Yakima Urology Associates, PLLC

Controlling Your Bladder Symptoms

By speaking to a healthcare professional, you have taken the first step toward maintaining better bladder control. Behavior therapy and medications are available to reduce common bladder symptoms.

In addition, many individuals find they can reduce their bladder problems by taking the following steps:

* Monitor Your Diet

* Monitor Your Medication

* Maintain Bowel Regularity

* Keep a Healthy Weight

* Stop Smoking

* Drink Plenty of Nonirritating Water

Eliminate or decrease foods or beverages that may worsen your bladder symptoms. Some known offenders include:

(Even decaffeinated coffee and tea contain some caffeine.)

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Some over -the-counter medications and prescription drugs can also worsen bladder problems:

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Keeping healthy bowel habits may lessen bladder symptoms.

The following are some suggestions:

1. Increase fiber intake. Fiber-rich foods include:

2. Exercise, such as walking, can improve your health and help maintain regularity.

3. If you continue to have problems, please see your doctor.

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Being overweight can add pressure on your bladder, which may cause leakage of urine when you laugh or cough. If you are overweight, weight loss can reduce pressure on your bladder.

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* Cigarette smoking is irritating to the bladder muscle.

* A smoker's cough can cause leakage during repeated coughing spasms.

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People with bladder symptoms often drink fewer liquids so they don't have to urinate as often. Drinking fewer fluids may not help your condition and may in fact worsen it.

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