Incontinence in Teenagers

What is Incontinence in Teenagers?

The effective management of incontinence in teenagers involves medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and coping strategies that help maintain confidence and participation in daily life.

This article explores ways for teenagers to navigate social situations and daily life while managing incontinence, focusing on medical interventions, practical coping strategies, and emotional support.

Seeking Medical Help for Incontinence in Teenagers

What is the First Step in Managing Incontinence in Teenagers?

The first step in managing incontinence in teenagers is seeking medical advice. A specialist healthcare professional can identify underlying causes and recommend treatments. Encouragingly, with specialist intervention incontinence can often be prevented, better managed, and even cured, so chat with your doctor for advice and support.

Treatment Options: Medications, Therapies, and Lifestyle Changes

• Certain medications can help reduce bladder and bowel accidents depending on the cause⁴
• Pelvic floor muscle training may also minimise episodes of incontinence by strengthening the muscles that help control the bladder and bowels.
• Biofeedback therapy is another effective approach, allowing individuals to gain awareness and control over bladder and bowel function⁵
• In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to restore continence after all other options have failed.

Treatment Options: Lifestyle Changes

• Avoiding caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
• Remaining hydrated
• Eating a healthy high fibre diet
• Sitting on the toilet in a relaxed forward leaning position to facilitate complete emptying of the bladder and bowels and not going ‘just in case’ or straining to open your bowels
• Another good practice is timed toileting, going at regular intervals (e.g. every 2-3 hours) to prevent accidents before they occur. It’s important that you’re mindful of going to the toilet before bed, embark on a long journey, or start exercising.
• Similarly, you’re most likely to have your bowels open after eating so you might schedule in a toilet visit after a main meal. Just remember, there many options for managing incontinence.

Choosing the Right Absorbent Products for Protection

There are so many continence products on the market that you’re sure to find something that meets your individual needs and preferences, from washable products to disposable products, in all different styles, shapes and sizes. Remembering to keep clean and dry is imperative, so you can be confident that your dignity is protected. With the latest technology, products can prevent leaks, are highly absorbent, control odours, and are comfortable to wear.

What are some Products for Managing Incontinence and Protection?

There are also options to protect your surrounds including:

• Chair covers
• Mattress protectors
• Absorbent bed pads
• If you’re on the go, you might even consider portable and disposable urinals, so you don’t have to stress about finding toilet facilities in places you’re not familiar with.

Whatever your unique continence needs, there is a solution for everyone.

Practical Tips for Managing Incontinence in Daily Life

As a teenager, if you’re anxious about accidents and leaks, the best thing you can do for your confidence is be prepared! Knowing you can manage accidents if they occur will help you relax and enjoy yourself. Here are some things to think about while you go about your daily life:

• Create an emergency kit in case of accidents and keep it close at hand. In your emergency kit include pads, wipes, hand sanitiser, a change of underwear and clothing, and a bag for wet clothing.
• Use scented, opaque nappy bags for wet and soiled pads that can be sealed or tied and discreetly disposed of without anyone knowing the contents. These are great for home, school, at friends’ houses, or when you’re out and about.
• If you’re away from your familiar environment, look up where toilet facilities are located so you’re prepared if you need to get there in a rush.
• Layered, loose, dark clothing hides leaks very well. Also consider access; buttons and zips can hinder removing clothes in a rush, whereas elastic waist bands, skirts or dresses are much easier to remove quickly.

Lastly, support groups and online communities are a great place to connect with other teenagers who have similar challenges. Community groups can offer valuable tips and insights, while ensuring you don’t feel alone on your journey⁷.

Managing Incontinence at School

Educational settings have a duty of care to support students with health needs. You may therefore be able to have some additional supports in school, including:

• Free access to use the bathroom facilities whenever you need them, with use of a ‘toilet pass’ or similar
• Access to disabled bathrooms, so you have more room to change if you need too
• Extra time in exams to allow for toilet breaks

Final Thoughts

Incontinence in teenagers can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s possible to manage daily life, school, and social situations confidently. By seeking medical treatment, using protective products, building a support network, adopting lifestyle changes, and developing management strategies you can navigate your journey with confidence and enjoy daily life to the full.