Hospitalized? Here's How To Pee With Dignity

If you're at the hospital as a patient, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to urination. Depending on your situation, you may be encouraged to use the toilet instead of a bedpan to prevent pressure sores. It's normal to experience involuntary urinary incontinence while at the hospital due to factors such as medication, mobility issues, or equipment getting in the way. If you're having trouble urinating, you can try techniques such as drinking water, massaging your inner thigh, or doing jumping jacks. If you have a catheter, it will either be removed after a few minutes or left in place for an extended period, depending on the type and reason for its use. It's important to ask for help from the hospital staff if you need assistance with urination or have any concerns about your bladder habits.

Asking for help from hospital staff

If you need help going to the toilet while in hospital, don't hesitate to ask the nursing staff. They are used to dealing with the toileting needs of patients who are confined to bed or who have limited mobility. If you have incontinence problems, let the staff know immediately so they can clean you and make you comfortable. You can also ask for a referral to a continence nurse or specialist.

If you are unable to walk to the bathroom, hospital staff can provide you with a bedpan or urinal to use while in bed. These devices allow you to urinate or have a bowel movement without having to get up. If you need assistance using a bedpan or urinal, the staff will respect your privacy and help you. They can also provide you with continence aids such as pads, even if they are different from the ones you use at home.

If you are unable to urinate at all, hospital staff may insert a flexible tube called a catheter into your urethra to drain the urine. This procedure is done to prevent urinary retention, which is more common in older adults and people with certain disorders, such as an enlarged prostate or urinary incontinence. The catheter is removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection.

If you are worried about incontinence issues during your hospital stay, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Find out where the closest toilets are and locate the nursing call bell, making sure it is always within reach. Bring your own walking frame, stick, or other mobility aid if you need one, and always use it. Finally, remember to leave yourself plenty of time to get to the toilet to reduce the risk of falling.

Using a bedpan

If you are in a hospital and need to use a bedpan, it is important to remember that hospital staff are trained to help you in your toileting without making you feel embarrassed. If you are assisting someone else with using a bedpan, be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle. Explain the procedure to the patient and show patience and compassion.

To help someone use a bedpan, first, wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap. Then, put on a pair of disposable gloves. Next, support the lower back of the person with one hand. With your other hand, place the curved edge of the bedpan under the buttocks of the person. Make sure that the bedpan is positioned securely beneath the entire area of the buttocks. Raise the head of the bed until the person is in a sitting position. Sitting upright makes urinating easier. Give the person privacy if possible. If the person is weak, do not leave them alone.

Beforehand, you can run warm water over the bedpan and dry it. A metal bedpan retains heat, so check to make sure it is not too hot before putting it under the person. You can also sprinkle baby powder or talcum powder on the edge of the bedpan to make it easier to slide under the person.

After the person is done, lower the head of the bed. Ask the person to raise their buttocks. Support their lower back with one hand. Carefully remove the bedpan with your other hand. Cover the bedpan with a towel and put it on a chair. Put on disposable gloves. Roll the person onto their side. Put a waterproof pad under their buttocks to protect the bed from spills. Place the bedpan against the buttocks of the person with one hand. While holding the bedpan in place, gently roll the person onto their back and up onto the bedpan.

Drinking water and avoiding bladder irritants

Drinking water is essential for maintaining good bladder health. It is recommended to drink approximately 60 ounces of fluids each day, aiming for urine that is a light yellow colour. However, it is important to listen to your body and adjust your fluid intake accordingly. For example, if you experience bladder pain or an overactive bladder, restricting fluids may be necessary.

While in the hospital, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, unless your doctor advises against it. Staying hydrated can help with bladder control and overall bladder health. It is also beneficial to be aware of and avoid bladder irritants, which can worsen bladder symptoms.

Coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, and caffeinated beverages are known to irritate the bladder and cause dehydration. If you usually consume these drinks, consider limiting your intake or switching to alternative beverages during your hospital stay. For example, you could opt for herbal tea or water with added lemon slices for flavour.

In addition to watching your fluid intake, maintaining a healthy diet is essential for bladder health. While people with healthy bladders may not experience issues, those with overactive bladders or bladder pain should be cautious. Certain foods can trigger symptoms and increase the urgency and frequency of bladder issues. Being mindful of your food choices and planning accordingly can help manage symptoms effectively.

It is also important to note that some medications can contribute to bladder problems. If you experience any changes or concerns about your bladder habits, such as increased urination frequency or pain during urination, be sure to discuss them with a nurse or doctor. They can provide guidance and address any underlying causes.

Maintaining a regular toilet routine

Know Your Surroundings and Ask for Help

Firstly, familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Identify the location of the nearest toilets and ensure you know where the nursing call bell is. Don't hesitate to ask the nursing staff for assistance; they are there to help you and respect your privacy. If you experience incontinence, alert the staff immediately so they can provide cleaning and prevent skin irritation.

Maintain Good Bladder Habits

Try to maintain your regular toilet routine as much as possible. Drink plenty of water (unless advised otherwise by your doctor) and avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks, as these can irritate the bladder. Aim to completely empty your bladder each time you use the toilet. A good toilet position can help with this: sit with a straight back and lean forward, resting your forearms on your thighs.

Manage Incontinence

If you experience incontinence, use the continence aids provided by the hospital, even if they are different from what you use at home. These may include pads or a bedpan/urinal if you are confined to bed. Remember to maintain good hygiene practices when using these devices. If you are concerned about incontinence, ask for a referral to a continence nurse or specialist.

Stay Active and Eat Fibre-Rich Foods

Staying active, even while in hospital, can contribute to good bowel movements. Simple exercises like walking can help stimulate bowel function and improve bladder control. Additionally, focus on eating high-fibre foods. Fibre increases the bulk and softness of stools, making them easier to pass.

Inducing Urination

If you are having difficulty urinating, there are some techniques you can try to induce urination. Drink water or another low-sugar liquid, tap your navel region, massage your lower stomach or inner thighs, or try simple exercises like jumping jacks. Remember, if you experience persistent difficulty urinating, inform your healthcare providers, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition.

Remember, maintaining a regular toilet routine in a hospital setting is important for your health and comfort. Don't be afraid to ask for help and make use of the aids provided to manage any incontinence issues.

Using a catheter

A catheter is a hollow tube that is inserted into your urethra and into your bladder to drain urine. Catheters are used when a person is unable to urinate at all or is retaining a large amount of urine. They are also used to treat urinary incontinence (leaking urine or being unable to control when you urinate) and urinary retention (being unable to empty your bladder when you need to).

Foley catheters are a common type of catheter used to drain urine from your bladder into a collection bag. While you are awake, the catheter is connected to a collection bag that attaches to your leg. While you sleep, you may wear a larger collection bag that hangs from a hook or rests near your bed.

Before inserting the Foley catheter, you will be numbed. Once the catheter is inserted, the balloon at its tip is filled with sterile water to secure it in place. The catheter is then secured to your leg with adjustable straps.

If you need to use a catheter for a long period, a healthcare provider will teach you how to catheterize yourself (self-catheterization). It is important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling a catheter and collection bag to prevent the spread of germs. You should also clean the catheter tube at least twice a day with soapy water and a wet paper towel or washcloth.

Frequently asked questions