Does drinking more water help incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a frustrating, embarrassing condition. Who wants to always be on the lookout for the nearest restroom, or have to deal with an unexpected leak during a cough, sneeze or lifting a weight.

If this condition is not well managed, you may experience discomfort in social situations, affecting your behavior and how you interact with others.

Can drinking more water help?

When you have urinary incontinence, your first instinctive reaction would be to reduce your water intake. You may also be hesitant to drink lots of fluids as a way of forestalling the leaks and minimizing your toilet visits.

But drinking more water is not bad.

While it sounds counterproductive, drinking more water helps with incontinence.

First, your body is full of fluid, and you always need to drink more water to replace the fluid you lose. Failure to drink enough water leads to dehydration.

Secondly, when you drink more water, you ensure a free filtration of fluids via your kidneys. Doing so means that wastes and other substances do not build up in your urinary tract and that your urine does not get more concentrated.

When urine becomes more concentrated, your bladder is irritated, and incontinence worsens.

You can tell when you’re dehydrated, and your urine is more concentrated when it looks darker, cloudy, and has a strong odor.

Concentrated urine results in irritation, which translates to pain or burning sensation while passing urine.

An irritated bladder increases urgency, which is bad news if you have urinary incontinence. So drinking more water is effective when done correctly.

With the right amount of water, you can prevent dehydration, keep your urine dilute, avert bladder irritation, and minimize incontinence.

You must strike a balance, as drinking too much water may also cause excessive leaks.

How do you drink more water to manage incontinence?

1. Drink enough fluid every day
For a grown man, enough fluid is roughly 13 cups (3 liters) of total beverages a day. For a woman, 9 cups (2.2 liters) of drinks a day is ideal. In terms of drinking water, the right quantity is 4-8 eight-ounce cups a day.

2. Drink when thirsty
Your body has a way of directing how much water you need, and you will notice this in how frequently you get thirsty. When this occurs, make sure to drink water immediately.

3. Drink it in sips
When you drink water, you must avoid guzzling one or two cups at a time, which can overwhelm your bladder. Instead, drink water by frequent sipping. It would be best to have smaller amounts of water and liquid throughout the day, sipping slowly over several sittings.

4. Drink most of your water early in the day
Drinking water a few hours before bedtime can be problematic, especially if you are struggling with nocturia. A good practice is to drink most of your water in the morning and afternoon and avoid drinking 2-4 hours before going to bed.

5. Be creative
While plain water is ideal for urinary incontinence, you can try flavored water to boost your fluid intake. Add fresh mint or a splash of lime or lemon to your water. Dilute your juice as much as possible. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as they have high water content. Just make sure to avoid adding sugar, particularly if you have diabetes.

6. Drink fluids with every snack and meal
Whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any little snack in between, ensure to complement it with a glass of water.

7. Carry a bottle of water with you
Whether at your desk, in your car, or in your bag, always have some water with you. The easiest way to drink enough water is to make it a habit to carry a water bottle wherever you go.

Get the right balance gradually

Drinking enough water without overwhelming your bladder is a practice you will learn with time. Once you know how to go about it, you will stay hydrated and reduce urine leakage.

Take it gradually and learn to balance your water consumption with your other health goals and lifestyle.

Seeking treatment for urinary incontinence

Are you having urinary incontinence? Visit your urologist today to determine the actual cause of the condition and get proper treatment.

The problem may be a result of the aging process, urinary tract infection, or a symptom of a disease, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

At St Pete Urology, we offer a wide array of solutions for urinary incontinence, including guided pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), bladder retraining, Botox injection, medications, and surgery.

Come and see us today for tailored treatment of your leaky bladder.

Can you still ejaculate after a vasectomy?

A vasectomy does not affect your ability to ejaculate. Neither does it have any adverse effect on the appearance of the ejaculate. You will still have normal ejaculations and enjoy orgasms after the procedure.

Why is there no change in ejaculation?

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure done on the vas deferens—the tubes that transport the sperm to the urethra, which then carries it out of the body during ejaculation. During the procedure, your doctor will cut and seal the vas deferens tubes to make it impossible for sperm to leave the body via ejaculation.

Even after a vasectomy, your body will still function normally. Your testes continue to make sperm, but the sperm cannot pass through the vas deferens and are reabsorbed back into the body. As a result, you are no longer able to get your partner pregnant. With an almost 100% success rate, this procedure is considered one of the most effective birth control methods.

