Last month, we focused on preventing bladder problems, and now we are continuing National Bladder Health Month by addressing ways you can improve your bladder health. Many people living with bladder conditions aren’t aware of the various treatment options available to them. While treatments depend on the type of urinary incontinence or bladder condition you have, one of the specialists at Alliance Urology can help you identify the right treatment plan for you. In this blog, we’re explaining some of the most common treatment options that can help you improve your bladder health.
Lifestyle Changes
Whether you are experiencing overactive bladder or stress urinary incontinence, the first course of action for treatment is to see if there are any changes to your lifestyle that may help relieve your symptoms. Some daily steps you can take to improve your bladder health include:
- Drinking the right amount of water: It’s important to stay hydrated, but if you’re experiencing leaks or a frequent urge to urinate, you may need to pay more attention to what you’re drinking, how much you’re drinking, and when you’re drinking it. Limiting caffeine and alcohol can help reduce leaks and the number of trips to the bathroom. A specialist at Alliance Urology can help you figure out how much water to drink based on your health and activity level.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing urinary incontinence and other bladder symptoms. Losing weight may help you have fewer leaks.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity promotes a healthy weight and good health overall. If you are worried about not having a restroom nearby, choose a gym or park with community bathrooms so you can be active without feeling uncomfortable.
- Avoid constipation: As we mentioned in our last blog, constipation may worsen urinary tract health, so it’s important to avoid constipation to avoid new or worsening bladder problems.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing urinary stress incontinence and bladder cancer.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Urinary disorders can benefit from strengthened pelvic floor muscles and pelvic floor therapy. A popular pelvic floor strengthener is Kegel exercises that practice tightening and relaxing the muscles that control urine flow. A pelvic floor therapist at Alliance Urology can help you optimize your Kegel exercises in addition to providing you with other exercises and tailored therapy options to address your specific needs.
Medication
While so many Americans continue to live with bladder disorders, few are aware of the medications available to improve your bladder health. Prescription medication ranging from tricyclic antidepressants to alpha-blockers can help relieve symptoms. Set up an appointment with a provider at Alliance Urology Specialists to see if medication can help with your overactive bladder or urinary incontinence.
Surgery
When it comes to treating bladder disorders and stress urinary incontinence, there is no one-size-fits-all. Your healthcare provider can help determine a customized treatment plan which may include one or more of the treatments we have listed. For certain cases, surgery may be able to help, especially if you have incontinence caused by a blockage or a narrowed urethra. For men with bladder issues caused by an enlarged prostate, there are additional minimally invasive surgeries available. Taking your bladder condition seriously and seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can help restore your quality of life and improve your bladder health.
Make an Appointment
To diagnose and treat any common problem related to the bladder or genitourinary system, schedule an appointment with one of our providers. Talking with a specialist is one of the first steps you can take to improve your bladder health. Our team has years of experience treating issues pertaining to the urinary tract and bladder. Alliance Urology Specialists are here for you at any stage of life. For questions and inquiries, please call our office in Greensboro at (336) 274-1114.
