Summer is such a fantastic time! Most people will flock to the nearest beach, pool, or waterpark to beat the heat and have a blast with family and friends.

For those dealing with incontinence, these outings can sometimes feel a bit stressful. Worries about wearing swimwear comfortably or concerns about leakage in the water can impact the fun.

But don’t worry! Incontinence doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying swimming. Check out these 4 tips to help you hit the beach or pool with confidence and peace of mind. Get ready to make the most of sunny days with your loved ones!

Before we share our tips…

It’s good to know that if you leak a little urine or even fully empty your bladder in the ocean, it’s completely harmless. Lots of people do this, even those without incontinence.

If you just have light bladder leaks or drips, swimming in a pool is usually fine too. Just try to empty your bladder before you dive in, as urine mixed with chlorine can cause some skin irritation for you and others.

For those with heavier urine leakage, uncontrollable bladder voids, or faecal incontinence, it’s important to empty your bladder and/or bowel before swimming. Additionally, investing in incontinence swimwear can make a big difference (more on that soon).

Tip 1: Prepare yourself before entering the water

As we mentioned earlier, emptying your bladder and/or bowel before jumping into the water is super important.

Be sure to remove any incontinence aids that aren’t designed for swimming, like pads, guards, pull-ups, and slips.

These aids will soak up the water you’re swimming in, making them uncomfortable and potentially causing them to burst or break. The super absorbent polymers in these products can also harm pool filters and marine life in oceans and waterways.

Tip 2: Invest in quality incontinence swimwear

Thankfully, you can find specially-made incontinence swimwear for both kids and adults. Before buying, just make sure the swimwear suits your type and level of incontinence to avoid any unwanted accidents at the beach or pool.

Once you’re out of the water, we recommend changing out of the swimwear and using a pad or guard until you’re ready to swim again. This will provide extra absorbency and protection.

Tip 3: Look into other incontinence devices

Aside from incontinence swimwear, there are other devices that can help control leaks while swimming.

For women, there’s a pessary device that can be inserted into the vagina to apply pressure against the urethra, helping to stop urine flow. It’s similar to a tampon but works differently. While it’s not suitable for everyone, it can effectively reduce urine flow while swimming and is discreet and easy to use.

Men can use a penile clamp or cuff, which also helps to stop urine flow while swimming. Many men find these devices relatively comfortable once they get used to them, though comfort levels vary. The clamp works by compressing the urethra, preventing urine from escaping, and is placed halfway down the length of the penis. These are meant for short-term use and should be released every 1-2 hours, according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Both of these devices can have side effects if not used correctly or too frequently, so it’s important to seek advice from your GP or continence nurse before using them.

Tip 4: Choose your food and drinks wisely

What you eat and drink before and during your pool or beach day can affect your incontinence symptoms.

To keep things comfortable, try to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder and bowel, like caffeine, carbonated drinks, spicy foods, acidic foods (like fruits and tomatoes), and alcohol.

Instead, stay hydrated with water and enjoy snacks like carrots, celery, and berries, which are gentler on your system. Always check with your GP, dietitian, or continence nurse before making any changes to your diet.

At Invizi, we firmly believe incontinence shouldn’t stop you from doing the things you love. While it may mean planning ahead and making a few adjustments, everything is still possible and you can live life to the fullest.

We hope this tips help you to make unforgettable memories in the sun and water without fear!