You will continue to have normal ejaculations because sperm only makes up 2-5% of the semen. The rest of the semen is made in the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. You will hardly notice any difference in its volume.

A vasectomy does not affect semen quality, texture and amount, and does not reduce the sensation during orgasm.

First ejaculation after a vasectomy

You should wait for a few days after the surgery before you have sex or masturbate. Following a vasectomy, you will feel some pain, soreness, swelling, and discomfort in your testicles, particularly around the small wounds on each testicle where the doctor made the incision.

It is advisable to avoid sex for 1-2 weeks to prevent the irritation of tissues that are already swollen and sensitive. After about two weeks, you can resume sexual activity.

The discomfort felt during the first few ejaculations should lessen with time. There may also be some blood in the semen. If you experience discomfort well into the third week, you should see your doctor as it may be a sign of a complication.

Roughly 1-2% of men who have a vasectomy experience post-vasectomy pain syndrome—a chronic testicular pain that lasts for at least three months. The condition causes constant or occasional pain and may lead to painful ejaculations.

Sexual activity after a vasectomy

With the pain and swelling gone, you can resume sexual intercourse with your partner. However, it is important to remember that sperm will still be present in the tubes for several weeks. To avoid pregnancy, you should use condoms or another form of birth control for at least the first three months after the procedure.

You will need a follow-up test after three months or about 20 ejaculates to check for sperm in the semen. If you still have sperm in your ejaculate at this point, you will need to use another form of contraception until a semen analysis confirms that your ejaculate is sperm-free.

Just like sexual intercourse, it is safe to masturbate after the vasectomy wound has healed and the swelling and pain are gone. To obtain semen for analysis, your doctor will ask you to masturbate into a cup at home or in the doctor’s office. You do not need additional precautions before masturbating after a vasectomy.

Enhanced sexual performance

A vasectomy does not have any adverse impact on bodily processes, hormones, or penile structure. Hence, it does not affect sex drive, sexual performance, ejaculation, or erectile function.

You will still have the same libido level as before, get erections, ejaculate, and have orgasms. And with the stress of unplanned pregnancy eliminated, you should find lovemaking more spontaneous, pleasurable, and satisfying.

The procedure also does not affect the secretion of the male hormone testosterone. There is usually a little testosterone boost because the hormone is no longer lost in the vas-deferens fluid when you ejaculate. And by helping you to reabsorb some testosterone into the body, it should give a slight boost to your sex drive.

Likewise, because erectile dysfunction can be triggered by stress, not worrying about unwanted pregnancy means you are freer to experiment during intercourse. Your greater confidence to engage in sexual activity can enhance the experience and improve your overall sexual performance.

Safe, effective vasectomy

Are you a man who is done having children? If so, you can have a safe, effective vasectomy procedure at St Pete Urology. At our state-of-the-art facility in St Petersburg, Florida, hundreds of vasectomies are performed every year with remarkable success. Our patients can enjoy their sex lives with more freedom to express themselves and without the fear of unplanned pregnancy.

What is sex like with a penile prosthesis

There is no such thing as “normal” when it comes to sex. What you like isn’t necessarily what another person likes. How important it is to you and how often you want it is also a personal preference, but what is common for everyone is the desire to have a pleasurable sexual encounter.

Men with erectile dysfunction who intend to have a penile implant inserted into their penis often want to know how it would impact their sexual pleasure.

Strong, reliable erection

A penile prosthesis enables you to have an erection that is strong enough for satisfactory sex. You will have an erection similar to a natural erection and will not have problems keeping it throughout sexual intercourse.

At St Pete Urology, we offer both inflatable and non-inflatable penile implants. An inflatable implant has two rods filled with fluid from a reservoir near the bladder. As the rods fill, the penis becomes erect. When there is no fluid in the rods, the penis is fully deflated and unnoticeable.

With the non-inflatable implant, a single rod is surgically implanted within the erection chamber of your penis. The rod keeps the penis in a semi-rigid state so that you merely need to lift it into position or adjust it by hand for sexual intercourse.

Regardless of whether the implant is inflatable or in a semi-rigid state, it will support your penis without making it larger or affecting the shape of its head. Expect your penis to be erect to about the same size as before you got the implant, and provide enough hardness for penetration and satisfying sex.

