With summer just around the corner, it’s always pleasant to enjoy the warm weather by relaxing in your garden or on the terrace. However, it can be a tricky time for people with bladder weakness, as it means following a routine and taking some necessary precautions to ensure the right hydration and bladder leaks management.
First of all, you should know that you’re not alone – about 3% to 17% of women suffer from moderate to severe bladder weakness and 3% to 11% of men.[1] We at iD want to help you live life in full view, so we have put together our best tips on how to manage bladder weakness and hygiene in summer.
1. Eat well and drink plenty of water
With the summer comes warm temperatures and tempting barbecues, meaning it can be harder to eat and drink well. However, there are certain foods you could avoid to help boost your bladder health, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can find out more about that in our blog on changing your diet for bladder weakness.
As for water, don’t be tempted to cut down on your intake. It is important to keep hydrated, especially in the warmer weather, as drinking less will actually teach your bladder cope with smaller and smaller amounts of liquid, meaning you’ll need to go to the toilet more frequently.[2]
In terms of food, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Some fruits, such as blueberries and bananas, actually help improve bladder health[3], while others, like watermelon, also help to keep you hydrated in the summer. If you want to know more about bladder-friendly food and drink in the summer, check out our blog on it here.
2. Try pelvic floor exercises
If you’re concerned about your bladder coping with the extra exercise and your daily walk or trip to the supermarket during the summer, you can prepare by practising pelvic floor exercises. These strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn help to lessen the effects of bladder weakness.[4] You can find out more about how to strengthen your pelvic floor here.
3. Maintain good hygiene
If you suffer from bladder weakness, then you are already at a higher risk of getting a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).[5] Swimming may also increase your chance of getting a UTI[6], so make sure to practice good intimate hygiene; change your underwear/hygiene products regularly, wipe from front to back and don’t hold off going to the toilet for too long.
If you are considering changing your diet or if you feel that for some reason your bladder weakness issue is getting worse, iD recommends to first consult your GP or a healthcare professional.
At iD, we want to help you live life in full view. You can shop our entire range of discreet, hygienic and practical products here.
[1] “The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence”, Victor W Nitti, 2001, Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476070/
[2] “6 expert tips for managing bladder weakness on the go”, Alison Lynch, 20 June 2018, Source: https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/a20881783/6-expert-tips-for-managing-bladder-weakness-on-the-go/
[3] “How to Create a Diet for Your Overactive Bladder”, Corey Whelan, n.d., Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder/overactive-bladder-diet
[4] “What are pelvic floor exercises?”, NHS, 30 April 2017, Source: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-are-pelvic-floor-exercises/
[5] “Urinary incontinence”, Mayo Clinic, n.d., Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808
[6] “Take steps to avoid a UTI this summer”, Urology Care Foundation, 13 July 2016, Source: https://www.urologyhealth.org/careblog/take-steps-to-avoid-a-uti-this-summer