The bladder is a hollow organ that stores urine. It’s part of the urinary system, which also includes the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and urethra. This important bodily system: • Flushes waste from the body
• Controls electrolyte and metabolite levels • Regulates blood volume, pressure, and pH Bladder conditions, including infections and incontinence, are common. Ahead we explore tips for maintaining a healthy bladder and urinary system.
Drinking enough fluids helps prevents urine concentration, which can irritate the bladder; it also reduces your likelihood of developing a bladder or urinary tract infection (UTI). Water is the best choice and should make up at least half of your daily fluid intake—also limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can irritate the bladder. Aim for six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day; you may need more or less than that, depending on your health. Ask your primary care doctor about your optimal water intake.
A diet high in both soluble and insoluble fiber can help prevent constipation, which can cause problems ranging from bladder leakage to pelvic organ prolapse. A well-balanced diet should include: • A colorful variety of vegetables and fruits • Healthy proteins (lean meats, low-fat dairy, minimally-processed meat alternatives, such as tofu, etc.) • Whole grains • Nuts and seeds
Better known as “Kegel” exercises, pelvic floor exercises work the hammock-like system of muscles that stretches across your pelvis, holding your pelvic organs—bladder, bowel, urethra, (and in women, the uterus and vagina)—in place. Both women and men can benefit from Kegels, especially for preventing bladder leaks—a common problem. Not sure how to do Kegels? Use this guide.
Many of us are guilty of regularly “holding it in,” yet this habit can weaken the bladder muscles and increase your risk of bladder infections. Follow these tips to prevent bladder problems: • Use the bathroom often and when needed, at least every 3 to 4 hours. • Take the time to empty your bladder completely. • Relax your muscles while urinating; this requires being in a comfortable seated position (e.g. not hovering over the seat).
• Women: Wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement. • Men and women: Urinate after sex, which helps flush away bacteria that may have been pushed into the urethra during sex.
Hundreds of medications can actually worsen or cause urinary incontinence (UI). Classes of drugs linked to UI1 include: • Diuretics • Sleeping pills
• Antidepressants • High blood pressure drugs While this side effect doesn’t necessarily warrant not taking a medication, it’s worth asking your doctor if there is an alternative. *Never stop taking a medication without first consulting your doctor.
Carrying extra weight increases intra-abdominal pressure. This can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress urinary incontinence. Studies have shown that: • A 5-unit increase in BMI (for example, an increase in BMI from 30 to 35) is associated with a 20% to 70% increase in the risk of UI.2 • Obesity is the greatest risk factor for UI in post-menopausal women.2 Maintaining a healthy weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent stress UI.
Smoking is associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer, and cigarette smoke and nicotine are known bladder irritants.3 Additionally, many smokers develop a chronic cough, which puts excess strain on the pelvic floor and can lead to stress urinary incontinence. If you smoke, take steps to quit. Ask your doctor about smoking cessation aids and programs.
The esteemed primary care physicians (PCPs) at Crystal Run Healthcare are your first line of contact for bladder health, providing essential treatment for conditions like bladder infections and cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). If your condition requires more advanced treatment, your PCP may refer you to one of the following expert urologists at Crystal Run:
• Alexander Schwartz MD • Emmanuel M. Schenkman MD • Ronald W. Raspa MD • Gary Loden MD • Felix Davelman MD • Steven J. Rowe MD • Antonio Colaco PA-C Our primary care doctors provide coordinated care for patients of every age and life stage—we look forward to becoming your trusted healthcare provider.
Crystal Run Healthcare is committed to delivering quality to patients in the New York area. Our facilities offer first-class preventative medicine, diagnostics, and treatment to patients of all ages and stages of life. Our methods are evidence-based. Our treatment is patient-centered. Our doctors are here to help. Visit www.crystalrunhealthcare.com for more information.
Contact Us for More Information Crystal Run Healthcare offers primary care services at the following locations: Middletown - 100 Crystal Run Rd. 100 Crystal Run Road Middletown, New York 10941 P: 845.703.6999
Goshen - 7 Hatfield Ln. 7 Hatfield Lane Goshen, New York 10924 P: 845.615.6999
Milton 1687 Route 9W Milton, New York 12547 P: 845.795.5333
Middletown - 155 Crystal Run Rd. 155 Crystal Run Road Middletown, New York 10941 P: 845.703.6999
Newburgh 1200 Route 300 Newburgh, New York 12550 P: 845.725.0100
West Nyack 2 Centerock Road West Nyack, New York 10994 P: 845.348.1100
Middletown - 300 Crystal Run Rd. 300 Crystal Run Road Middletown, New York 10941 P: 845.703.6999
Warwick - 75 Ronald Reagan Blvd. 75 Ronald Reagan Boulevard Warwick, New York 10990 P: 845.651.6999
Stony Point 6 Liberty Square Mall Stony Point, New York 10980 P: 845.786.5544
Monroe 855 Route 17M Monroe, New York 10950 P: 845.615.6999
Rock Hill 61 Emerald Place Rock Hill, New York 12775 P: 845.794.6999
Suffern - Suite C-5 156 Route 59 Suite C-5 Suffern, New York 10901 P: 845-348-1100
Sources 1. https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/4-medications-that-causeor-worsen-incontinence#1 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4226402/ 3. https://simonfoundation.org/smoking/
Summary
Bladder health is something many of us don’t think about until we develop a problem, such as an infection, or bouts of bladder leakage. The expert primary care providers at Crystal Run Healthcare provide tips for optimal bladder health and function.