Our Services / Bladder Health

Bladder Health services offered in Johnson, Springdale, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Eureka Springs, AR and Integris Physician's Building, Grove, OK

Most people don't think about their bladder health until something goes wrong and they suddenly have trouble urinating. The exceptional physicians at Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates diagnose and treat all types of bladder problems, but they also focus on helping you prevent problems by maintaining a healthy bladder. If you have symptoms or questions about bladder health, call the office in Springdale, Rogers, Siloam Springs, or Eureka Springs, Arkansas, or book an appointment online today.

Bladder Health Q & A

What defines a healthy bladder?

Your bladder stores urine until your nervous system senses the bladder is full and sends messages that trigger the bladder muscles to contract and eliminate the urine through the urethra.

When all these parts work properly, you have a healthy bladder. However, many conditions can affect the bladder and interfere with normal urination. Then you have symptoms such as:

Pelvic pain
Pain during urination
Difficult or frequent urination
Weak urine stream
Feeling like you can't empty your bladder
Urinating during the night

You may also dribble after urinating.

What conditions affect bladder health?

These are a few of the most common bladder problems Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates treats:

Cystitis (urinary tract infection)

The bacteria that cause a UTI can travel up the urethra and into the bladder, where they cause inflammation and a bladder infection (cystitis).

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence occurs any time you have uncontrollable urine leakage, whether you release a small dribble or completely empty your bladder.

Overactive bladder

An overactive bladder refers to the sudden and uncontrollable need to urinate. You may need to frequently run to the bathroom, or you could develop incontinence.

Bladder prolapse

The bladder prolapses, or falls down from its normal position, when the supporting pelvic floor muscles weaken.

Bladder stones

Bladder stones develop when minerals that your urine normally dissolves turn into crystals and form stones.

Interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome, causes chronic pain and pressure in your bladder, along with difficult or frequent urination.

Bladder outlet obstruction

This condition occurs with a blocked bladder.

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer usually begins in the cells lining the inner bladder wall. As the cancer grows, it spreads into deeper layers of the bladder wall and can metastasize outside the bladder.

How can I maintain bladder health?

Though you can't always prevent bladder problems, you can keep your bladder as healthy as possible by following a few simple tips:

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated ensures regular urination and prevents your urine from getting too concentrated. However, if you have kidney disease or heart disease, you may need to limit your fluid intake, so be sure to talk with your provider at Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates before drinking more water.

Don't hold your urine

Holding your urine too long weakens the bladder muscles, which affects your ability to urinate. Additionally, letting urine sit in your bladder too long leads to infections and stones.

Do pelvic floor exercises

Your provider can tell you how to exercise the pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening these muscles helps prevent age-related changes that lead to bladder problems.

If you have any questions about your bladder health, call Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates or book an appointment online today.