Kegels are for you too, fellas

Kegels are for you too, fellas
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The benefits of Kegel exercises for women are well-known. They can maintain bladder and vaginal function throughout life, and many doctors suggest the exercises for pregnancy-related incontinence. But men also benefit from being able to reflexively and quickly tighten the pelvic floor muscles. To do them, imagine you’re about to wee when the phone rings. “Kegels can help men who are dealing with an overactive bladder or frequent urination when there’s no obstruction from the prostate,” says Dr Brucker. Go ahead: Squeeze, hold and release.

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Your wee isn’t actually sterile

Your wee isn’t actually sterile
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For decades, scientists have believed that urine is sterile and that patients who test positive for bacteria must have urinary tract disorders. However, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology discovered bacteria in the urine of healthy women – meaning the usefulness of traditional screening methods may be limited. The research also revealed that women with bladder problems like urgent urinary incontinence are more likely to have certain types of bacteria in their urine. More studies are needed, but if researchers can determine which bacteria are linked to various symptoms, doctors could be able to better detect and treat urinary disorders like incontinence, urinary tract infections and overactive bladder.

Please stop pretending like I don’t exist

Please stop pretending like I don’t exist
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Talk to your doctor about any bladder problems you experience, including pain, difficulty urinating, paruresis and incontinence. Bladder problems are not an untreatable part of ageing, and fixing them could dramatically improve your quality of life. Take incontinence: The average woman waits 6.5 years from her first incontinence incident to get a diagnosis from a doctor. “It has a negative impact on the quality of life, and patients are more likely to be socially isolated because of shame or embarrassment,” says Dr Brucker. “Bladder health should be something that gets brought up and talked about.”

Next up: Try these help tips that will help you cope better with an overactive bladder.

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Source: RD.com

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