ways to keep your bladder clean

• Some signs of a bladder problem may include:
• Urination issues: Frequent or urgent urination, especially at night, or trouble starting to urinate 
• Urine quality: Cloudy, strong-smelling, or bloody urine 
• Pain: Pain or burning during or after urination, or lower abdominal pain 
• Incomplete bladder emptying: Feeling like the bladder isn't fully empty, or needing to urinate again soon after urinating 
• Incontinence: Leaking urine, especially when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy weights 

Other conditions that can affect urination in men include:

• Bladder infection

  Also known as cystitis, this can cause a low-grade fever, burning sensation, and blood in the urine. 
• Bladder stones

  Can cause lower abdominal pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. 
• Prostate enlargement

  Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this can cause difficulty starting to urinate, a slow urine stream, and problems fully emptying the bladder. 

You should seek prompt medical care if you experience: Painful urination, Inability to urinate, Uncontrollable urine flow, and Continuous or severe urinary incontinence. 

To keep your bladder healthy, you can:

• Empty your bladder regularly: Urinate every two to three hours, even if you don't feel the urge. 
• Take your time: Relax and fully empty your bladder when you urinate. 
• Strengthen your pelvic floor: Pelvic floor exercises can help with urine leakage. You can also work with a pelvic floor physical therapist to learn how to relax your pelvic floor. 
• Drink enough fluids: Drink plenty of water to avoid a buildup of waste products in your urine. 
• Limit caffeine and alcohol: Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, which can irritate your bladder. 
• Avoid bladder irritants: Avoid spicy foods, chocolate, tea, vinegar, orange juice, tomato-based foods, and carbonated beverages. 
• Eat bladder-friendly foods: Eat foods like bananas, green beans, winter squash, potatoes, lean proteins, whole grains, and eggs. 
• Eat cruciferous vegetables: These vegetables contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and protect your bladder. 
• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of incontinence. 

You should contact your healthcare professional if you experience:

1. Pain or a burning sensation when you urinate
2. Blood in your urine
3. A stronger urge to urinate than usual