3 COMMON BLADDER WEAKNESS MYTHS: DE-BUNKED!

3 COMMON BLADDER WEAKNESS MYTHS: DE-BUNKED!

Incontinence affects over 5 million Australians!  We think it’s important to make the differentiation between true and false information, so let’s debunk the three most common myths about incontinence.  

 

Myth #1- Drinking Less

 

There is a common thought where ‘if I drink less, surely that means I won’t need to use the bathroom as often’. Unfortunately, this is not the case. 

 

Limiting your fluid intake without having healthcare professionals' advice can actually lead to an increase in management issues. If we don’t consume enough fluid, we are at risk of being de-hydrated, which results in a higher concentration of urine that causes bladder irritation and an increase of incontinence episodes.

 

 

Here are a some ways to control your water intake without risking other health problems: 

 

  • 1. Minimize the intake of liquid 2-3 hours before bed. 
    This way, you have a higher chance to fully empty your bladder before you go to sleep and lessen the bathroom trips over the course of the night.  

 

  • 2. If you do want to consume fluids, make sure you take small sips as opposed to big gulps. 
    This allows your body to absorb the liquid instead of needing to excrete the liquid due to the large volume you drank.

 

Myth #2- Pelvic floor exercises don’t work

 

Pelvic floor exercises are actually one of the best tools at your disposal. It’s a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment that leads to huge improvement in continence for both men and women. The exercises strengthen the muscles that surround the bladder, bum and sexual organs.  
The Continence Foundation of Australia has some incredible resources for you to use. Click HERE to learn more about pelvic floor exercises and much more about continence management and treatments or call 1800 33 00 66 to speak directly to a continence nurse specialist.  

 

 

 

Myth #3- Simple lifestyle changes aren’t enough to help with incontinence 

 

Lifestyle choices are often overlooked when it comes to diagnosing incontinence. Studies have shown that weight loss based on behavioral or lifestyle choices such as a good diet, regular exercise and good sleep alleviate the symptoms of urinary incontinence. It also helps support greater long-term well-being and longevity thus reducing risks of chronic diseases that are related to obesity.  

 

 

Some lifestyle changes you can make to your daily life can include the following: 

 

  • 1. Pelvic floor training: pelvic floor muscles play a key role in preventing or minimizing incontinence across all genders and age groups.

  • 2. Staying hydrated: drinking 10-12 glasses of water per day will not only keep you hydrated, but it helps to maintain healthy energy levels, good cognition, and focus.  
     

  • 3. Exercise: you don’t have to go to the gym if you really don’t want to. Simply moving your body for 60 minutes per day means you are doing yourself a huge favor. Even walking improves blood flow, helps with digestion, and improves cardiovascular function. 

  • 4. Take your time: making sure you are giving yourself adequate time on the toilet is important. 2 in 3 women don’t entirely empty their bladder. Ladies, when you think you have finished urinating, stand up for 20 seconds or so and sit back down. You will be surprised how much more comes out.

 

Can products make incontinence more manageable?

We understand that comfort is paramount when it comes to incontinence management products. That's why we designed 'Comforts' with comfort and convenience in mind. 

 

Our pads and liners are made from 100% natural cotton and have no scents, no chlorine bleach, and no synthetic materials. At the same time, they are highly absorbent and hypo-allergenic, making them reliable and kind to your skin. 

 

Comforts pads can be used for both light and very heavy flow leakage, so you'll always be covered. 

 

We are passionate about our mission to support women naturally in every stage of life, and we're confident that Comforts pads will help you have a more comfortable and stress-free life.

 

Browse our range here!