Practical Tips for Living with Incontinence

Despite our efforts to break the taboo around male urinary problems, many men are still reluctant to talk about it. So, we were delighted when a forum member reached out to us and offered to share his story. By actively sharing his experiences, he hopes to help others who may be facing similar challenges, offering practical advice and reassurance that life can continue with confidence and dignity despite the difficulties of incontinence.

How Do you Manage Incontinence Daily?

I typically wear about three Men’s pull-ups during the day. However, when I’m just at home, I sometimes switch to a men’s guard in boxers to give my skin a break. At night, I wear an Adult Overnight Diapers.

I will also wear a full diaper if I will be on a long car trip, airplane, anywhere I cannot quickly access a restroom. I use a few different barrier creams twices or so a day. Wipes to keep clean etc.

I have considered trying a carer brand boxer type underwear I could put a pad in to change out easily. Kind of like extra protection but I was unsure what to purchase.Then I got a sample of CARER’s boxer briefs and decided to give them a shot. (We can't wait to hear how they worked for you. Once we get your feedback, we’ll update this article to include your experience, so stay tuned!)

What Has Your Treatment Journey Been Like

 I have seen a Urologist for about 2.5 years after the leaking kept getting worse. I have tried Toviaz, Oxybutynin, and now on myrbetriq. Myrbetrq helps some, not quite as much as the others for OAB but, the side effects are less. I stopped the others cause I was tired of dealing with side effects. I get a bladder scan about every 6 months at appts. I retain a bit but not a ton. I have a Urodynamics study scheduled this week. After which I am told I can pick from Interstim implant, bladder botox or a weekly tibial nerve stimulation.  I am unsure of what I will try. I am leaning toward trying the botox but the procedure does not sound fun. I'm willing to try it once and go from there.  Tibial nerve stim, I would try this but it's a weekly thing for months and the hospital is a 3 hour round trip for me.   I will probably try interstim after botox. It's a procedure you have to go under for so not an easy thing to just do but I'm willing to give it a go

(Please note that this is a personal treatment situation and may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.)

How Does Incontinence Impact Your Daily Life?

Accepting the need for protection was a significant mental hurdle. I gave into wearing a pad about 4 years ago and waited a while before seeing a Dr. I decided protection is better than wet pants but it takes a while mentally to get used to it. Adapting - I guess I'm used to it now but I always have a change with me, always take a small bag or something to carry things in and out of a public restroom.
There have been a few events I have not attended cause I was overwhelmed thinking about having an accident. I don't go places where I can have my own room / privacy like share a motel overnight. Swimming is a challenge. I usually put a pad in mens trunks and lose it somewhere nearby in a bathroom. Sit on a towel until I can get somewhere to change immediately after the pool. Its anxiety inducing.

What Advice Would You Give to Others?

There are many others with incontinence, look at the shelves in the stores half empty of products. So, you're not alone.
Try many products. Unfortunately they are expensive so it's a lot of trial and error. Even samples are expensive. I always try a new product in my home for a while before trusting it when away. After you find the right product and trust it, life can go on.
Plan ahead. Planning with some trial and error makes it easier. Keep a change of shorts or whatever all in your car just in case. Keep a change of pad in a discreet bag with you or close so you don't have to run home every time.
Wear pants slightly larger to hide bulk. Dark colors hide leaks better if they happen.

The hardest thing to get over is others finding out. People will not notice and eventually you get over the plastic sounds etc. in the restroom when you change. I used to be super paranoid about it but now I don't care. Not like a stranger going to confront you about hearing you change your pad.

In the end, it’s about finding what works best for you, and with some planning and trial and error, you can manage incontinence and continue living your life.

Summary

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community member who bravely shared his story. His experiences offer valuable insights into managing incontinence:

Seek Medical Help Early: One of the most important steps is seeking medical advice as soon as you notice symptoms. Early intervention can help manage the condition more effectively and provide you with the best treatment options.

Find the Right Products: Don’t be discouraged by trial and error when it comes to finding the right incontinence products. It’s essential to experiment with different options until you discover what works best for your lifestyle and comfort.

Engage with the Community: Connecting with others who face similar challenges can be incredibly supportive. Whether through online forums or local groups, sharing experiences and advice can help you feel less isolated.

Build Psychological Resilience: Accepting and adapting to incontinence is a mental journey as much as a physical one. Developing a positive mindset and building resilience are key to maintaining confidence and dignity.

In summary, while incontinence can present challenges, it’s manageable with the right approach and support. CARER is committed to creating the best products and sharing valuable resources to help you live comfortably. We’re also offering free samples—if you're interested, you can click FREE SAMPLE to get them. If you're like our story sharer and aren’t sure what to choose, you can email our customer support team or comment below the article. We also look forward to hearing your feedback on CARER products and hope that our solutions can make a positive difference in your life.

Additionally, we welcome guest posts! If you’d like to share your story or offer your own Incontinence Insights, please reach out to us at market@carerspk.com Your experiences could help others facing similar challenges.