Unhindered sensitivity

A penile prosthesis does not affect the sensitivity of the penis, its glans, or its skin. You will not lose sensitivity and will generally respond to sexual stimulation. You will also have no limitations such as axial effort, traction, or your partner tightening the penis during sexual intercourse.

You can still enjoy different positions and enjoy normal orgasm and ejaculation—deriving maximum pleasure from your sexual encounters. The penis stays rigid even after orgasm, and it is up to you to choose to release the valve to remove the fluid from the rods and end the erection. You should also make sure to have good lubrication during intercourse.

Once you have a penile prosthesis, it may destroy your natural erection reflex. You should have the implant only when recommended by your urologist.

Hidden and unnoticeable

Due to the small incision made for the procedure, the healed scar after penile implant surgery is subtle and hidden to casual observers. The implant will be fully concealed and remain private. You can freely enjoy sex without worrying about your partner knowing you have an implant.

No one will be able to tell that you have a penile prosthesis until they see the small scar at the bottom of your penis. Even in the shower or locker room, it will remain undetectable.

Do you have erectile dysfunction? Would you like to restore your sexual function? At St Pete Urology, we understand that erectile dysfunction can severely impact your relationships and your quality of life. We offer various solutions that can help you with this predicament.

We typically recommend a penile prosthesis for patients who have not found the other ED treatments effective. After the implant surgery, patients can expect to enjoy healthy sex lives, enhanced self-esteem, and more satisfying relationships.

Schedule a consultation with one of our skilled and experienced surgeons at St Pete Urology to find out if a penile implant could be an excellent option for you

ST PETE UROLOGY IS FIRST TO OFFER NEW MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY FROM MEDTRONIC TO TREAT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM INCONTINENCE

 

Contacts:

Phone: (727) 822–9208
Fax: (727) 822–9211

StPeteUrology@gmail.com

ST PETE UROLOGY IS FIRST TO OFFER NEW MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY FROM MEDTRONIC TO TREAT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM INCONTINENCE 

The New FDA Approved InterStim™ Micro is the Smallest and Fastest Rechargeable Bladder and Bowel Control System with Conditional Full-Body MRI

Full-Body MRI Conditional InterStim™ II and InterStim™ Micro Systems Give Patients a Choice Between Sacral Neuromodulation Devices to Suit Their Lifestyle

ST PETERSBURG, FL – JUNE 28, 2021 –  St Pete Urology is one of the only medical providers in St. Petersburg, FL to offer new solutions to the millions  of people who suffer from incontinence thanks to technology advancements from Medtronic — the world’s leading provider of therapy for bladder and bowel control issues. 

More than 37 million adults in the United States – almost one in six – suffer from overactive bladder (OAB) and nearly 18 million Americans – about one in 12 – have fecal incontinence (FI).1-4 It is life-altering because many sufferers limit their lives socially, professionally, and personally,5 but it is  treatable. The new InterStim™ II and InterStim Micro systems provide patients with safe, effective relief from OAB and FI. The InterStim™ II recharge-free system offers patients freedom from a recharging routine, the hassle of recharging components, and a reminder they have a disease. The rechargeable InterStim™ Micro system, the smallest device available in the sacral neuromodulation (SNM) market, benefits patients who want a smaller, longer lasting device. Both systems are full-body* conditional MRI and deliver the same therapy with long-term relief.

“Effective long-term bladder and bowel control is an unmet medical need by many in the St. Petersburg area who experience regular accidents and/or frequency issues associated with OAB and FI. It can significantly impact all aspects of a person’s quality of life – self-confidence, exercise, activities and even intimacy,” said Adam Oppenheim, DO. “By partnering with Medtronic, the trusted leader in SNM therapy, my goal is to help give patients a life without limits.” 

Known as sacral neuromodulation (SNM), the therapy is delivered by the InterStim™ system – an implanted medical device that provides gentle stimulation to the sacral nerve and is thought to normalize the brain-bladder connection to alleviate symptoms. Medtronic developed SNM therapy more than 25 years ago in partnership with physicians who specialize in treating incontinence. Recent technology advancements from Medtronic now gives patients lifestyle-friendly choices in the type of InterStim system they choose; improved battery technology; conditional full-body MRI; and the smallest and fastest charging device on the SNM market.

