How to Manage Bladder Leaks on a Plane

You've got past the long check-in line, and the routine security check, and finally, you're through.

Scan through duty-free. A quick bite to eat. One last trip to the toilet. Now we're on board.

38,000 Feet in the Air and Nowhere to Go

You’re 38,000 feet in the air, seatbelt light on, the urge to pee creeps in and the panic hits. You’re stuck. You can’t move. You can’t go. You just have to wait and hope.

For most people, it’s annoying.
Now imagine what it's like for those living with incontinence.

It's not when you need to go, it's when you can. Don't think you're the only one raring to go either. There’s a reason people with incontinence dread flying, it’s not the holiday. It’s the hours of forced stillness and the constant gamble of “Will I make it?”

The fear of a leak, people might notice, what about the smell?

Stay in Control

Relax.

Take control.

Equip yourself with adequate protection, the type that keeps you comfortable, especially for those long-haul flights. Bring a backup if you need, just for peace of mind.

Watch what you consume. You don’t need a reminder to “cut back on the coffee”, and don't think you need to dehydrate yourself. Dehydration makes your urine more concentrated, consequently becoming an irritant to your bladder.

Don’t Let One Moment Define the Whole Journey

Most importantly, don't panic. As soon as the seatbelt light is off, you're free to go, yes, maybe a queue has formed, no need for fear. You've got this.

So talk to the staff if you need to. Plan unapologetically. Don’t wait until it’s unbearable. And if something goes wrong? That’s not the end of your holiday, it’s a human moment. Nothing more.

You deserve to travel. You deserve peace.

Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance. All sources used in this article are cited below.