1. Stick to a Schedule
Establish a schedule of urinating every three to four hours, and try to plan accordingly so you are sure to have a bathroom close at hand at those times. When you finish urinating, don't get up and go just yet. Let your bladder muscles relax for a few moments, then try to urinate again. Urinating on a regular schedule, as well as "double-voiding" to make sure your bladder is completely emptied, can help to minimize your risk of the types of accidents associated with urge incontinence.
2. Clear the Way
Make sure that you establish a quick and easy route to the nearest bathroom from anywhere you are likely to be in your home or office. The quicker you can get to the bathroom, the fewer the accidents and the less the damage. You should also try to wear the type of clothing that can easily be removed or lifted for you to gain access--lifting up a loose skirt will allow you to urinate more quickly than if you need to struggle with tight jeans. Needless to say, you should avoid one-piece garments like jumpsuits at all costs. If you prefer the look of a one-piece swimsuit, you may find that a tankini gives you the same look while allowing you to go to the bathroom much more quickly and easily.
3. Invest in a Little Protection
If you have frequent nighttime wetting accidents such as are often associated with certain types of incontinence, a bed pad can save your sheets and mattress. Adult diapers and other absorbent undergarments are readily available, and if you wear them under loose clothing they can help to conceal all evidence that you've experienced an episode of incontinence. If your type of female incontinence runs more toward a tiny dribble than a full-scale pants wetting, you can try wearing a sanitary napkin or a similar small pad designed for just such situations.
4. Join a Support Group
Living with female urinary incontinence can be very stressful. In addition to having to plan your every activity around bathroom access, you also have to live with the shame and embarrassment that can result from this type of disorder. Many fellow sufferers have found that it helps them to have a support group of friends who also suffer from incontinence, with whom they can share horror stories as well as coping tactics. Once you realize that you are not alone--that women including movie stars, Olympic athletes and even your own coworkers and neighbors also suffer from incontinence--you may find yourself feeling a lot better about your ability to live with this condition.