“I must say, I was very impressed with EVERY aspect of my visit with Dr. Oppenheim. His knowledge goes without saying. Top notch. I was taken aback, though, by his patience and kindness. He took the time to listen patiently to the questions I had. I didn’t feel rushed. He answered those questions in a way that was very easy for me to understand. The staff that I encountered were friendly and assistive. I was also glad that any procedures/tests that he recommended I need are done right there at the office, not a hospital. His office and the building in which it’s in is very easy to find. Overall, a great experience. Should the need arise for anyone I know to need a urologist, I’m definitely recommending Dr. Oppenheim and his staff.”

“For much too long, my life revolved around where I would find the next bathroom,” said Wes Linkovich. “I’m so glad I finally sought help and was open-minded about sacral neuromodulation. My therapy fits well with my lifestyle and, finally, I can focus on the things I love. To anyone suffering in silence, please ask your doctor or urologist about the InterStim™ system from Medtronic. I wish I done this sooner.”  

Not every patient receives the same benefit, and there are potential risks, which may include surgical, device and stimulation risks.6   St Pete Urology will explain the benefits and risks and help each patient find their best treatment. 

About St Pete Urology

Drs. Reid Graves, Nicholas Laryngakis and Adam Oppenheim are dedicated to serving the urological needs of the Tampa Bay and surrounding communities. We strive to provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment and believe in rendering the least invasive, most efficacious treatment of urological disorders in a kind, empathetic, manner. We treat each patient as a partner in his or her medical care and make patient education a central component of our care. Because many urological conditions are accompanied by social discomfort or embarrassment, we emphasize sensitivity and discretion when dealing with all of our patients’ concern

-end-

*Under certain conditions; see approved labeling for details. Patients with InterStim™ SureScan™ MRI leads only
References:

  1. Stewart WF, et al. Prevalence and burden of overactive bladder in the United States. World J Urol. 2003 May;20(6):327-336.
  2. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social A airs, Population Division (2011). World Population Prospects: The 2010 Revision, CD-ROM Edition.
  3. United States Quick Facts. United States Census Bureau Web site. Available at: https:// www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/ PST045215/00. Accessed July 19, 2016.
  4. Whitehead WE, Borrud L, Goode PS, et al. Fecal Incontinence in US adults: epidemiology and risk factors. Gastroenterology. 2009;137(2):512- 517.
  5. Dmochowski RR, Newman DK. Impact of overactive bladder on women in the United States: results of a national survey. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2007;23:65-76.
  6. Link to Important Safety Information

World Continence Week 2021

Welcome to World Continence Week, June 21-27! Let’s talk about what nobody wants to talk about – leaks and accidents. Do you always leave the house with pads and fresh clothes? Constantly looking for the nearest bathroom? You are not alone! 47 million adults have OAB1 in the US today. http://controlleaks.com #WorldContinenceWeek

What is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction

For a man, erectile dysfunction can be a serious issue. When sex stops, your relationship problems may begin or worsen.The occasional inability to have an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse is normal. However, when the problem persists for a while, it points to a deeper issue that should be addressed immediately. Without treatment, ED can make sexual intercourse impossible.

So what is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction?

1. Make lifestyle changes
If you have erectile dysfunction, you can get quick results by making a few lifestyle changes that ensure enhanced blood flow to the penis and help achieve harder erections.

For example, if you quit smoking, lose weight, or exercise regularly, you may see an improvement in your sexual function. You may also need to speak with your doctor if you suspect that a medication you are taking contributes to your ED. Your doctor may change or withdraw the medication.

2. Using oral medication
You can get quick results through oral medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn, or Stendra. These pills boost blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, making it possible to achieve an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

These pills require a doctor’s prescription to guarantee safety and should not be taken more than once per day. They are taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Cialis can be taken up to 36 hours before sexual activity and comes with a lower daily dose.

3. Injectable drugs
If you don’t like pills, injectable medications for ED can help you achieve a stronger erection. They are injected directly into the penis and work by widening the blood vessels, making the penis engorged with blood.

Alternatively, you can use a medicated pellet that you insert into your urethra to trigger an erection within a few minutes.

If you are considering injectable drugs as an option, please make sure to discuss the details with your urologist.

4. Vacuum devices
Also called pumps, vacuum devices provide an alternative to medication. To use the pumps, you place your penis inside a cylinder connected to the pump. The pump draws out air from the cylinder to create a partial vacuum around the penis. As a result, blood rushes into and fills your penis, causing an erection.

