The Facts About Bladder Health | Tennessee Valley Urology Center

Myth: Bladder issues are a normal part of aging.

Fact: Bladder issues do not have to be a normal part of aging.

According the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, around 13 million people living in the United States have incontinence—with twice as many women suffering than men with the condition. And though that number alone is high, incontinence isn’t the only bladder issue we face as we age.

Read on as our team at Tennessee Valley Urology Center shares some insight into your bladder and how to ensure it works best.

Tips for Optimal Bladder Health

Bladder conditions are not a normal part of aging. Although there are certain factors that can increase your risk of bladder conditions as you age, that doesn’t make problems normal. You can take steps to promote good bladder health at any age:

Make sure that you are sipping on water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Believe it or not, making sure you’re drinking enough is one way you can prevent issues with incontinence. While it seems logical that you’d want to drink less to avoid bladder leakage, staying hydrated can help ensure your bladder is not irritated.

Water isn’t your only source for hydration. You can also turn to a variety of fruits and vegetables with a high water content to ensure you’re getting the fluids you need.

If you tend to have an upset or irritated bladder, you want to make sure you are feeding yourself the right foods that help soothe the problem, not make it worse. Certain foods like those containing spice or acid can cause your bladder to become more irritated.

Avoid smoking. You know that smoking is detrimental to your overall health, but did you know that it’s harmful to your bladder? Smoking is the single biggest known risk factor for bladder cancer. That’s because the carcinogens involved in smoking enter the body and sit in the bladder until they’re released in urine.

Finally, speak up! Many times people are embarrassed by their urological issues. However, there is no need to be as urological issues are fairly common, particularly among women. By keeping the lines of communication open, you are better able to take control of your bladder health and reduce your risk of urological conditions.

Don’t let your bladder issues start to affect your overall health. Make an appointment today with one of our professionals at Tennessee Valley Urology Center who can help you on the road to recovery.