Bladder Problems - FAQ

What are common causes of problems in the urinary system?

Aging, sickness, or injury can lead to problems in the urinary system. With age, certain changes in the kidneys’ structure may cause them to lose some of their ability to remove wastes from the blood. In addition, the ability of the kidneys to filter blood entirely may be weakened by poor health or injury.

Muscles in your bladder and urethra may be inclined to lessen in strength. Increased urinary infections may occur because the bladder muscles do not tighten enough to completely empty your bladder. Diminished strength in the sphincter and pelvis muscles will in some cases lead to incontinence.

Are there certain foods I can avoid that may contribute to bladder problems?

Yes. Certain foods, also known as bladder irritants, can contribute to urinary frequency, urgency, and discomfort. Below is a list of irritants, eliminate the foods that make your symptoms worse for 10 -14 days. Once you are feeling better, you can begin to add foods back into your diet, one at a time. If your symptoms return, you should avoid that food. Be sure to drink plenty of water.

Alcoholic beverages
Apples & apple juice
Carbonated beverages (including diet)
Chili & spicy foods
Citrus fruit and other fruits such as grapes, guava, peaches, pineapple, plums, cantaloupe and strawberries
Chocolate Coffee (including decaffeinated)
Cranberries & cranberry juice
Sugar
Tea
Tomatoes
Vitamin B Complex
Vinegar

What can I do to help promote a healthy urinary system?

Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid smoking
Practice Kegel exercises
Avoid food or drinks that irritate your bladder such as caffeine or alcohol.
Eat foods rich in fiber.
Drink plenty of foods especially water.
Participate in moderate amounts of physical activity.

What steps can I take if my bladder problems are affecting my sex life?

Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. A medication to prevent bladder contractions prior to sex may prevent orgasm related leakage.
Express your fears and discomforts honestly with your partner.
In cases where intimacy has been seriously affected by urinary distress, consider a session with a couples counselor or therapist.
Consider attending a session with a pelvic floor physical therapist that can address your symptoms and assist in the quality of your life, with particular regard to your sex life.

What lifestyle choices help prevent incontinence?

Healthy weight maintenance.
Avoid tobacco. Seek help to quit if you do smoke.
Kegel exercises. These exercises can strengthen the urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles.
Avoid excess caffeine or other liquids that are irritants. You may be recommended to drink more or less water as a preventive measure, depending on your bladder problem.
Increase fiber intake. This may help prevent constipation.
Moderate physical activity.

When should I seek medical attention for incontinence?

If incidents of incontinence are isolated, medical attention may not be required. However, if incontinence is recurrent or affects your quality of life, discuss symptoms with your doctor.

How does aging affect occurrences of incontinence?

As the bladder muscle ages this may lead to decreased ability to store urine and elevated overactive bladder symptoms. With blood vessel disease, there is a risk of increased overactive bladder. Good overall health — including no smoking, moderate blood pressure and a healthful weight — can help limit symptoms of overactive bladder.

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Need more information on health and wellness?
Click here for a link to health and wellness recommendations from the National Institute of Health.