Prevention of Bladder Problems

Some Causes

• Infection
• Constipation
• Some medicines
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Drinking large quantities of caffeine in coffee and cola
• Drinking too much alcohol or fizzy drinks

Keeping Your Bladder Healthy

1. Avoid getting constipated – eat a healthy diet, high in fibre (see fibre chart under Constipation). When the bowel does not empty it swells up and pushes on the bladder.
2. Practice pelvic floor exercises each day
3. Keep a healthy fluid intake - It is important to drink
   1.5 – 2 Litres of fluid every day. If you drink less than this, try to increase the amount gradually e.g. an extra glass of water each day.
   Drink plain water, fruit juice, cordials, fruit or herbal tea.
   Reducing the amount of fluid you drink makes your urine more concentrated and can worsen bladder problems.

Drinks containing caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners can cause irritation of the bladder and increase symptoms of urgency and incontinence.