It can be extremely nerve-wracking to tell your loved ones that you are experiencing incontinence – or even if you’re a loved one trying to talk to someone who is experiencing incontinence. We share our tips for talking about it to those close to you.
Talking to your partner about incontinence
For many men and women, just the thought of telling their partners they are experiencing incontinence is mortifying.
But if you have a close, loving and supportive relationship, then trust us: talking to them could make all the difference to your confidence and comfort.
After all, it may not be the sexiest thing in the world, but it’s far from uncommon – particularly for women who have recently given birth. You just need to know how to approach the conversation.
How to talk about incontinence
Sharing your experience with a loved one can go a long way to helping you manage your incontinence. The best way to help you find the confidence to tell them is to prepare ahead of time so you can do it on your terms, when you feel comfortable.
- Get informed on incontinence. Understanding incontinence and how it can affect so many different people is really important. This will help you to feel secure in your knowledge when explaining what you are experiencing.
- Find the right product to give you the confidence you need. Using tried-and-tested products like Depend Active-Fit® let you take back control, so you can feel more confident talking about what is happening to your body.
- Muster the courage to have the conversation. It’s always a good thing to share the issues and problems affecting us with loved ones. A loved one or trusted friend should be understanding and supportive, making you feel relieved that you are no longer having to keep it a secret anymore.
Supporting a partner with incontinence
Whether your partner has told you they have incontinence or you’ve noticed that they seem to be having problems, it can be challenging to know how to talk to them about it.
If you are raising the possibility of treatment with them, this can be difficult. Often the reason they are not talking to you about their incontinence is because they are too embarrassed to talk to anyone or do anything about it. However, there are ways you can help.
- Stay patient and understanding. If you have noticed their incontinence then it is very likely they know they have a problem. Make sure they know you are there to support them and in time they will talk about it.
- Try not to make light of the subject when your partner tells you. Incontinence is something that can be a little uncomfortable to talk about, but it will be a sensitive moment for your partner. It is important that you take the conversation seriously to reassure them you are supporting them.
- Listen with a sensitive and supportive ear. You may not have heard much about incontinence before, or know how many women it affects, or how many men. Make sure you listen to your partner and be there to help them however they need.
Talking about these subjects can really help boost your partner’s confidence and ensure they are not alone – and that can make all the difference.
Why you should talk to your loved one
Telling your loved one can feel like such a relief. You no longer have to feel you are keeping secrets from them and will suddenly feel much less alone in your experience.
Likewise, raising the subject with a loved one you have noticed may be managing incontinence may be difficult at first – they may be understandably defensive – but approached in the right way can make them aware that you are there to support them.
In fact, if you are experiencing incontinence you may well find that talking to your loved ones about it will help you regain your confidence and live life to the full knowing that they are supporting you.
Incontinence products to help you take back control
Love and support can make a huge difference to your incontinence experience - and with the right products, together you can keep doing the things you love with ease.
Depend® offers a range of incontinence products for women, including pads and pants, plus a great range for men too. All are designed to fit your body shape and are delivered in discreet packaging so you feel in complete control.