You will have an elastic band around the base of your penis to maintain the erection during intercourse. But if you are considering using a vacuum device, it is important to discuss its proper use with your urologist because the elastic band must be used correctly to avoid potential penile damage.

5. Penile implant surgery
If you have tried pills and other less invasive options without success, you may need to undergo penile implant surgery. This option is ideal if your penile blood vessels have been damaged by severe diabetes or during radical prostatectomy. You may also need to undergo penile implant surgery if you have structural problems that make erections difficult or impossible.

There are two basic types of penile implants: inflatable and non-inflatable. The non-inflatable (malleable) implant is a single rod that can be shaped by hand to create an erection. The inflatable implant has two rods filled with fluid from a reservoir located near the bladder.

When you desire an erection, you use the pump to fill the rods with pressurized fluid. As the rods fill, the penis becomes erect and broader. The prosthesis leaves the penis completely deflated when there is no fluid in the rods, making the penis implant unnoticeable.

Want to overcome erectile dysfunction fast?

At St Pete Urology, we offer various safe, effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, including medications, injections, vacuum devices, and penile implants.

We are proud of what we have been able to achieve for our patients. In most cases, our patients have the same level of sexual satisfaction and ability to ejaculate that they had before the erectile dysfunction.

If you have trouble with erections, speak with our skilled urologists and begin your journey to a life of renewed self-esteem, confidence, and optimum sexual function. For more information about effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What is the Best Procedure for Kidney Stone Removal?

Urologists treat kidney stones based on their type, size and location. Smaller kidney stones can pass on their own without treatment. Your urologist may advise you to drink plenty of fluids to help the stone move along your urinary tract. You will be able to pass smaller stones naturally without any treatment other than pain-relieving medication.

For kidney stones that are larger and block your urinary tract or cause unbearable pain, you may need treatment to break down and remove the stones. If you are vomiting and dehydrated, urgent treatment is necessary.

So what is the best procedure for kidney stone removal?

For larger stones causing excruciating pain or that may not pass on their own, surgery is typically the best treatment. There are four surgical procedures your urologist may consider: shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and robot-assisted surgery. The best surgical procedure for your kidney stones will depend on their type and location.

You will need surgical kidney stone removal if:

  1. You have a lot of pain
  2. You have large stones that cannot pass on their own
  3. Your stones are blocking urine flow out of your kidneys
  4. You have recurrent urinary tract infections due to stones

At St Pete Urology, our urologists are highly trained and experienced in a full range of surgical procedures for removing kidney stones. We conduct minimally-invasive procedures which guarantee faster healing.

The procedure we perform on a patient will depend on the nature and location of the stone, the patient’s overall health, and other factors.

We ensure that you get the best possible care as quickly as possible, from surgery through recovery.

How are the surgical procedures performed?

1. Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a procedure in which kidney stones are targeted using sound waves and X-rays. The stones are broken down before they are passed naturally in urine. This non-invasive procedure is used for small to medium-sized kidney stones, usually less than two centimeters in size, softer, and located in the ureter.

During the procedure, you lie on a table and receive medicine to limit pain and discomfort before high-energy shock waves are aimed at the stone from the outside. No cuts are made in your skin as the waves go through and break the stones into smaller pieces. Your urologist may insert a tube in your ureter, called a stent, which will aid in passing the stones. The procedure will take about an hour and you are free to go home the same day. Recovery time for shockwave lithotripsy is relatively short, so you will be able to return to normal activities within a few days.

2. Ureteroscopy

For bigger stones, your urologist may consider ureteroscopy. For this procedure, a small scope, called a ureteroscope, is inserted into the kidney via the bladder. When the stone is in the upper part of the ureter and kidney, your urologist will use a more flexible ureteroscope. If the stones are in the lower portion of the ureter near the bladder, a rigid scope may be used. Ureteroscopy is an outpatient procedure done without incision and under general or spinal anesthesia.

At St Pete Urology, one of the most common surgeries to treat kidney stones is ureteroscopy with Holmium laser lithotripsy. During this procedure, the urologist inserts a narrow, flexible ureteroscope through your urethral opening and passes it through the bladder to reach the stone. The stone is then collected from the location or broken up using a small laser fiber and removed.

3. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a minimally-invasive procedure in which a surgeon makes a small incision, usually at the back or side to create a tunnel directly to the kidney to break and remove a large or irregularly shaped stone. Once an incision is made, an optical instrument, called a nephroscope, is inserted through the incision to reach the stone. The stone is broken down into small pieces and drawn out. This procedure is ideal for kidney stones that are big (larger than 2 centimeters), numerous, too dense, or located in a hard-to-reach area in the kidney or ureter. A stent is inserted to help with the excretion of urine as you heal from the surgery. You may need an overnight stay in the hospital after the procedure and can expect to recover in two to four weeks.

4. Robot-assisted stone removal

Kidney stones can also be removed using the da Vinci surgical system, particularly if you were born with a kidney drainage problem (ureteropelvic junction obstruction) or have complicated stones that cannot be removed successfully using other surgical methods.

This robotic surgical system gives urologists a high-resolution and three-dimensional view of small areas. It allows for an increased range of motion and the ability to make more precise incisions, which ensure less scarring. Patients who undergo this procedure recover more quickly and spend fewer days in the hospital, compared to those who have had traditional open surgery.

Why have your kidney stone removal at St Pete Urology?

At St Pete Urology, our urologists frequently treat patients with kidney stones of different types, locations and sizes. We perform hundreds of kidney stone surgeries every year, using mostly minimally invasive and robotic procedures.

Your condition will be managed by specialists who will recommend the best procedure, apply a personalized treatment plan, and deliver top-notch follow-up care. We will see you through your recovery period and monitor your progress to make sure you are in the best of health.

For more information on kidney stone prevention, diagnosis and treatment, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What Foods Are Good For Kidneys?

Kidneys play a significant role in the overall health of the body. They filter out waste products from blood and send them out of the body as waste through urine. The kidneys also balance fluid and electrolyte levels in the body while making hormones that regulate the function of other organs of your body. But to keep your kidneys healthy, you need to watch what you eat and drink because some foods boost the performance of the kidneys while others stress, degrade and damage them.

What foods support healthy kidneys?

Kidney-friendly foods are those that enhance kidney function and protect them from damage. Generally, a good balance of quality protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals are great for the kidneys. Very high dietary levels of some mineral ions such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium may in the long run endanger your kidneys. Foods linked to heart problems and high blood pressure may put additional pressure on the kidneys.

For healthy kidneys, consider the following:

1. Stay Hydrated

Water helps to flush out toxins from the body. In fact, the body relies on water to assist transporting toxic wastes into the bloodstream, then to the kidneys where they are filtered and removed through urine. This process helps reduce the risk of bacterial infection, kidney stones, and kidney disease, which is why water is crucial for the critical salt-fluid balance in the body.

Ideally, you should drink 6-8 glasses of water per day, but of course you can drink more if you are active during the day. In addition to the many other benefits of staying hydrated, drinking water when thirsty helps to support your kidneys.

2. Apples and mushrooms

Apples are rich in fiber. One of the fibers, called pectin, helps to reduce various risk factors for kidney disease, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Apples also have anti-inflammatory constituents, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease, and lower the risk of cancer. You might also consider eating mushrooms for their high levels of vitamin D, which boosts kidney function.

3. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes have a robust fiber profile. They break down very slowly in the body which helps to support low insulin levels. Sweet potatoes also have a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium which helps to balance sodium levels in the body and reduce the effect of sodium on the kidneys. However, since they contain high levels of potassium, sweet potatoes are not ideal for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

4. Berries

Dark berries, such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants and for most people protective for the kidneys.

5. Dark leafy vegetables

Leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and chard contain a wide variety of vitamins, fibers, and minerals that support kidney function. While they do supply a number of protective compounds, dark leafy vegetables are highly rich in potassium and therefore less suitable for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), restricted diet, or patients on dialysis.

6. Kale and cauliflowers

Kale is a terrific source of vitamins A and C which reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and protect the kidneys. Kale is also lower in potassium compared to other greens, and contains lots of iron. Like kale, cauliflower is rich in vitamin C and also has plenty of fiber and folate that are crucial for kidney function. Likewise, cauliflower contains compounds that improve the liver’s ability to neutralize toxic substances and reduce the stress on the kidneys.

7. Fatty fish and egg whites

Tuna, salmon and other cold-water, fatty fish have high omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids in these fish are heart protective and also healthy for the kidneys. Since high blood pressure is a risk factor for kidney disease, fatty fish is a great way to improve your cholesterol profile and protect your kidneys.

Foods to avoid include:

1. High salt

Elevated salt levels raise blood pressure making the heart and kidneys work extremely hard. You can control your salt intake by cooking at home and avoiding most fast foods which are sky high in sodium.

