The summer season often brings a change of pace with family vacations, celebrations and yes, swimsuits. It also means that you’re out of your routine and away from home, sometimes causing concerns for women with stress urinary incontinence.

Dr. J. Kyle Mathews and the team at Plano Urogynecology Associates are here to help you solve the cause of the problem. But if you haven’t had a chance to start treatment for stress urinary incontinence.

What do you do when you “have to go” when you’re on the go?

• Pack protective pads when you are unsure whether you can make it to the bathroom in time. Don’t forget to have spares so you can change them as often as needed.
• Keep a clean-up kit with you with wet wipes, skin cleansers or other products to freshen up after changing used pads. Small scented packs of disposable bags, like Fresh Sacks, help conceal used sanitary pads in public places.
• Bring a disposable pad for your bed or chair when staying at hotels or in the homes of friends or family. The pad will protect the sheets and mattress in case you don’t get to the bathroom in time.
• Sit near the restroom and reserve an aisle seat when possible. Sure, it’s easier to board public transportation when your reserved seat is near the front. But if you can’t afford pricey first-class seats with a bathroom nearby, then opt for a location near the back and save yourself any embarrassment from frequent trips to the rest room during the journey. Take frequent bathroom breaks on long trips.
• Sip slowly and reduce consumption of beverages, especially those with caffeine or alcohol, and spicy or sour foods, which may irritate your bladder.
• Wear snug swim briefs with elastic around the legs, like the So Secure Swim Brief, under bathing suits to protect against leakage from bowel incontinence and to provide significant protection against urinary leakage.
• Take oral medication to reduce your need to urinate. Talk to Dr. Mathews at least one month before you plan to travel.

Don’t be so self-conscious that you forget to have fun.

Put a little thought into your summer plans and enjoy your time with friends and family. You can make plans to eliminate or minimize the problem of stress urinary incontinence when you return from your travels. For more information on urinary incontinence, contact Dr. J. Kyle Mathews and Plano Urogynecology Associates or call us at (972) 781-1444.

| Category: Bladder Dysfunction, Dr JKM, incontinence |