When talking about health issues, people rarely talk about the bladder. Unfortunately, the urinary system gets affected by many diseases and infections. Most of these are avoidable, and in case these occur, they can be treated.
The bladder is a hollow organ responsible for storing urine. However, it is not the only constituent of the urinary system. The other parts are:
- The kidneys
- Ureter
- Urethra
Let us see how the urinary system works.
How the Urinary System Works
The urinary system, comprising the kidneys, urethra, bladder, and ureter, plays a vital role in filtration. The body filters the waste from the blood, creating urine. The waste goes through two thin tubes (ureters) for storage in the bladder.
The urinary bladder can store half a liter of urine for at most five hours. During urination, the urine goes out of the body, via the urethra and genitals. Here are the urinary system issues to avoid.
Problems Affecting Urinary Health
The best urologists in Mumbai classify issues affecting the urinary system in the following ways:
Structural
Structural problems result from congenital disabilities, tumors, obstructions, and prolapses. In addition, any issue that prevents the urine from flowing as normal is a structural problem.
Disease
When talking about the urinary system, diseases like chronic kidney disease come up. This disease results from the following:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Polycystic kidney disease
Some patients get kidney diseases due to high doses of medications, especially anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drugs.
Infections
The body is susceptible to bacteria getting in through the urethra. These bacteria cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Inflammation
Some diseases and conditions, like interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), cause swelling in the bladder. As a result, the urinary bladder becomes swollen and inflamed.
When you suffer from such a condition, trips to the bathroom increase as the urge to urinate becomes frequent.
Patients can find the best urologists in Mumbai at Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital. The hospital has the best medical personnel and facilities for urinary tract issues.
Nonetheless, some lifestyle adjustments can reduce the chances of contracting diseases and infections in your urinary system.
Steps to Take for a Healthy Urinary System
Urologists recommend these steps to reduce the risks of getting urinary system problems:
- Drinking A Lot of Water
Doctors recommend taking six to eight glasses of water daily. At least half of every fluid you consume within a day must be water. Water is of utmost importance for maintaining urinary health because it aids in filtration.
- Avoiding some beverages and Foods
Maintaining a healthy diet helps prevent disease, including urinary system issues. For example, reducing your intake of alcohol and caffeine is a good way to improve urinary health. Don’t eliminate these drinks from the diet completely. However, take them in moderation.
- Keeping Fit and Maintaining Healthy Weight
A good diet is not enough to maintain a good body weight. It needs to be supplemented by exercise. Being overweight or obese exerts pressure on the urinary bladder, causing issues.
- Use the Bathroom Whenever You Feel Like Going
Most people form a habit of holding in urine for longer than is recommended. What that does is weaken the bladder muscles. Over time, the bladder also becomes prone to infections. Urologists at Max Healthcare recommend using the bathroom once every four hours.
- Observe Proper Hygiene
When visiting the bathroom, it is vital to maintain hygiene. The proper way to wipe is in front-to-back motion. This simple act prevents bacteria from getting in through the urethra.
By keeping bacteria away from the urethra, you avoid most infections. On top of that, urologists recommend going to the toilet after sex. Urinating also prevents any bacteria buildup in the urinary system.
- Urinate in a Relaxed Position
When urinating, it is vital to get the muscles relaxed. This way, the urine is expelled from the bladder entirely. It is best to sit on the toilet seat (for women) rather than hovering above it. Always carry sanitizing cloths to wipe the toilet seat in public bathrooms instead of urinating uncomfortably.
- Do Exercises to Strengthen the Pelvic Floor Muscles
Kegel exercises, or pelvic floor exercises, aid in keeping the urine in the bladder. Patients experiencing leaks and urine incontinence should consider doing Kegel exercises. Exercising daily prevents the urine from leaking when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Moreover, Kegel exercises also eliminate the possibility of infections.
Urinary system problems cause a lot of discomfort for patients. Unfortunately, issues like urine leaks or incontinence can lead to low self-esteem among patients. While there are enough medications and drugs to help with urinary tract issues, urologists recommend lifestyle adjustments.
If you feel like you have an issue with your urinary system, visit a urologist. Delaying a diagnosis and treatment will worsen the issue worse and may result in serious kidney disease.