There are many reasons why you would need to see a urology doctor. This includes painful urination, blood in your urine, poor or loss of bladder control, enlarged prostate, hernia, and overactive bladder. Fortunately, there are simple habits you can adopt to help you reduce your risk of developing problems in your urinary tract, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Drink Enough Water
Drinking water is the best way to keep your bladder healthy. That’s why most healthy people are recommended to drink at least six to eight 8 oz glasses of water each day. The water is filtered by your kidneys. It then collects in your bladder until you’re ready to urinate.
Not drinking enough water will cause your urine to become concentrated, which explains the strong smell. It can also irritate the bladder, making you go more often. It may even increase your risk of kidney stones or bladder infections. Drinking enough water can help you avoid bladder problems.
However, people with certain health conditions, such as heart disease or kidney failure, should drink less water. Consult with your doctor to know if drinking too much water is harmful to your health.
Reduce your salt intake
A high-sodium diet is bad for you as it has been linked to elevated blood pressure. If left untreated, this could lead to kidney damage. It can also contribute to the development of kidney stones. So, pay close attention to your diet. Avoid processed foods like canned vegetables and soups, hot dogs, luncheon meats, and sausages, as they often have high sodium content.
Limit Intake of Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages, such as tea, chocolate, coffee, and sodas, can irritate the bladder. They also serve as a diuretic, increasing your need to urinate as they make more urine. So the more caffeine you drink, the more you’ll need to urinate.
Additionally, too much caffeine can cause dehydration. This can double your risk of bladder infections, kidney stones, and other bladder problems. Women with interstitial cystitis (IC) are especially warned against consuming caffeine.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight opens you up to all kinds of diseases. So, keeping a healthy weight is a good thing in general. Being physically active and making healthy food choices can help you maintain a healthy weight. Make sure to exercise regularly and eat healthy foods.
Fully Empty Your Bladder When Urinating
You can develop a bladder infection when urine is kept in the bladder for too long. So make sure to fully empty your bladder and never rush yourself when urinating.
Wipe from front to back after urinating
To prevent bacteria from entering the urethra, women are advised to wipe from front to back after every use of the toilet. This is a necessary step especially after a bowel movement.
Do Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
Childbirth weakens the pelvic floor muscles, which is why urine incontinence is quite common after pregnancy. Daily pelvic floor muscle exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This helps prevent urine from leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift.
Your bladder is just as important as any other organ in your body. So, you also need to take care of it. But if you’re already experiencing symptoms of bladder infection, do not hesitate to visit a urologist.
