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GYN Doctors serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk & Portsmouth
National Bladder Health Month
November is National Bladder Health Month, a good time to focus on a topic that is often ignored. As our Gyn doctors talk with patients, we realize the large amount of myths and misinformation women have about this health issue. We encourage you to read the following article from the Urology Care Foundation and to contact our GYN Clinic with any questions at (757) 312-8221. Since 2004, our GYN doctors have been helping women with bladder problems that include urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and bladder cancer. We care for women and teens from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads and North Carolina.
November 2022
While many of us are not always thinking about our bladder health, this month serves as a reminder to get the facts about common bladder health problems and to take an active role in taking care of our health.
According to GYN doctors, two common health problems affecting the bladder are urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB).
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence touches more than 25 million people throughout the U.S. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having that strong "gotta go" urge or feeling. For most, simple lifestyle changes or health care treatments can ease your symptoms or stop urinary incontinence.
Overactive Bladder
Our bladder serves two roles – (1) store urine and (2 ) empty urine. With OAB, these functions are not as effective and can cause strong, sudden urges to go to the bathroom and, for some patients, result in urinary incontinence or leakage. OAB isn't a disease - it's the name given to a group of troubling urinary symptoms. With more than 33 million adults in the U.S. with OAB symptoms, it's very common.
Bladder Health Tips
While bladder health is not often top of mind for women in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Portsmouth, there are ways to keep your bladder healthier year-round. Below are a number of tips from our urogynecologists to help keep your bladder in good shape.
Drink plenty of water
• Strive to drink 6 to 8 cups of water each day
• Cut down on the amount of caffeine and alcohol you drink - these may upset your bladder
Limit your intake of coffee, tea or cola as these can heighten bladder activity and lead to leakage
Use good bathroom habits
• It is normal to go to the bathroom 4 to 8 times a day and no more than twice a night
• Women should sit to go to the toilet - they should not hover over the toilet seat
• Take your time when on the toilet so that your bladder can empty - if you rush, and do not empty your bladder fully, over time, you could get a bladder infection
Stay away from foods that bother the bladder
Some foods can worsen incontinence. Skip foods like chocolate (also a source of caffeine), as well as spicy or acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits
Look after your pelvic floor muscles
• Keep your pelvic floor muscles strong with pelvic floor muscle training
Stop smoking
• It is of great value to stop smoking for your bladder health - using tobacco is a major cause of bladder cancer
• Cigarette smokers are two to three times more likely to be told they have bladder cancer, than nonsmokers
Speak freely
Tell your GYN doctor about your symptoms. You may feel embarrassed; but keep in mind, your GYN doctor is used to hearing about all kinds of problems. They are very common and there are a number of treatments available. Many bladder conditions can be handled through simple lifestyle changes, behavior modifications, medication, bladder retraining or surgery. If you feel you may have symptoms of OAB or urinary incontinence, be sure to talk to your GYN doctor about which treatment is right for you.
If you like these tips, please pass them to your family, friends and colleagues. To subscribe, please click here.
If you have questions about bladder health, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, OAB, or bladder cancer, and live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads or North Carolina, please contact our GYN Clinic at (757) 312-8221 or by clicking here. Our GYN doctors and Urogynecologists can help you.
About our GYN Clinic
Our all-female practice of GYN doctors and urogynecologists covers a wide spectrum of health issues, including, bladder health, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, OAB, and bladder cancer . Our GYN clinic cares for women of all ages in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Peninsula, Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads and North Carolina.
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