Common Bladder Problems Women Must Know To Deal With
Even though most women prefer not to discuss it, bladder problems are common among women. It is because they find it embarrassing to talk about the issues they are facing with a doctor or even other women. Unfortunately, the reluctance to attend to bladder problems promptly leads to many associated problems, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. The problems are diverse and include falls, fractures, and reduction in physical activity, poor control over blood pressure, and even social isolation. According to health experts, only greater awareness regarding the issues surrounding bladder health will encourage women to seek treatment at the right time. Some of the most common bladder problems faced by omen include:
Urinary Tract Infection
It is not uncommon for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and infect the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. Urinary infections are more common than you think. According to Science Direct, one-third of all women get one by the age of 24. With UTI in the bladder, you can experience pain, irritation, and discomfort. Prompt treatment is necessary as otherwise; the infection can spread to the kidneys with more serious consequences. The most common symptom of UTI includes a burning sensation while urinating, an intense feeling of needing to pass urine, passing small amounts of urine despite urgency, bloody, cloudy, or dark-colored foul-smelling urine, and even fever and chills.
Women prone to UTIs need to look after their vaginal health. In addition to staying hydrated, not holding urine for long periods, wiping from front to back, and avoiding deodorants and feminine sprays that can irritate, women can also consume supplements containing the necessary vitamins for vaginal health.
Urinary Incontinence
If you find yourself accidentally leaking urine, you may be suffering from urinary incontinence. It happens when you lose control of your bladder and can be due to something as innocuous as cough or sneeze. You may also not be able to control your bladder due to a strong urge to urinate. While you can expect a certain degree of urinary incontinence as you age, it is certainly treatable with lifestyle changes and medication. If you experience urinary incontinence, you should not hesitate to visit your doctor. You can treat the condition and verify it is not due to any other more serious health issue.
Frequent Urination
If you find yourself wanting to go to the toilet frequently, it is not very uncommon. Studies reveal that some 33 million people in America suffer from this condition. While it can be hard to put a number to the times you need to urinate, many people say it could be eight or more times during the day and more than once after going to bed at night. If your urination frequency is disturbing you or stressing you out, you should speak to your doctor.
Conclusion
Because of the many and far-reaching consequences of poor bladder health, you should never neglect to visit a doctor if you display any of the symptoms described above. Prompt treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and hygiene practices will help alleviate the discomfort and prevent you from being afflicted with more serious ailments.