Incontinence and Swimming: Beyond Surface-Level Product Solutions
Incontinence does not have to bar swimming in pools or at the beach. Many people manage urinary or bowel incontinence and still spend time in the water [1]. Preparation and practical strategies help maintain comfort.
Understanding the type of incontinence you’re managing
Incontinence describes the accidental loss of urine or stool [2]. It is not a single problem but includes several types [2]. Each type has different causes and ways to manage it [2].
- Stress incontinence means urine leaks during physical activity or pressure on the bladder [2]. This can happen when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising [2].
- Urge incontinence, also called overactive bladder, involves a sudden, strong need to urinate, followed by accidental urine loss [2]. This can occur often, including at night [2].
- Overflow incontinence causes frequent or constant dribbling of urine because the bladder does not empty fully [2].
The causes of incontinence differ widely [2]. They can include weak pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, certain medical conditions, and medicines [2]. Management plans for water activities depend on the specific type of incontinence a person has.
Preparing for Water Activities
Empty the bladder completely right before putting on a swimsuit [1]. Plan to take bathroom breaks often during the activity, perhaps every 30 to 60 minutes [1]. A continence nurse frequently explains that sticking to a schedule of planned bathroom visits helps control bladder volume, particularly for those with urge incontinence [1].
Limiting fluid intake for an hour or two before entering the water can help reduce the amount of urine the bladder holds [1]. Drinking too much fluid at once, especially caffeine or sugary drinks, can irritate the bladder [1]. Limiting these types of drinks can reduce bladder activity [1]. Hydration still matters; avoid dehydration while managing bladder fullness.
Selecting Appropriate Swimwear
For urinary incontinence, special swim briefs or diapers made for water are available. These products contain urine without soaking up water and swelling, unlike regular absorbent pads or standard daytime protective underwear [1]. These garments fit closely to prevent leaks into the water [1]. A snug seal at the waist and around the legs is important for containment.
Standard swimsuits do not typically stop leaks. For bowel incontinence, containing leaks is even more important for health and safety in public pools. The National Association for Continence (NAFC) highlights the need to wear specific swim diapers that hold stool [3]. Wearing a regular swimsuit over these special garments adds another layer of privacy [1].
When Leaks Happen
Specialized products offer protection, but understanding how they work is helpful. Swim briefs and diapers made for water mainly contain small, accidental leaks [1]. They are not designed to absorb large amounts of urine [1].
If a leak occurs, leaving the water quietly is often the first step. For those using public pools, reporting any bowel incontinence incidents to staff is a standard safety measure. This helps keep the water clean for everyone [3].
After Swimming: Hygiene and Skin Care
After swimming, change out of wet swimwear and protective garments quickly [1]. This helps keep skin healthy and clean [1]. Gently clean the genital area using hygiene wet wipes and make sure it is dry before putting on fresh clothes to help prevent skin irritation. Some people find that using a barrier cream helps protect skin that is often damp or easily irritated [1].
Seeking Support for Incontinence
Swimming is a beneficial activity for overall health. It offers low-impact exercise that helps muscle strength and heart health [4]. It can also improve mental well-being [4]. Many people hesitate to discuss incontinence, even with a doctor.
Treatments and management methods are available [5]. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest supervised pelvic floor muscle training as a first step for stress urinary incontinence [6]. This training helps strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder and urethra [6]. A urologist might suggest that behavioral therapies, like bladder training, can also help urge incontinence [2]. This involves slowly increasing the time between bathroom visits [2]. Medication options exist, and sometimes, medical procedures can offer relief [2].
The Cochrane review on bladder training for urinary incontinence, however, notes that while it is a common first-line treatment, the long-term effectiveness for some populations still needs more research [6]. The trade-off with some treatments, such as certain medications for urge incontinence, is that while they can reduce symptoms, they may also cause side effects like dry mouth [2].
When to see a clinician
Talk to a doctor or nurse promptly if you notice any of the following:
- Blood in your urine
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Sudden onset of incontinence with no clear cause
- Incontinence with weakness, numbness, or trouble walking
- Fever, back pain, or signs of a urinary tract infection
- Incontinence that is rapidly worsening
- Bowel incontinence appearing alongside urinary symptoms
Incontinence is common and treatable. Products help manage symptoms, but consulting an incontinence product guide along with receiving a clinical evaluation, pelvic floor therapy, and medication review ensures comprehensive care.
Sources
- forum.nafc.org. https://forum.nafc.org/threads/get-pool-ready-the-dos-and-donts-of-swimming-and-managing-incontinence.2461/
- mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352814
- nafc.org. https://nafc.org/bhealth-blog/ask-the-doc-can-i-go-in-the-pool-if-i-have-bowel-incontinence/
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3138847/
- nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/
- nice.org.uk. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng210/chapter/recommendations
