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Bladder Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to focus on caring for one of the most crucial organs in your body — the bladder. It plays a vital role in removing waste and maintaining bodily balance. Good bladder health is essential for your overall well-being.

Why Bladder Health Matters

Bladder problems are common and affect millions of people across all age groups. Understanding how your bladder functions and the factors that impact its health can help you take simple steps to prevent problems and improve your comfort.

Frequent bladder issues may include:

• Bladder cancer
• Bladder pain syndrome
• Overactive bladder — a sudden urge to urinate
• Urinary incontinence — leakage when coughing, laughing or exercising
• Urinary tract infections

These conditions can disrupt daily life, leading to embarrassment, sleepless nights or even social isolation. Many bladder issues are preventable or treatable, if caught early.

Simple Steps for a Healthy Bladder

1. Quit smoking

Quitting smoking is the single most effective way to lower your risk of developing bladder cancer.

2. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps flush out bacteria and prevent infections. Drink six to eight cups of water daily, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

3.Don't Hold It In

Don’t hold your urine for too long. This may weaken bladder muscles and increase the risk of infections over time.

4. Practice Good Bathroom Habits

• Fully empty your bladder when urinating.
• Women should wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract.
• Urinate after sexual activity to lower UTI risk

5. Limit Bladder Irritants

Caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and spicy foods can irritate the bladder.

6. Keep Your Pelvic Floor Strong

Strengthen pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises, particularly for women after childbirth and for men following prostate surgery.

7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

A balanced diet and regular exercise promote better bladder control and overall health.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should see a health care professional if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Blood in your urine
• Frequent urges to urinate, especially at night
• Leaking urine or inability to control your bladder
• Pain or burning sensations during urination
• Pelvic pain or pressure

These symptoms may indicate infections, stones or other bladder-related conditions. Early diagnosis often leads to more manageable treatment and better outcomes.

Make Bladder Health a Priority

Bladder Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder to listen to your body, adopt healthy habits and openly discuss urinary symptoms. If you notice any changes in your urinary habits or have concerns, consult your health care provider or a urologist specializing in bladder health.

Visit ÂÜÀòÉçHealthJax.org/urology for more information or call 904.383.1016 to make an appointment.

References:

1. Take charge of your bladder health - VA News.
2. Ginsberg DA, Boone TB, Cameron AP et al: The AUA/SÂÜÀòÉçU Guideline on Adult Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: Diagnosis and Evaluation. J Urol 2021; 206: 1097.
3. Cameron AP, Chung DE, Dielubanza EJ, et al. The AUA/SÂÜÀòÉçU guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder. J Urol. Published online April 23, 2024. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000003985.
4. Holzbeierlein JM, Bixler BR, Buckley DI, Chang SS, Holmes R, James AC, Kirkby E, McKiernan JM, Schuckman AK. Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: AUA/SUO Guideline: 2024 Amendment. J Urol. 2024 Apr;211(4):533-538. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000003846. Epub 2024 Jan 24. Erratum in: J Urol. 2024 Dec;212(6):936. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000004251. PMID: 38265030.