How to Care for Urinary Incontinence

Generally, the care for urinary incontinence mainly includes maintaining local cleanliness and dryness, establishing a regular urination schedule, performing pelvic floor muscle exercises, making appropriate dietary adjustments, and selecting suitable care products. Scientific care can help alleviate discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and improve quality of life. The specific measures are as follows:

1. Maintain Local Cleanliness and Dryness: Urinary incontinence can easily lead to prolonged exposure of the perineal skin to urine, so it is important to promptly clean the perineal area with warm water. When drying, use a soft towel and gently pat—avoid rubbing, which may damage the skin. After washing, apply a mild moisturizing lotion to protect the skin barrier and reduce the occurrence of skin problems such as eczema and dermatitis.

2. Establish a Regular Urination Schedule: Develop a fixed urination schedule based on individual conditions, such as actively voiding every 2–3 hours to avoid excessive bladder distension. Gradually extend the intervals between voiding to train the bladder sphincter function, enhance the bladder's control over urine, and reduce the frequency of incontinence episodes.

3. Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: Perform exercises involving contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, such as Kegel exercises. The specific method involves contracting the muscles around the anus and vagina, holding for 3–5 seconds, and then relaxing. Repeat this 10–15 times per session, and perform 2–3 sessions daily. Long-term adherence can help alleviate symptoms of stress urinary incontinence.

4. Make Appropriate Dietary Adjustments: Reduce daily intake of stimulants such as coffee, strong tea, and alcohol, as these beverages may irritate the bladder lining, increase urine output, and worsen urinary incontinence. At the same time, increase water intake to maintain 1500–2000 milliliters per day to prevent urine concentration due to dehydration.

5. Select Suitable Care Products: Choose appropriate incontinence care products according to the severity of the condition. For mild incontinence, use incontinence pads; for moderate to severe cases, use adult diapers or urinary collection bags. Care products should be changed promptly to prevent bacterial growth due to prolonged use.

During the care process, closely monitor physical conditions. If symptoms such as local redness, swelling, pain, or discomfort during urination occur, adjust the care approach promptly. Maintain a positive mindset and cooperate with care measures to gradually improve urinary incontinence.