Yes, incontinence can get worse in cold weather and during the wintertime. In fact, several factors can worsen winter incontinence, exacerbating symptoms and possibly making it more challenging to manage your condition whenever temperatures drop.
If you know what’s going on and how incontinence typically responds to cold weather, you can take the right steps to better address your shifting needs — and you won’t have to worry about “surprise” complications, like leaks, that could pop up when you least expect them.
With that in mind, here’s a deeper look at:
- Why Incontinence Can Worsen in Cold Weather
- What Can Make Cold Weather Incontinence Worse: 3 Factors
- How to Address & Manage Winter Incontinence: 10 Simple & Helpful Tips
This guide to winter incontinence shares key insights in under ~3 minutes, with helpful explanations, advice, and resources for anyone with mild to severe incontinence.
While we invite you to bookmark and share this, please don’t hesitate to contact MyMedSupplies for help getting incontinence supplies with Medicaid in WA, OR, or ID.
Known for providing exceptional customer care and the highest-quality incontinence supplies, MyMedSupplies is one of the most trusted medical supply stores in the Northwest U.S.
Why Incontinence Can Worsen in Cold Weather
If you have fecal or urinary incontinence, you may notice that your condition changes when the temperatures drop. If you do, it’s likely because cold weather can affect the body in a few key ways that can potentially worsen incontinence.
Specifically, cold winter weather typically results in:
- Lower temperatures: Colder temperatures can cause the bladder to contract more frequently, leading to increased urgency and potential leakage.
- Reduced physical activity: People tend to be less active during colder months, which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and possibly worsen incontinence symptoms.
- Increased coughs and sneezes: Cold and flu season usually comes with more coughing and sneezing. That can put extra pressure on the bladder and pelvic muscles, causing stress incontinence and/or intensifying fecal incontinence.
- Dehydration: In winter, people may drink less water to avoid feeling cold, leading to concentrated urine that can irritate the bladder.
This combination of factors often make colder weather more disruptive and challenging for anyone living with incontinence.
What Can Make Cold Weather Incontinence Worse: 3 Factors
With winter incontinence, more intense symptoms can get even worse when any of the following is also involved:
1. Certain Food & Drinks
Urinary incontinence can get worse with caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes), spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners, all of which tend to irritate the bladder.
On the other hand, fecal incontinence is typically exacerbated by high-fat foods, dairy, and artificial additives. Limiting or avoiding these types of food and drinks can help offset the impacts of winter incontinence.
2. Lifestyle Habits
Smoking can worsen incontinence with chronic coughing. Similarly:
- A sedentary lifestyle can weaken pelvic floor muscles and contribute to incontinence.
- Being overweight can add pressure to the bladder and bowels, leading to increased incontinence episodes.
3. Stress & Anxiety
Emotional stress can worsen bladder symptoms, releasing cortisol and other stress hormones that can:
- Impact bladder function
- Lead to more frequent urges to urinate
- Contribute to bowel movement irregularities.
These lifestyle choices and factors can aggravate incontinence to varying degrees, and they can all be managed through informed decision-making.
How to Address & Manage Winter Incontinence: 10 Helpful Tips
If you or a loved one has urinary or fecal incontinence that seems to get worse in cold weather, here are some simple, yet highly effective, tips for managing incontinence with greater ease. These are separated into tips for urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence.
5 Tips for Managing Cold-Weather Urinary Incontinence
For mild, moderate, and severe urinary incontinence:
- Stay hydrated and avoid bladder irritants: Drink enough water to stay hydrated, but limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, all of which can irritate your bladder.
- Perform pelvic floor exercises (kegels): Strengthen the muscles that control urination by performing kegel exercises daily. This can help reduce stress incontinence symptoms.
- Try bladder training: Gradually extend the time between bathroom visits to improve bladder control. This may help reduce urgency and frequency.
- Wear appropriate incontinence products: Choose incontinence pads, liners, and/or adult diapers that provide the right absorbency for your needs, especially during winter when symptoms may worsen. Consider wearing booster pads for additional protection.
- Maintain a healthy weight: For any overweight, losing some weight may reduce pressure on the bladder, helping to offset symptoms somewhat.
5 Tips to Better Manage Cold-Weather Fecal Incontinence
For fecal incontinence:
- Adjust your diet: Incorporate high-fiber foods to maintain regular bowel movements. Avoid foods that cause loose stools, like dairy and greasy foods.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity can help you maintain bowel regularity. Low-impact exercises, like walking, can be effective.
- Practice good bathroom habits: Avoid delaying bowel movements, as this can worsen incontinence. Try to establish a regular bathroom schedule.
- Consider medications or supplements, if needed: Stool-bulking agents, antidiarrheal medications, or fiber supplements may provide relief, depending on your condition. Consult your doctor before starting any course of medication.
- Talk to your healthcare provider: As your needs change, you may need an updated prescription for more incontinence supplies. You may also have questions about your evolving incontinence. Talking to your doctor and checking in routinely can help you get what you need with minimal hassle and maximum efficiency.
How to Get Incontinence Supplies via Medicaid in WA, OR & ID
The right supplies and products can make all the difference in managing winter incontinence. They can also restore priceless protection, confidence, and peace of mind. No matter how cold weather impacts your incontinence, you may be eligible to get free incontinence supplies through Medicaid in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho if you’re covered by a state Medicaid program.
If you are, it’s time to contact MyMedSupplies.
We have 40+ years’ experience in the medical supply and Medicaid space, and we’re accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) to provide Durable Medical Equipment, Respiratory Services, and Medical Supplies. Beyond that, our exceptional coordinators are devoted to providing excellent customer care, VIP service, and reliable access to high-quality incontinence supplies.
That’s why MyMedSupplies is among the most trusted medical supply stores in the Pacific Northwest — and why you can turn to us when it’s time to get free incontinence products with Medicaid.