Urinary incontinence can make women anxious about having sex, especially if they worry about leaking. However, there are some ways to make sex easier and less stressful:
- Communicate. Talking to a partner about urinary incontinence can alleviate some of the anxiety. Women can let their partners know what might happen and that they feel self-conscious or worried about it. Most partners will be supportive. Couples who have trouble talking about incontinence, or other issues that affect their sex lives, may benefit from counseling.
- Limit fluids before sex. Many women find it helpful to stop drinking fluids about an hour before they think they’ll have sex. Coffee and tea may need a few more hours to finish passing through the system.
- Use the bathroom before sex. Some women try “double-voiding” which involves urinating, relaxing the bladder for a moment, and then urinating again. Women should feel comfortable using the bathroom during sexual activity, too.
- Try new positions. Different sexual positions, such as rear entry, side entry, or woman-on-top might put less pressure on the bladder and give women more control.
- Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This may be done with Kegel exercises – quick exercises that can help bladder control. A doctor or physical therapist can help a woman learn to do Kegels correctly. Physical therapy specifically designed for the pelvic floor is another option.
- Keep incontinence supplies nearby. Having towels or incontinence pads nearby can make cleanup easier and quicker.
- Medication. Some women take prescribed drugs before sex, but this strategy needs a doctor’s guidance.
With more bladder control and less anxiety, many women with incontinence find that they can enjoy sex.