Hailey Tran
Nocturia, or nocturnal urinary frequency, is a condition that causes people to wake up more than once during the night to urinate. This can be due to several factors, such as drinking too many fluids before bed, sleep disorders, bladder obstruction, or underlying medical conditions. For patients in the hospital, there are a variety of options available to help with urination while lying down, such as bedpans, urine bottles, and female urinals. It is important for patients to communicate any continence issues with hospital staff, who are trained to provide assistance without causing embarrassment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| For female patients | Female urinals, bedpans, and urine bottles can be used. |
| For patients who can move their legs apart | Offer a female urinal and position chucks under and around. |
| For patients who can flex their knees | Tilt the bed so that one edge is at least as far back as the opening of the vaginal canal. This will help the patient feel like she is using a toilet. |
| For patients who cannot tolerate a different position | Line the bedpan with a paper towel to reduce splash and sound. Nestle chucks under and around and be reassuring. |
| General advice | Ask hospital staff for help with getting to, using, or going to the toilet. |
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What You'll Learn
Ask for help from hospital staff
If you are in hospital and need help with getting to, using, or going to the toilet, don't hesitate to ask the hospital staff for assistance. They are trained to help patients with these issues without making them feel embarrassed.
If you are unable to get up, toileting aids such as bedpans and urine bottles can be used. If you are a female patient, you can request a female urinal, which can be more comfortable and dignified than a bedpan. Ask the staff to position chucks under and around you and to tilt the bed so that the urinal is positioned correctly. If you cannot tolerate this position, line the bedpan with a paper towel to reduce splash and sound, and ask the staff to be reassuring and respectful of your privacy.
If you have incontinence issues, inform the staff immediately so they can clean you and make you comfortable. You can also ask for a referral to a continence nurse or specialist, as there are many ways to treat and manage incontinence.
Before your hospital visit, it is a good idea to inform the nursing staff if you use laxatives or continence pads at home. During your stay, always use any mobility aids you have been provided with, such as a walking frame or stick, and make sure you can reach your nursing call bell at all times in case you need assistance.
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Use a bedpan
Bedpans and urinals are devices that allow people to urinate while lying down in bed. They are typically used by people who are unable to walk to the bathroom due to an illness, injury, or surgery. It is important to remember that using a bedpan can be uncomfortable for the user, so it is important to stay relaxed and help them feel at ease.
If the person you are assisting can sit up and lift their hips, you can simply slide the bedpan under their bottom. If the person is unable to lift their hips, help them turn to their side. Gently press the bedpan against their buttocks and then help them turn back onto the bedpan. Ensure you hold the bedpan in position and help the person roll off it, then carefully place the bedpan to the side. If the user can lift their hips, ask them to do so to remove the bedpan.
Before using a bedpan, you can run warm water over it and dry it. Metal bedpans retain heat, so be sure to check that it is not too hot before placing it under the person. You can also sprinkle baby powder on the edge of the bedpan to make it easier to slide under the person.
After the person has finished using the bedpan, cover it with a towel and put it on a chair. If the person needs assistance wiping, help them do so. Then, empty the contents of the bedpan into a toilet. Clean the bedpan as recommended on the packaging or according to additional information provided.
It is important to act quickly when assisting someone with using a bedpan, as there may be only a small amount of time between the urge to urinate and urination.
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Try a female urinal
If you are a woman in the hospital and are looking for ways to urinate while lying down, you may want to try a female urinal. Female urinals are designed to provide comfort, convenience, and hygiene for bedridden patients. They are made from durable plastic and feature a contoured design that ensures a secure seal, preventing leaks. Many female urinals also have handles, making them easy to carry, use, and clean. Some even have a glow-in-the-dark ring to prevent accidental drops in dimly lit rooms.
Female urinals are ideal for women who are bedridden, have limited mobility, or are unable to get to the bathroom in time. They are also useful for long-distance travel or camping trips. You can use a female urinal in multiple positions, making it versatile and convenient. The wide opening and curved mouth design ensure a comfortable and leak-proof experience.
Female urinals typically have measurement marks, allowing medical personnel to easily observe the urine volume. This can be helpful for monitoring hydration levels or tracking urine output for medical reasons. The urinals are also reusable, environmentally friendly, and designed to be shatter-resistant.
If you are experiencing frequent urination at night or while lying down, it may be due to various reasons. Common causes include drinking too much fluid, sleep disorders, bladder obstruction, or certain medications. In some cases, it could be related to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or congestive heart failure. If you are concerned or experiencing painful urination, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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Use continence aids
If you are experiencing incontinence issues, there are various continence aids available to help you manage your condition. It is important to be open about any continence issues you may be facing with the hospital staff, so they can help you find a solution.
If you are unable to get out of bed, you can use bedpans and urine bottles. If you are mobile, it is recommended to use the toilet instead of a bedpan to prevent pressure sores. If you require a walking frame, stick, or other mobility aids, ensure you have access to them at all times and take your time when walking to the toilet to avoid falls.
If you use continence pads at home, inform the nurses and doctors. In the hospital, use the continence aids provided, even if they are different from your usual ones. Absorbent pads can be used for beds and chairs, including wheelchairs and car seats, and can be used alone or as a backup to pads and pants. Bed pads can be especially useful when travelling.
For men, a sheath (condom) drainage system can be used instead of a pad. This is fitted over the penis and connects to a drainage leg bag. A larger drainage bag can be used overnight. Condoms need to be fitted correctly to prevent leakage and should be removed daily, with the skin washed and dried before reapplication.
If you have permanent and severe incontinence, you may be eligible for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) to help with the ongoing cost of continence products.
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Referral to a continence nurse
If you are experiencing incontinence or bladder and bowel problems, there are many health professionals that can help. A Continence Nurse Specialist is a registered nurse with extensive education and training in continence care. They are qualified to assess your condition and work with you to develop a management plan that suits your needs. Nurse Continence Specialists may visit you at home or see you in a continence clinic. You can contact the National Continence Helpline to speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist and get a referral to your local continence clinic.
A Urology Nurse is another registered nurse with extensive education and training in urology. They often work alongside a urologist and can support you with any bladder or urinary tract treatment. Urology Nurses typically work in a hospital, urology clinic, or with a urology practice.
Women's, Men's, and Pelvic Health Physiotherapists hold postgraduate qualifications specializing in continence and pelvic health. They can assess your pelvic floor function and create a management plan tailored to your specific needs, including bladder, bowel, pain, and sexual function. Many of these physiotherapists have been endorsed by the Continence Foundation of Australia Physiotherapy Special Interest Group.
Other health professionals that can help with incontinence include Accredited Practicing Dietitians, Indigenous Health Workers, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, and Psychologists.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are unable to get up, ask hospital staff for help. They can provide you with toileting aids such as bedpans and urine bottles.
If you can move your legs apart, a female urinal may be a better option than a bedpan. If you can flex your knees, it will feel more like a toilet sitting position. If you cannot tolerate this position, line the bedpan with a paper towel to reduce splash and sound, and nestle chucks under and around.
Tell the staff immediately so they can clean you and make you comfortable again. You can also ask for a referral to a continence nurse or specialist.
