Bladder

How to Keep Your Bladder Healthy – Key Messages

• Empty your bladder every 3 to 5 hours during the day (6 – 8 times over 24 hours). Going to the toilet too often or too little can cause problems.
• After using the toilet, women should wipe from front to back to stop germs spreading from the back passage to the vagina which may cause infection.
• Do not use perfumed products or talc as this may cause skin irritation in the vulva area.
• Choose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
• Aim to drink 1.5 to 2 litres (6-8 glasses) of fluid each day spread out evenly from when you get up to one hour before bed. Increase this during hot weather or physical activity.
• Avoid substances containing caffeine i.e. coca cola, lucozade, tea, coffee, irn-bru, green tea as these will irritate your bladder. Nicotine and alcohol will have the same effect. Make sure you slowly reduce caffeine intake to prevent headaches. Drinking water is best.
• Try to avoid constipation or being overweight as this causes extra pressure on the bladder and may weaken your pelvic floor.
• If problems do not resolve then contact your healthcare professional who may refer you to a specialist clinic or physiotherapist fro pelvic floor exercises or other treatments.

Bladder Related Document for Professionals

Clinical Guidance

• Continence Assessment Form Guidelines
• Frequency Volume Chart

Patient Information

• Helping You to Have a Healthy Bladder
• How to Keep Your Bladder Healthy

Pathways

• Bladder Pathway
• Male Bladder Pathway

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