Looking for “ways to live a healthy lifestyle” is among the most common online searches today. And yet a topic rarely spoken of is bladder health. The organ is responsible for storing urine and flushing it out of the body several times each day. However, several factors, like age and urinating habits, among others, may affect bladder health. Although one cannot control all factors, there are some common mistakes one can avoid to keep the bladder healthy.

Holding it in for long periods
Holding in urine for extended periods is sometimes unavoidable, especially if one is at the movies, a concert, or during long car rides. However, making it a habit for much longer than needed could trigger other problems, including urinary infections. A full bladder is susceptible to bacterial infections, so one shouldn’t hold it in for too long.

Pressurizing muscles when urinating
An individual who applies pressure on the muscles around their bladder while urinating may suffer from adverse effects such as cloudy or bloody urine, pain around the pelvis, and the need to pass urine more often. It is imperative for men and women to be in a relaxed position while urinating.

Not emptying the bladder
Many people tend to urinate in a rush. As a result, they do not empty their bladder completely. Incomplete bladder emptying can lead to the collection of waste fluids (urine), increasing the risk of bladder infections. So, one must ensure to take enough time to empty the bladder every bathroom visit.

Maintaining poor hygiene
Not maintaining hygiene is a major factor contributing to bladder infections. Men can gently dab their penis to remove any remaining droplets with soft tissue paper. Women should consider wiping from front to back to keep gut bacteria from entering the urethra.

Not urinating after intercourse
Not urinating after sex is a leading cause of bladder problems. Sexual activity could result in harmful bacteria moving from the bowel or vaginal cavity to the urethral opening. Therefore, both men and women should urinate shortly after intercourse. It will help lower the risk of infection.

Avoiding health checks
Urinary infections can affect an individual irrespective of their health status. And such complications might lead to symptoms including painful or burning sensations during urination, frequent urination, bloody or foul-smelling urine, and strong urges to urinate. So, apart from getting regular health checks, one needs to speak to a healthcare expert if they have such symptoms.