STEP 6: SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Receive custom tools to help you manage your condition and get the latest in bladder and bowel health from NAFC!
STEP 6: SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
Sometimes, even the most persistent plan of action may not alleviate the symptoms of incontinence. If after making behavioral modifications based on your triggers, completing 6-8 weeks of exercises, and retraining your bladder or bowel you are still struggling with managing your incontinence, it may be time to seek professional help through a physician or PT. Be sure to bring your completed bladder or bowel diary, your plan of action, and any other notes you may have about your self-management with you to your appointment. Your efforts have not been in vain and all your records will help paint a more accurate and personalized portrait of your condition to your doctor, which will help him create a customized treatment plan for you moving forward. Your doctor may recommend further evaluation or sessions with a physical therapist, and, in some cases, may even discuss surgical options.
USING A CARE PATHWAY
Many patients find a Care Pathway very useful in determining an appropriate treatment plan. A Care Pathway can serve as a road map to managing your symptoms, and it can take some of the guesswork out of determining your next step if your current treatment isn’t working for you. Click on the image of the Care Pathway for Overactive Bladder at right for a better sense of the route that treatment typically takes. You can even download this tool and take it to your doctor to discuss your options together.
Speaking of doctors, if you don’t already have a healthcare practitioner to help you with your incontinence symptoms, visit the NAFC Specialist Locator to find one in your area. And, download this free brochure for tips on talking with your doctor and making the most of your discussion.
RELATED ARTICLES
The Basics of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
The prostate is a walnut shaped gland responsible for producing semen in a man’s reproductive system. Enlargement of this gland is pretty typical, as most
Managing Incontinence After Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer
With all there is to think about when getting treated for prostate cancer, the idea of incontinence might not be high on your list. But if you’re undergoing radiation or surgery, there’s a good chance it will be. Incontinence is remarkably common for men following these treatments, but there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and return to more normal function. Today’s guest is a patient who’s gone through it all firsthand, and he’s here to share what he’s learned to help make your own care journey a little easier.
Top Tips For Greater Discretion
If you experience moderate to severe incontinence and use disposable absorbent products, it’s likely that you place a high emphasis on being discreet about your condition, especially in public places. Visible bulk, rustling sounds and odors from your product can cause you great embarrassment and draw unwanted attention, making you feel self-conscious.
To help you maintain your dignity and self-confidence, we’ve gathered our top tips to help you to fully participate in your daily activities, work and social gatherings, without worrying about others noticing you’re wearing an absorbent product. Maintaining privacy around your incontinence helps preserve your sense of normalcy and prevents potential stigma or uncomfortable questions from others.
Showing Incontinence Who’s Boss In The Workplace
Dealing with an overactive bladder or urinary incontinence is never fun, but managing bladder leaks, sudden urgency, and frequent bathroom trips at work can be
