Health tips: Incontinence and sexuality

Vetter, Richard J., Ph.D.

From:rvetter@mayo.edu 
To: PCa Support Group

Fri, Aug 2 at 3:33 PM

Hey Support Group members,

I just received the article below, which may be of interest to some of you. Have a great weekend!

Dick

Subject: Health tips: Incontinence and sexuality

Mayo Clinic Press: https://app.e.response.mayoclinic.org/e/es?s=74881809&e=3044419&elqTrackId=ec6c4c9a31244e558e6792b4d28b045d&elq=9d4252c19aaa49319103edd65660aabb&elqaid=20468&elqat=1

Health tips: Incontinence and sexuality

Dear Reader,

Incontinence and sexuality are topics that many people find difficult to talk about, and combining the two into one conversation can be even more intimidating. Certainly, incontinence can have a negative effect on your sex life if you let it. But it doesn’t necessarily have to get in the way of intimacy.

If you feel that problems with incontinence are affecting your sex life or your sexuality in general — how you feel about yourself as a sexual being — consider having a frank discussion with your doctor or a therapist.

In the meantime, the following suggestions may help improve your sex life:

• Talk with each other. As difficult as it may seem initially, talk with your partner about your condition. You may be surprised at how understanding and willing to accommodate your partner can be. If necessary, seek professional help in breaking down communication barriers between you and your partner.
• Expand your definition of sex. There are countless variations on sexual intimacy. Touch can be a good alternative to intercourse. It can simply mean holding each other or sensual massage.
• Try a different position. Perhaps a different position makes intercourse easier for you. If you’re in a comfortable position, you’re more likely to feel free to concentrate on making love and may be less prone to leakage. For women, being on top may provide better pelvic muscle control. Ask your partner about his or her needs and ways that you can also be accommodating.
• Empty your bladder beforehand. To reduce your chances of leakage during lovemaking, avoid drinking fluids for an hour or so before sex and empty your bladder immediately before starting.
• Wear a diaphragm (women). Because of where a diaphragm sits in the female pelvis, it can provide support to the bladder and urethra and help prevent leakage during sexual intercourse.
• Do your Kegels. Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and reduce leakage.
• Be prepared. Having towels handy or using disposable pads on your bed may help ease some of your anxiety if you’re worried about wetness.
• Keep a sense of humor. A sense of humor can help you overcome problems and even create greater intimacy between you and your partner.

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Most incontinence can be improved or cured. Find information and answers from Mayo Clinic experts.