leakage, a washcloth or a small intimate wipe can be used discreetly.
  2. Using a soap appropriate for washing. Urinary incontinence often leads to skin irritation. It is therefore strongly recommended to use tailored products for washing, such as a soap without soap (dermatological bar), a washing cream with a PH close to that of the skin or a gentle gel.
  3. Dry yourself well after washing and hydrate. Once the shower is over, drying the skin is a very important step that should not be neglected. The private parts should be wiped with a soft towel because the skin is thinner and therefore more sensitive. Instead of rubbing, the towel is gently dabbed onto the area. When the area is thoroughly dry, it is recommended to use a moisturiser to strengthen the skin barrier but also to soften the skin.
  4. Change your bladder protection regularly. A wet cover can quickly become a bacterial nest ! If there has been a leakage of urine, it is important to replace the protection as soon as possible to avoid bacterial proliferation.

Urinary incontinence and hygiene: what diet to follow in case of bladder weakness?

Food has a considerable impact on health. People who suffer from urinary incontinence need to be careful about what they eat. Some foods and drinks should be avoided, while others should be avoided.

Urinary incontinence and hygiene: the importance of drinking water

First of all, do not reduce the amount of water you drink per day! Limiting it will not reduce the effect on urinary incontinence. On the contrary, drinking water contributes to a healthy lifestyle and strengthens the bladder. Drinking less water, on the other hand, can cause more problems than it solves.

The beverage consumption should be spread out over the day. This corresponds to one glass every four hours. So avoid drinking large quantities over a short period of time.

In order to avoid nocturnal urinationFor example, it is recommended to drink less liquid during dinner or to stop drinking at least 2 hours before going to bed. But never forget that the body needs to be hydrated to be healthy!

Urinary incontinence and healthy living: limit astringent drinks

The coffee consumptionThe consumption of caffeine, tea, soft drinks, citrus fruit juices (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.) and alcohol (beer, liqueur, wine, etc.) should be reduced or avoided because these types of drinks contribute to more frequent urination and leakage. Caffeine and theine are natural diuretics and therefore increase urinary secretion. Alcohol and soft drinks contain sulphites and sweeteners which are irritating to the bladder.

These drinks also lead to a vicious circle. Their astringent effects lead to a feeling of dehydration (dryness of the mouth and its mucous membranes) and the desire to drink more. Water is the best way to break this endless cycle!

Urinary incontinence and hygiene: adapting your diet for a healthy lifestyle

Due to a lack of time, desire, ideas or know-how, the consumption of processed foods has increased in recent years, leading to a rise in bad eating habits. Cheaper, these foods generally contain more sugar, more salt and more 'empty' calories. On the other hand, they do not contain the nutrients needed for a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Eating fresh produceAlthough home-cooked food is time-consuming and requires a larger budget, it can also be seen as an investment in your health.

Finally, avoid eating chocolate, tomatoes or dishes with spices as these foods tend to irritate the bladder.

Incontinence and hygiene: limiting urinary incontinence with physical activity

Changing consumption patterns also highlight the development of sedentary lifestyles.

In case of bladder weakness, the practice of a gentle sports activityIt is recommended that you take part in a sport such as swimming or yoga, or in perineal rehabilitation, to regain control of your body and strengthen your muscles. Slow exercises that work on breathing, sports that take the pressure off, without jerking and without jumping are to be preferred, such as swimming or yoga for example.

As a preventive measure, they can significantly reduce the risk of male incontinence.

Urinary incontinence and hygiene: the impact of smoking

In addition to the other disadvantages, the fact of smoking has a negative impact on continence. Smoking can increase the frequency of urination. The breakdown products of tobacco are partially eliminated in the urine. These products therefore pass through the bladder. They irritate the bladder and make it sensitive. This leads to more urges and leakage. In addition, smoking causes coughing fits, which can lead to leakage. It should also be noted that smoking is the most common cause of leakage. leading cause of bladder cancer.