Bladder Problems Archive

About 60% of women will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) sometime during their lives, and more than a quarter of this group will cope with recurrent UTIs. Long-term antibiotic use for UTIs can lead to antibiotic resistance and make side effects more likely.

Several tools can help people with incontinence stay dry and comfortable. Tools can include medications; basic supplies, such as protection pads, leakproof underwear, adaptive clothing, and portable urinals; bedwetting alarms; and bathroom locator apps. Some of the most important tools aren’t pills or gadgets, but strategies—such as controlling underlying conditions that can lead to incontinence (such as diabetes), weight loss, lifestyle or behavioral changes, and pelvic floor training.

Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are far more common in women, men can also get them. Signs and symptoms include frequent urination, burning or tingling during or just after urination, cloudy urine with a strong odor, or blood in the urine. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics.

An estimated six in 10 women will at some point experience symptoms from pelvic floor weakness. Risk factors include pregnancy (especially with vaginal delivery), chronic constipation, family history, smoking, aging, menopause, obesity, chronic coughing, and occupations involving heavy lifting. Women with pelvic floor weakness may experience signs such as leaking urine, having trouble using a tampon, being unable to fully empty their bladder or rectum, and feeling a bulge in their vagina.

Several strategies can help people cope when stress incontinence leads to urine leaks during exercise. For example, doing low-impact (rather than high-impact) exercise will put less stress on the pelvic floor muscles, helping to reduce leakage. Wearing absorbent "bladder leak" underwear can keep someone dry and comfortable during activity. Regularly strengthening the pelvic floor, abdominal, and hip muscles will bolster the body's ability to keep urine from leaking out of the bladder.