Urinary incontinence and road trips are generally not a good mix. Sudden urges, a lack of bathrooms, and diaper leaks all can prevent you from hitting the road. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With preparation and the right supplies, road trips while managing incontinence can be stress-free. Follow the tips below to help control your flow:
- Bring Travel John.
When you’re on a road trip, sometimes you just want to get to your destination as soon as possible and avoid making stops as much as possible. It can also be difficult to find restrooms, especially in unfamiliar places. Here’s where Travel John can come in handy. It’s a portable urinal that can be used by both men and women. This nifty product is perfect if you have urge incontinence or an overactive bladder.
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Practice your kegels. Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t practice your kegels while on the road. Kegels help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which in turn, help strengthen your control over sudden leaks. Make them a daily habit – do your kegels at least three times a day for 15 minutes per session. The great thing about kegels is that no one will know you’re doing them!
- Pack extra incontinence supplies.
If you’re road tripping from coast to another, or across several states, you’ll need extra protection. You most likely won’t be able to find your favorite brand or type of incontinence undergarment in stores, so it’s best to pack extra from home. Add booster pads to your supply as they help provide the extra absorbency needed for long road trips. Don’t forget to bring wet wipes and diaper rash cream to keep your skin clean and healthy.
- Protect the seat from wetting accidents.
Accidents happen. Sometimes an urge becomes too great and your diaper starts to flood. Plus, you’re bound to fall asleep at some point during the hours-long car ride. This can be a problem if you have bedwetting issues. Avoid soiling your upholstery and protect your seat with a waterproof underpad. These absorbent pads are multi-layered and soft to the touch. Some underpads even come with tape on the bottom for a more secure fit.
- Don’t forget to drink water.
Most people go on a coffee binge to try to stay awake during a long car ride. However, coffee is a bladder irritant, which means you may find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual. Try to drink less coffee and more water instead. Water helps you stay hydrated, making your bladder healthy and happy. If you’re the driver, chew gum or snack on something to help keep you awake. If you aren’t traveling alone, ask someone to stay awake with you and keep you entertained and alert.
Road trips don’t have to be a pain! The key thing is to always be prepared and protected. Don’t let incontinence take you away from going on that long-desired vacation. Safe travels!