Do you get up to pee several times a night? Do you
sometimes leak when you laugh? Learn why it happens and what you can do about
it.
Myth:
Small Bladder, Big Problems
Some people blame a small bladder
for frequent leaks, but your body's normal "capacity" is rarely the
true cause of a life-disrupting problem. In healthy people, that capacity
ranges from 1 to 2 cups. The real culprit is more likely to be weak muscles,
medication side effects, infection, or nerve damage -- and treatments are
available.
Myth:
You Need 8 Glasses a Day
We don’t all need eight glasses of
water a day, the one-size-fits-all health mantra that just won't die. If you
tend to leak, this could be why. Fluid needs differ, depending on your size and
activity. The best advice for healthy people is to drink when you're thirsty
and stay hydrated. This keeps urine from becoming too concentrated and lowers
the risk of getting kidney stones.
Fact:
Anyone Can Have Bladder Trouble
Bladder problems impact men and
women at many different stages of life. Though they might be more common in
certain groups -- including women who've had children, older adults, men with a
history of prostate trouble, and people with spinal cord injuries -- nobody
should suffer silently. People with problems should seek advice from a doctor.
Myth:
Drinking Less Is Best
Waving off the waiter when he tries
to refill your glass may help a little. But doctors say a healthy bladder
should be able to handle a normal amount of fluid. You might want to consider
downsizing that morning cup of coffee or skipping the cola, because caffeine is
a bladder stimulant.
Fact:
It's Not Always a Prostate Problem
Plumbing problems in men can
sometimes be caused by an overactive bladder, not related to an enlarged
prostate. Both conditions can send men running to the bathroom again and again,
but the treatments are different. Talk to your doctor about all your symptoms,
what testing may be needed, and what treatments may be appropriate.
Fact:
Kegels Are for Men, Too
You may have heard of women doing
these bladder-control moves after childbirth. Doctors recommend them for men,
too. While urinating, try stopping the flow midstream. Then, start again. The
muscles that stop your flow are what you want to work on strengthening. Next,
on an empty bladder, try contracting these muscles for 3-5 seconds and then
release, and keep the stomach, buttocks, and legs relaxed. Work up to three
sets of 10 repetitions each day. You can do Kegels anywhere, anytime, without
anyone noticing.
Fact:
A System and Schedule May Help
Bladder training is a first step
that may help some people with overactive bladders. You resist the first urge
to go and wait for the scheduled time. Gradually, you can try holding it
longer. Together with Kegels, these two methods can cut overactive bladder
episodes by half.
Fact:
Shaping Up for Bladder Control
A healthy lifestyle may play a supportive
role in preventing and lessening some bladder problems. Doctors say getting
regular exercise and doing Kegels can curb stress incontinence, the leakage
caused by coughing, laughing, or sneezing. And because carrying a lot of extra
weight causes bladder troubles, slimming down may help, too.
Myth:
Bladder Problems Are a Fact of Life
If bladder problems are bothering
you, talk with your doctor. Incontinence is a medical problem -- not an
inevitable part of aging. Treatments will depend on a person’s specific problem
and overall health. People who seek help often see improvements in their
symptoms and their day-to-day life.
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