How to Avoid Embarrassing Bladder Issues

Millions of North Americans have bladder issues. In fact, it is one of the most common medical problems. We just may not hear a lot about it because people find it embarrassing.   Bladder issues can have a huge impact on a person’s life. It can be uncomfortable, stressful, lead to sleepless nights, and restrict a lot of the activities a person would normally enjoy. The good news, though, is that there are ways to avoid embarrassing bladder issues.   Bladder Issues Can Do Damage to Your Social Life   Bladder problems   There is a wide range of bladder-related problems, including: leakage of urine, wet pants when you sneeze or cough, incomplete emptying of the bladder, burning or discomfort when passing urine, loss of urine control, and slow urine stream. The cause could be physical or psychological. Some of these problems are related to ageing or nerve damage, while in other cases, it is simply a matter of diet.   Preventing problems   Many people are surprised to learn that your diet has a significant impact on how much you urinate.Foods, such as fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C, could trigger your bladder and cause you to pass urine more often. Why? Vitamin C has diuretic properties. Salads, cole slaw, and freshly squeezed fruit juice are examples of this. Keep in mind that even though vegetables and fruits that are high in vitamin C may cause more frequent urination, you must include them in your diet. Just be careful about the amount you consume.   Coffee, tea, pop, and alcohol are other items you want to limit in your diet. They also cause frequent urination. Studies show that caffeine is a major trigger for the bladder. Food products like coffee and chocolate act as diuretics.   Although more research is needed to understand exactly why, some studies indicate that artificial sweeteners irritate the bladder and may lead to more leakage and urination.   Unexpected damage   The nerves and muscles that control both the bladder and the bowel can receive damage. This damage causes some of the bladder issues mentioned above. Some of the damage is caused by holding your urine when you have to go. There are also situations where the sphincter muscle sustains damage. An exercise known as "kegals" can strengthen the muscles and provide you with better bladder control. Another approach that many urologists use is called "bladder training." These are programmes that train your bladder to work at certain times of the day. There is also something called "stimulation therapy." According to the John Hopkins Medical Centre, this therapy stimulates the nerves that have been damaged and gives you better muscle control and control over both urine and feces.   Psychological factors   When people are under extreme stress, feeling anxious or upset, it can be difficult for them to go to the bathroom. In these cases, therapy may be required. In extreme cases, some people are diagnosed with "paruresis". This is a social anxiety disorder whereby the sufferer experiences an unpleasant situation and then has difficulty urinating. It is perpetuated by the fact that the person constantly worries about not being able to go to the bathroom. Cognitive therapy is often effective.   Family practitioners and urologists agree that diet and exercise have made a huge difference for people who have experienced bladder issues. Many gynaecologists encourage women to take up "kegal" exercises following the birth of their children to strengthen muscles due to bladder damage, and they encourage other exercises to keep the muscles strong. They do say that while ageing plays a role in bladder problems, you can avoid the most embarrassing bladder moments with a few lifestyle adjustments.