Coping With Incontinence at Work

Man working at this desk
For many individuals with special and/or complex healthcare needs, incontinence is a normal part of everyday life. However, no one wants incontinence to interrupt their day, especially while they are at work. Wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurse, Cheryl Hutton, with CHC Solutions provides tips for coping with incontinence at work.

Preventing and Preparing for Incontinence at Work

Following these tips can help to prevent a problem with incontinence from occurring at work and prepare individuals if one does occur:

  • Scheduling time to use the bathroom
  • Eliminating or drinking fewer beverages that can irritate the bladder
  • Staying hydrated
  • Using/having the correct products

Scheduling Time to Use the Bathroom

As the workday goes on, you may become busy and forget or wait to use the bathroom. It can be helpful to set specific times to use the bathroom whether you have the urge to go or not. This allows you to continuously relieve your bladder and helps to prevent an incontinence issue from happening at work.

Consider setting alarms for yourself as a reminder and keeping these times in mind when organizing your schedule. You may have already informed your supervisor of your special and/or complex healthcare need, but it can be beneficial to also let them know that you may need more frequent bathroom breaks.

Eliminating or Drinking Fewer Beverages That Can Irritate the Bladder

Certain beverages can irritate the bladder. This differs by person, but common bladder irritants include apple juice, carbonated drinks, coffee and tea. By using a process of elimination, you can try to identify what beverages are common irritants for you and eliminate or drink fewer amounts a day.

Staying Hydrated

Experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Although drinking water will cause the need to use the bathroom, you should not cut down on the amount you are drinking. It is important to get enough water to help prevent dehydration and maintain your health.

Using/Having the Correct Products

There are many products on the market that can help contain urinary leakage. The product you use should be one that works best for you individually, and you may need to try more than one type to determine which works best.

Listed below are types of incontinence products on the market. To learn more about these products click here.

  • Liners
  • Pads
  • Protective Underwear/Pullups
  • Fitted Briefs/Diapers
  • Underpads

Overall, talk with your doctors if you are frequently experiencing issues with incontinence at work or in general. They can help provide more tips and information based on what works best for you.

To learn more about bladder irritants, visit https://www.chcsolutions.com/continuum_connect/incontinence/bladder-irritants/.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.