We are currently in Bladder Health Week AND Bladder Health Awareness Month. But what do those two mean for you personally?

Well, every person, continent or not, should be doing their best to keep their bladder healthy. For many people, that’s as simple as staying hydrated (the quoted figure of drinking eight 8-ounce glass of water a day isn’t necessarily right for everyone, but it’s a number to strive for) (and don’t forget that all liquids count towards that goal). Additionally, people should take cues from their bladders and use the restroom before it becomes an emergency. And of course get yearly physicals.

But there’s more than that for many of the people who are incontinent. Maintaining bladder health in the face of the threat of urinary tract infections (UTIs), compromised skin and other potential problems can be more than difficult. Not to mention the issues that are causing the incontinence.

The best way for those with incontinence to skirt UTIs is to not wear a wet brief for longer than necessary. Additionally, very absorbent briefs can whisk the moisture away from the skin. As long as the area is dry, there is no need to change the diaper immediately. However, all briefs should be changed if there are feces in the brief, as that is a major carrier or bacteria.

Keeping skin clean and dry and bacteria free can also help with bladder health. It will keep UTIs at bay and maintain a better pelvic environment overall. One suggestion is to use gentle cleansing wash on the area.

What are your best tips for maintaining bladder health? We’d love to hear this this week, month, or anytime!