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Urinary incontinence and dysfunction can be a frustrating and embarrassing experience for so many. We've seen even the most confident, capable individuals left feeling hopeless and like they have nowhere to turn all because of leaking, urgency, and frequency. However, it's essential to know that you're not alone and that there are solutions to help alleviate your symptoms. Our goal is to help crush the stigma surrounding urinary incontinence and dysfunction and provide you with hope and relief. If you're looking for tips and tricks to find relief before booking an appointment with a pelvic floor PT office in Baton Rouge, keep reading. In this blog post, we'll provide you with our top products and techniques to help you hold on until you find true relief. Please note that these tips are temporary Band-Aids, and true relief comes when you address the root cause of your symptoms.  Absorbent Products If you experience urinary incontinence, absorbent products can be a lifesaver. However, not all products are created equal. We recommend using urinary pads instead of menstrual pads since urinary pads soak up urine, while menstrual pads allows the urine to remain in contact with the skin. Remember to change your pad every time you go to the bathroom if it's wet to avoid skin breakdown and infection. Additionally, using a pessary, such as Impressa, can support your urethra and prevent leakage during heavy lifting, dynamic activities like tennis, running, pilates, or crossfit.  Medications If you're unsure whether you're leaking due to sweat, discharge, or leakage, an over-the-counter medicine like AZO can help turn your urine a distinct color, providing clarity on the cause of your leakage. Bladder-numbing medications like Oxybutynin can numb the bladder, but they may also prevent it from emptying. Alternatively, Rapaflo can help your bladder squeeze harder, but it may not be effective if the pelvic floor is too short. Important Reminder! It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure it's safe and effective for your specific needs.  Urge Suppression Techniques
Urinary frequency and urgency can significantly affect your quality of life, especially if you're always on-the-go. You should never have to put your life on "pause" because of your bladder. These techniques can help you suppress your urge and maintain control: Slow Down: Instead of making a mad dash for the nearest bathroom, stop and pause to calm your nervous system. By slowing down, you can reduce your anxiety and better control your urge. Deep Breaths: Taking slow, deep breaths can help you relax and reduce your anxiety. When taking deep breaths, double the exhale time, inhaling for a two-count and exhaling for a four-count. Sit Down: If you're experiencing an urge to go, stop whatever activity you're doing and sit down, being very still to maintain control. This technique can help prevent accidents and provide you with enough time to make it to the bathroom. Distract Yourself: If you're nervously waiting in line for the bathroom, distract yourself by texting a friend or playing a quick game. Taking your mind off your need to go can help reduce your anxiety and prevent accidents. Lift Your Toes: Curling your toes up and lifting them off the ground sends a signal to your pelvic floor to "close." This technique can help you maintain control and prevent leakage. Gentle Squeezing: Gently squeezing your pelvic floor muscles for about three seconds and then relaxing them can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, providing better control over your bladder. In conclusion, urinary incontinence and dysfunction can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience. However, with these tips and tricks, you can find temporary relief until you address the root cause of your symptoms. Book an appointment with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist today and take the first step toward true relief without medications, risky surgery, or just learning to live with it.
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