According to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, bladder problems can disrupt our daily lives and are more likely to occur as we age.
Around 300 million people worldwide suffer from bladder problems such as bladder control issues (leakage, urinary incontinence, urinary retention), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and chronic kidney disease.
In light of November being Bladder Health Month, Affinity Health explores common signs of bladder problems and the best way to avoid bladder problems.
The bladder is a sac-like organ found in the lower abdomen. Its purpose is to hold urine sent from the kidneys until it is expelled from the body. Bladder problems affect men and women of all ages and can impact your daily activities, sexual health, and emotional well-being.
Signs Of Bladder Problems
The signs and symptoms of bladder problems differ from one person to the next. Symptoms are also affected by the type of bladder problem and its severity. The following are some common signs and symptoms of bladder problems:
- Urine leakage
- Need to urinate more than eight times per day and more than two times per night
- Urge to urinate on the spur of the moment
- Pain before, during, or after urinating
- Cloudy urine
- Bloody urine
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Urine that smells strongly
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower abdominal pain or pressure
Help is available if you are experiencing any of these or other bladder issues.
“Talk to your doctor or make an appointment with a urologist if you’re bothered by urinary issues,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Whether it’s a bladder infection, kidney infection, or another problem, your healthcare provider can identify it and help you find relief.”
Common Causes of Bladder Problems
Many bladder problems are caused by a bacterial infection that enters the urinary tract, including:
- Sexual intercourse (particularly with new partners)
- Inadequate urination hygiene
- Tampons, douches, and spermicides
- Incontinence of the bowel
Other potential causes of bladder problems that are not caused by infection include:
- Ageing
- Constipation
- Being overweight
- A chronic, long-lasting cough
- A bladder lining defect
- Reaction to allergens
- Autoimmune response
- Chemical exposure
- Constant bladder irritation
- Urinary obstruction
- Infections caused by parasites
- Previous radiation exposure
How To Prevent Bladder Problems
The best way to avoid bladder problems is to practise good personal hygiene and stay hydrated. In addition to the above, Affinity Health recommends the following:
- Consume a nutritious diet rich in fresh, whole foods
- Exercise frequently
- Quit smoking
- Keep a healthy weight
- Reduce your intake of bladder irritants such as caffeine, acidic foods, and alcohol
- Maintain control of chronic conditions such as diabetes
