November is Bladder Health Awareness Month—a perfect time to focus on how to care for this vital part of our health. Many people don’t realize that while bladder issues may be common, they are not normal and you do not have to live with the symptoms! Bladder health dysfunction can significantly impact daily life, from disrupting sleep to limiting social activities. At Treasure Valley Pelvic Health, we’re here to help you understand and improve your bladder health.
Understanding Bladder Health
The bladder is a crucial organ that stores and releases urine. Ideally, it works in harmony with the pelvic floor muscles and other parts of the urinary system. However, factors like aging, pregnancy, menopause, and lifestyle choices can affect bladder health, leading to issues like urinary incontinence, urgency, frequency, and even pelvic pain.
Common Bladder Health Issues
- Urinary Incontinence: Leakage can occur for a variety of reasons, such as when there’s pressure on the bladder (stress incontinence) or an intense, sudden urge to go (urge incontinence).
- Overactive Bladder: This is the frequent and intense urge to urinate, sometimes accompanied by incontinence.
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS): This is chronic pelvic pain linked to bladder function, and is often worsened by stress or certain foods.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): While not always related to bladder function, recurring UTIs can affect bladder health over time.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Supports Bladder Health
Pelvic floor therapy can be a game-changer for those struggling with bladder issues. Here’s how our team can help:
- Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles: By targeting the muscles supporting the bladder, we can improve control and reduce leakage.
- Improving Bladder Control: Techniques such as bladder training help in gradually increasing the time between trips to the bathroom, building control and confidence.
- Relieving Tension and Pain: Sometimes, bladder symptoms are worsened by muscle tension. Our therapists use gentle techniques to reduce muscle tightness and alleviate pain.
- Education and Lifestyle Guidance: Diet, hydration, and even daily routines play a role in bladder health. Our therapists offer personalized programs and education to facilitate improved pelvic floor health, reduce triggers, and promote bladder-friendly habits.
Quick Tips for a Healthier Bladder
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential, but balance is key. Try to sip your water throughout the day rather than drinking it quickly in short periods of time!
- Limit Bladder Irritants: Caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks are all potential bladder irritants. Limiting these as needed can help with bladder control!
- Avoid “Just in Case” Trips: If we build a habit of going “just in case” too often, we can start to train our brain to decide when we have an urge, rather than waiting for the signal from our bladder!
- Exercise: Staying active and strong is part of our overall health, and that includes our pelvic floor health!
- Diet: Certain foods—like spicy dishes, chocolate, and citrus—have the potential to irritate the bladder, but this varies from person to person. Monitor for any personal triggers and limit them as needed to help with bladder control.
When to Seek Help
Bladder issues can be very limiting, but you don’t have to live with them! Help is available! If you’re experiencing symptoms such as frequent leaks, intense urgency, or pain, pelvic floor therapy could be the solution to regaining control and comfort.
Bladder health is essential for overall well-being, and there’s no need to suffer in silence. Contact us at Treasure Valley Pelvic Health today to learn how our specialized therapy can support you!
In Health,
The Team at Treasure Valley Pelvic Health