You can also try substituting new spices and herbs in place of salt and by avoiding packaged and pre-cooked foods, such as soups, frozen dinners, and boxed meals that usually have extra salt. Similarly, you should avoid table salt and high-sodium seasonings like soy sauce, garlic salt and sea salt.

2. Foods rich in potassium

While potassium helps your nerves and muscles to work properly, too much of it can lead to serious heart problems and eventually to kidney issues. Potassium is found in most fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, oranges, avocadoes, raw carrots, cooked broccoli, potatoes, greens, tomatoes, and melons.

Instead of these high potassium foods, try alternatives such as apples, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Other good options are pineapples, peaches, plums, asparagus, cabbage, cucumber, and beans (green and white).

3. Limit phosphorus and calcium

Phosphorus and calcium are great minerals for keeping your bones healthy and strong. But high levels of phosphorus may increase the risk of long-term kidney disease. Since most foods that contain phosphorus are also equally rich in calcium, the body’s levels of the two minerals can be controlled by similar mechanisms.

If your doctor suggests limiting phosphorus, avoid foods such as red meat, dairy products, nuts, fish, most grains, and legumes. Consider replacing these foods with healthy foods that are lower in phosphorus, such as fresh fruits and veggies, rice, corn and fish.

At St Pete Urology, we encourage our patients to take care of their kidneys through healthy behaviors—exercise, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet. We also perform surgeries and treat urination problems such as incontinence, tumors, cysts, growth and stones of the urinary system, as well as problems of the male reproductive system. For more information on kidney disorders and their treatment, visit the St Pete Urology website.

Overcoming an Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is an uncomfortable and stressful condition. Characterized by a sudden involuntary bladder contraction that triggers a compelling urge to pass urine, OAB may lead to urine leakage or the need to pass urine several times during the day or night. As a result, having an overactive bladder makes it difficult to go through the day without several visits to the bathroom.

Bothersome Symptoms

While the symptoms of OAB may be less troublesome when you are at home, they can be a problem in a public or unfamiliar place. No one wants to rush out of meetings with important clients or friends for fear of not making it to the restroom in time.

The fear instilled by overactive bladder can interfere with your ability to go out with friends, work, exercise, and even sleep. It can also disrupt your sex life, leave you tired and short-tempered, or cause rashes or infection due to the leaks. And the whole experience may leave you feeling unhappy and hopeless.

Strategies for Overcoming Overactive Bladder

The good news is that overactive bladder can be controlled. In fact, many patients overcome OAB without the need for invasive medical and surgical procedures. The key to successful treatment is seeing a urologist early to assess your condition and identify steps to help you manage the symptoms and regain control over your bladder.

Lifestyle measures may include changing what you eat or drink, pelvic floor exercises, and pre-planned bathroom visits. When lifestyle changes are unsuccessful, medical and surgical interventions may be necessary.

Behavioral Changes

1. Reducing fluid intake

Restricting fluid intake reduces your urinary output and helps control OAB symptoms. Since the symptoms of overactive bladder usually occur after a certain critical urinary volume is reached in the bladder, limiting fluid intake ensures it takes longer to reach this critical volume.

By consuming most of your fluid before 7 PM, you can lessen your nocturnal frequency. If you are on diuretic medications, you can check with your urologist to see whether they can be changed.

2. Limiting foods and drinks that trouble your bladder

Alcohol and caffeine (present in coffee, tea, colas, chocolate and some energy drinks) irritate the bladder and increase urinary output. By reducing the intake of these beverages and foods, you can improve your bladder control.

Foods such as fruits and vegetables have hidden water content, so you can limit additional beverages when eating healthy fresh produce. You might also want to reduce or abstain from spicy foods, citrus fruits, and artificial sweeteners, foods made with tomatoes, soda, and other fizzy drinks.

Because the chemical constituents of tobacco constrict blood vessels, impair blood flow, decrease oxygenation, and promote inflammation—affecting the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor muscles—quitting cigarette smoking will improve your OAB symptoms.

3. Keep a bladder diary

Writing down the time and triggers for your trips to the bathroom can help you understand your body better. After a few days, your diary will show you the things that make your symptoms worse. For instance, you may realize that your symptoms get worse after you eat or drink a certain food. This helps you to decide what changes to make in your diet.

