Going on a trip? Don’t let urinary incontinence stop you Going on a trip may be exciting for many people, but for those who have been di...
Going on a trip? Don’t let urinary incontinence stop you
Going on a trip may be exciting for many people, but for those who have been diagnosed with urinary incontinence, just the thought of the hours spent on traveling can be harrowing. When you have a difficulty in holding your bladder and cannot access the loo easily, you might expose yourself to an embarrassing situation that can turn a supposedly enjoyable trip to a traumatic event. However, do not let this condition stop you from experiencing fun things in life. Learn more about tips on how you can prepare for long trips in this article.
Tip #1: Set an appointment with your doctor
●
Intake of medications: Your doctor may change
the dosage of your medications or suggest other options to manage your symptoms
during your trip.
●
Pelvic floor exercises: Your doctor may
suggest that you perform pelvic floor exercises prior to and during your trip
to help strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor.
● Use of incontinence aid: Your doctor may recommend using special products, like catheters, pads, or pull-ups that can help prevent accidents during your travel.
Tip #2: Pack the right incontinence products
Having the right incontinence products in your bag certainly can be beneficial at some point during your trip. Take note of your doctor’s recommendations and be sure to pack them in your bag. Some reliable incontinence supplies include:
●
Absorbent pads or underwear: Absorbent pads or
pull-up underwear are great products to wear during long trips. Go for products
that are highly absorbent and can be used for an extended period of time
without making you feel uncomfortable or wet during your travel.
●
Keep a hygiene kit: Along with prepping
incontinence supplies, keep a hygiene kit at arms reach. Include hand
sanitizers, travel-size wipes, and ziplock bags that can be used to
hygienically store and dispose of used products.
● Wear leak-proof apparel: In case you are not aware, there are leak-proof underwears, pants, and even trousers that are especially designed for incontinence issues. These are made from materials that can hold leakages and disguise accidents.
Tip #3: Strategically choose comfortable and secure outfits
●
Pack extra underwears and layers: There may be
times that you just miss the mark and accidentally wet your clothes. Having a
pair of underwear that you can change into or a piece of clothing that you can
layer and conceal the part of your clothing that got wet can avoid any unwanted
attention from going your way.
● Skip tight and restrictive clothes: While loose clothing may not be flattering to your figure, donning on tight clothes can place pressure on your bladder and make it difficult for you to remove when you desperately need to pee.
Tip #4: Plan your trips to the loo in advance
●
Do your research: If you are on a road trip,
you can use certain apps that provide maps that have a list of bathrooms or
rest stops that can be accessed by the public. If you are traveling via plane,
be sure to stop by the toilet before your flight, especially if it is going to
be a long one. While there are toilets inside the airplane, you cannot
guarantee immediate access any time you want. For train travelers, check out
bathroom availability in the train stations.
● Set reminders: Timing your bathroom breaks at certain intervals can train your body to follow a specific schedule. It is also recommended that you go and relieve yourself even before you feel the urge to go. This can help avoid urgent situations and help you take control of your bladder.
Tip #5:
Schedule your fluid intake
Traveling with urinary incontinence does not mean that you have to minimise your liquid intake. Staying hydrated during your trip is important and you can definitely do this while preventing unwanted leakages by managing the frequency and amount of your fluid intake. You can do this by:
●
Avoiding diuretic drinks: Beverages that
contain alcohol, caffeine, or those that are acidic (citrus drinks), can be a
problem as these can irritate the bladder and heighten your urge to urinate.
Your best choice to keep yourself hydrated would be water, herbal or
non-caffeinated teas, and other drinks that are non-diuretic.
● Drink moderately: Do not drink huge amounts of liquid right before the time you leave for your trip as this will definitely warrant several trips to the loo once you embark on your journey. Take sips of water from time to time to stay hydrated without risking the urge of going on bathroom breaks.
Travel Essentials Checklist
●
Extra clothing in case of accidents and you
need to layer or change clothes
●
Extra incontinence supplies such as underwear,
pads, pull-ups, etc.
●
Medications prescribed by your doctor to
manage your condition
●
Plastic bags to use when disposing products
that have been used or store soiled clothing
● Sanitisers to keep everything hygienic and sanitised
Final word
Aster
Gynaecology - Dr Ng Kai Lyn
#066-58
Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
Singapore
Phone: 6635 2100
