Welcome to Bladder Health Awareness Month!
November is dedicated to raising awareness about bladder health issues and promoting proactive steps to improve bladder function for people of all ages. Whether you’re dealing with an overactive bladder, stress incontinence, or simply want to keep your pelvic floor healthy, this month is the perfect time to learn more about bladder health and how to take control.
What is Bladder Health?
Bladder health refers to the proper functioning of your urinary system, which includes your bladder, pelvic floor muscles, and related structures. A healthy bladder:
Stores urine comfortably until it’s time to empty.
Prevents leakage or unexpected urgency.
Functions without pain or discomfort.
But, for millions of people, bladder control can be a challenge. Common bladder health issues like overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence can disrupt daily life, causing discomfort, embarrassment, and stress. By understanding these conditions and how to prevent them, you can take the first step toward better bladder health.
Common Bladder Health Issues
Bladder problems are surprisingly common, and they affect us all. Below are some of the most frequent bladder issues:
Overactive Bladder (OAB):
OAB causes a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom trips.
Symptoms include urgency, frequent urination (8+ times per day), and nocturia (waking up to urinate at night).
Urinary Incontinence:
Incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. It can be caused by weakened or overactive pelvic floor muscles, aging, pregnancy, childbirth, or prostate issues.
There are two common types of incontinence:
Stress Incontinence: Leaks occur during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
Urge Incontinence: A strong urge to urinate, followed by leakage before reaching the toilet.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
Pelvic floor muscles play a key role in bladder control. Weak or overly tense pelvic floor muscles can contribute to both bladder and bowel issues, including leakage or difficulty fully emptying the bladder.
National Bladder Health Week
The first week of November is National Bladder Health Week, a time to focus on educating people about bladder health and encouraging those experiencing symptoms to seek help. Throughout this week, healthcare providers and pelvic floor specialists, like us, aim to:
Spread awareness of common bladder problems.
Provide practical tips to maintain bladder health.
Offer solutions to help prevent and manage bladder control issues.
When to See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bladder dysfunction—whether it’s frequent urination, leaking, or pelvic discomfort—don’t hesitate to seek help from a healthcare provider or a pelvic floor physical therapist. Early intervention is key to managing bladder health issues and improving your quality of life.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for incontinence and overactive bladder. It involves personalized exercises and techniques to strengthen the pelvic floor, improve bladder control, and reduce symptoms of urgency.
Take Charge of Your Bladder Health Today
Bladder Health Awareness Month is a reminder that you don’t have to live with bladder issues. There are solutions available, and with the right approach, you can regain control of your bladder health. Whether you’re dealing with overactive bladder, stress incontinence, or other pelvic floor issues, taking small steps like practicing pelvic floor exercises and seeking professional help can make a big difference.
Let’s use this month to prioritize bladder health and raise awareness for ourselves and our loved ones. Stay tuned for more tips on how to take control of your bladder issues.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how pelvic floor physical therapy can help with bladder health, contact us today!
Take control of your bladder health and book an Initial Pelvic Floor Visit with Dr. Jacquet today!
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