© Getty Images

Common bladder problems -

Bladder problems can disrupt day-to-day life. Common bladder issues include urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention. The following slides will show you how to avoid them.

© Shutterstock

Use the bathroom often and when needed -

It's important to try and urinate at least once every three to four hours. For most people, the normal number of times they urinate per day is between six and seven in a 24-hour period.

© Shutterstock

Use the bathroom often and when needed -

Keeping urine in your bladder for too long can weaken your bladder muscles, and make the chances of a bladder infection bigger.

© Shutterstock

Exercise regularly -

Regular exercise can help prevent bladder problems as well as constipation. Of course, it can also help maintain a healthy weight.

© Shutterstock

Be in a relaxed position while urinating -

A healthy bladder works best if the body relaxes so that the bladder muscles naturally contract to let the urine flow, rather than using the abdominal muscles as you do to push down a bowel movement.

© Shutterstock

Be in a relaxed position while urinating -

For women, hovering over the toilet seat may make it hard to relax, so it is best to sit on the toilet seat.

© Shutterstock

Quit smoking -

Bladder problems are more common in people who smoke. Smoking can also increase the risk of bladder cancer.

© Shutterstock

Take enough time to fully empty the bladder when urinating -

If you rush when you urinate, then you're not allowing yourself to fully empty the bladder. If urine stays in the bladder too long, it can make a bladder infection more likely.

© Shutterstock

Wipe from front to back after using the toilet -

To keep gut bacteria from getting into the urethra, women should wipe from front to back. This is important after a bowel movement.

© Shutterstock

Limit alcohol and caffeine -

Drinking alcohol can make bladder issues worse. Caffeinated drinks, like coffee and tea, can also bother the bladder and increase symptoms. Cutting down may help.

© Shutterstock

Urinate after intercourse -

Intimate relations can move bacteria from the bowel to the urethral opening. Both women and men should urinate shortly after intercourse to lower the risk of infection.

© Shutterstock

Do pelvic floor muscle exercises -

Also known as Kegel exercises, pelvic floor exercises help hold urine in the bladder. Daily exercises can strengthen the muscles, which can help keep urine from leaking when you sneeze, cough, lift, or laugh.

© Shutterstock

Do pelvic floor muscle exercises -

These exercises also help avoid infections by strengthening the muscles that help empty the bladder.

© Shutterstock

Watch what you eat -

Some with bladder issues find that certain foods and drinks make those issues worse. These foodstuffs include sodas, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, citrus fruits, juices, and tomato-based foods. Changing your diet can help you feel better.

© Shutterstock

Drink enough fluids, especially water -

It's important that you're drinking enough water for your health and to prevent dehydration. How much water you need can vary based on your size, activity level, and where you live. In general, drink enough fluids so that you need to urinate every few hours.

© Shutterstock

Drink enough fluids, especially water -

However, some people need to drink less water if they have certain conditions, such as kidney failure or heart disease. Ask a medical professional how much fluid is healthy for you.

© Shutterstock

Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes -

Tight-fitting pants and nylon underwear can trap moisture and help bacteria grow. Therefore, it's important to wear loose, cotton clothing to keep the area around the urethra dry.

© Shutterstock

Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes -

Cotton is actually able to absorb excess moisture and remove built-up heat while preventing odor. Also, cotton is one of the few materials that becomes stronger when wet. It can even be sterilized after use.

© Shutterstock

Keep a healthy weight -

Studies suggest that being overweight increases abdominal pressure. This in turn can lead to several issues, such as bladder pressure, urinary incontinence, and an overactive bladder.

© Shutterstock

Avoid constipation -

Constipation can put pressure on the bladder and keep it from expanding the way it should. Make sure you avoid constipation by eating healthy, drinking enough water, and exercising.

© Shutterstock

Know your medications -

Certain medication can make your bladder leak urine. For example, medications that calm your nerves, so you can sleep or relax, may dull the nerves in the bladder. You then might not feel the urge to go to the bathroom.

© Shutterstock

Practice good hygiene -

It's important to keep things clean and dry down there, but not too clean. Avoid douching and harsh soaps, which can kill healthy bacteria.

© Shutterstock

Walk regularly to avoid retaining fluids -

People who are sedentary may develop fluid buildup during the day. At night, this fluid causes them to empty their bladders frequently. If you can, try to walk more during the day.

© Shutterstock

Treat chronic conditions -

Many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, vascular diseases, UTIs, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and bladder cancer, can cause bladder problems.

© Shutterstock

Stand up to prevent urinary tract symptoms -

Studies have found that those who spent five or more hours per day sitting were more likely to develop a weak urinary stream. To prevent this, stand up and walk for five minutes every hour.

© Shutterstock

Keep a bladder diary if you're urinating too often -

Write down how often you visit the restroom and how often you're drinking throughout the day. Also, keep this diary to show your doctor what factors might be involved in the problem.

© Shutterstock

Communicate with your doctor -

Your bladder is one of the most essential organs helping you through your day-to-day life. Any problem should be run by health professionals so they can come up with the best solutions.

Sources: (National Institute on Aging) (Advanced Urology) (Everyday Health)

See also: Bladder cancer: the signs, symptoms, and treatments

© Shutterstock