4. Weight loss and regular exercise

Excess weight puts pressure on the urinary bladder and worsens overactive bladder. Even modest weight loss may improve your overactive bladder symptoms.

Lower impact exercises, such as yoga, cycling, Pilates, and swimming, can help to alleviate pressure on the urinary bladder by boosting core muscle strength and tone. As a result, OAB symptoms improve.

Due to the proximity of the rectum to the bladder, a full rectum can put pressure on your bladder, resulting in worsening of urgency, frequency and incontinence. Taking steps to avoid constipation will improve bladder control.

Voiding Measures and Bladder Retraining

You can overcome overactive bladder by managing how and when you void. Ways to manage voiding include delayed (inhibited) voiding, timed voiding, and double voiding. Bladder retraining gradually imposes increased intervals between voids and establishes a more normal pattern of urination.

Delayed voiding means you practice waiting before you can go into the bathroom, even when you feel the urge. At the beginning, you may try waiting a few minutes, then gradually increase your waiting time to achieve a delay of up to 2-3 hours.

By timed voiding, you follow a daily pre-planned bathroom schedule. That is, instead of going to the bathroom every time you feel the urge, you go at set times during the day. For example, you may try to pass urine every 2-4 hours regardless of whether you have the urge to go or not. The goal of doing this is to prevent an urgent uncontrollable feeling and to regain control over your bladder.

Double voiding (emptying your bladder twice) helps if you have trouble emptying your bladder. After you go to the bathroom, try again a minute later.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also called Kegel exercises, help to stimulate inhibitory reflexes between the bladder and the pelvic floor muscles. By exercising your pelvic floor muscles rhythmically, you can inhibit involuntary contraction before and after it begins.

Kegel exercises target muscles that relax the bladder. To perform the exercises, you should begin by mastering the presence, location, and nature of the pelvic floor muscles. A simple means of identifying the muscles is to start urinating and then, when about halfway completed, to abruptly stop the urine stream.

Once you locate the muscles, squeeze them just before and during the trigger for urgency or incontinence. This will diminish the urgency and help avoid the incontinence. When performing Kegel exercises, always squeeze and relax the muscles repeatedly when you feel the urge to pass urine.

Medications

Bladder relaxant medications can help you suppress overactive bladder symptoms, although you may need several trials of different medications or combinations of medications to achieve optimal results.

Your urologist will prescribe medication either in conjunction with behavioral modification or after behavior modification has been tried unsuccessfully. The drugs prevent involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles by relaxing and stabilizing them.

Biofeedback and Botox injections

Biofeedback is an adjunct to training pelvic floor muscles in which electronic instrumentation is used to transmit feedback information about pelvic floor muscle contractions. It enhances awareness and strength of pelvic floor muscles.

In other cases, your urologist may opt for Botox—a simple procedure usually done in the doctor’s office—where it is injected directly into the bladder muscle to help reduce OAB symptoms. Once injected, Botox helps to relax areas of the bladder where it is injected. Botox injections generally last 6-9 months and are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) and Interstim

PTNS is a minimally invasive form of neuro-modulation. A tiny acupuncture-style needle is inserted near the tibial nerve in the ankle and a hand-held stimulator used to generate electrical stimulation with the intent of improving OAB symptoms. The procedure is performed once every week for 12 weeks.

In some cases, your urologist may opt for the more invasive form of neuro-modulation, called interstim. During the interstim procedure, electrical impulses are used to stimulate and modulate the sacral nerves in the effort to relieve OAB symptoms. A battery-powered neuro-stimulator (bladder “pacemaker”) is used to provide the mild electrical impulses that are carried by a small lead wire to the stimulated sacral nerves affecting bladder function.

Surgery for Overactive Bladder

Treating OAB with surgery is not common and is usually reserved for cases where other treatment plans have failed. Surgery may increase the physical size of the bladder by using portions of the bowel to replace and expand a section of the bladder.

At St Pete Urology, our approach to helping you overcome overactive bladder includes lifestyle changes and medical treatments such as prescription drugs, bladder Botox treatment, nerve stimulation, and surgery. Our specialist team of urologists is experienced at dealing with overactive bladder through proper diagnosis and treatment. You can be sure your consultation will lead to a recommendation of the best possible treatment options for you. Schedule your appointment with us and begin your journey to freedom from overactive bladder. For more information on overcoming overactive bladder and other urologic conditions, visit the St Pete Urology website.