Millions of people struggle with bladder issues, but few openly discuss them. Individuals who suffer from these conditions are often ashamed of the symptoms, so they choose to stay silent. This piece will show that there’s no reason to be embarrassed. This is a resourceful guide on how to fight the stigma around incontinence for those who don’t want to hide in the shadows any longer.

Do Your Research

One way patients can overcome incontinence stigma is by doing their research. Studies prove that over 15 million Americans experience bladder issues—75 to 80 percent of that number are women. Perhaps if people knew how common these problems were, they’d realize they aren’t alone. The healing process begins with studying up on the conditions so that individuals understand hope does exist.

Educate the Public

Breaking stigmas goes far beyond patient research. The general public must also educate themselves so that incontinence issues are less frowned upon. Fortunately, medical facilities can do simple things to help individuals learn more about these problems. First, doctors can place pamphlets in their offices, explaining facts about the condition. Physicians can also ask every one of their patients if they struggle with controlling their bladder. The more open a medical professional is, the more comfortable people will feel telling them about symptoms.

Empathy Goes a Long Way

Another step in ending the stigma around incontinence is to show empathy. Individuals who struggle with bladder problems often feel uncomfortable discussing them because they’re afraid of how others will react. That’s why it’s vital for loved ones to show compassion when someone opens up about these problems. Friends and family shouldn’t make jokes about the conditions, but rather support them any way they can.

Physicians must also have a great bedside manner when a patient opens up about incontinence. Doctors shouldn’t dismiss how someone feels about these problems just because they’re common. Rather, they should treat every case differently and allow everyone to express their concerns. Again, the more compassionate a medical expert is, the more comfortable patients will be. Consequently, their treatment plan will improve.

Enter Support Groups

Since incontinence is more common than people may realize, those afflicted with the condition should consider joining a support group. Support groups are a safe space where like-minded people can share their anxieties. Individuals can find strength in one another. Also, people may be able to share some helpful tips that others didn’t know existed. Anyone who is struggling to find people within the incontinence community should consider joining a support group.

Take Action

People can also help end the stigma around bladder problems by taking concrete action. Attempting to resolve incontinence problems doesn’t mean someone is ashamed of them. In fact, searching for solutions is an excellent way to show individuals that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here are a few things that patients can do to alleviate symptoms.

Purchase Incontinence Products

Fortunately, there are many discreet incontinence products on the market today. TotalDry is one of the industry leaders, and we’re dedicated to helping those with urinary problems lead fulfilling lives. We sell high-quality adult care products such as reusable underwear and bedsheets that’ll prevent things from getting ruined if an accident occurs. Our strongest selling point is that everything we offer is discreet. So, people won’t have to open up about their urinary issues until they’re ready.

Pelvic-Friendly Exercises

Incontinence issues stem from a weak pelvis. As a result, medical professionals recommend adding pelvic-strengthening exercises to daily routines. Kegels, for example, are incredibly simple to complete. Individuals just have to lay on a flat surface and lift their pelvis towards the air. People should hold their pelvis in this position for 10 to 15 seconds to strengthen their muscles. Hopefully, these exercises will help patients fight the urge to urinate more than usual.

Medications & Procedures

If other treatments do not work, physicians may prescribe medications to deal with urinary problems. For example, doctors occasionally recommend getting Botox injections every few months to strengthen the muscles around the bladder. People can also undergo nerve stimulation procedures to make their bladders stronger. Doctors typically only advise trying these methods when other alternatives prove to be ineffective.

Again, just because someone tries to treat their incontinence doesn’t mean they’re ashamed. On the contrary, by researching effective treatments, patients show others that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The remainder of this piece will talk about one final thing people can do to overcome the stigma surrounding bladder issues.

Embrace Emotions

Dealing with incontinence brings up a whole host of emotions. Patients should allow themselves to feel angry or sad when they need to. Expressing feelings doesn’t make a person weaker. Conversely, by expressing emotions, people can show others how complex these problems are. Individuals can be sad one day and feel empowered the next day. There’s no one way to feel about these conditions. That’s why those afflicted should rely on like-minded people when they need extra support.

This guide on how to fight the stigma around incontinence will help people get rid of their embarrassment. Urinary problems are more common than individuals realize. Perhaps if more patients opened up about their symptoms, the stigma would begin to shatter. Transparent communication falls on both the patients themselves and medical experts.

If medical professionals are compassionate while treating their patients, they’ll feel more confident expressing how they feel. After all, doctors can only provide a comprehensive treatment plan to those who are honest with them. If someone does tell them the truth, then that physician can start discussing effective treatment options. For starters, medical experts can recommend discreet adult care products from companies like TotalDry. Our goal is to offer superior items that help individuals feel confident in their own skin. We want to empower each one of our customers by letting them know these problems are common. No one should let incontinence stop them from living an enriching life—there are many helpful solutions out there.