BALTIMORE, Nov. 1, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — November is Bladder Health Month, and this year the Urology Care Foundation is focusing on dispelling the myths and conveying the facts about bladder health.

Every year, millions of men and women struggle with symptoms related to bladder conditions or diseases, but these symptoms are often overlooked. Some people feel that bladder problems are an embarrassing topic, or they simply don’t realize that their symptoms could signal a bigger health problem. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common in women, so if you have bladder problems of any kind, talk to your doctor about what’s going on.

“Early detection can save lives because it allows for prompt intervention and more treatment options,” said bladder cancer survivor Karen Roy. “I discovered my bladder cancer early during a procedure for kidney stones and caught it before it spread to my muscles or lymph nodes. This experience reinforced to me how important it is to detect bladder cancer early, as it can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Today, I am cancer free.”

Besides bladder cancer, there are many other bladder conditions or diseases. Over 33 million Americans have an overactive bladder, and an estimated 1-4 million men and 3-8 million women have symptoms of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

To dispel the myths, below are common misconceptions and facts about bladder health:

Myth #1: Only women can get a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Both men and children can also get UTIs. For children, about 8% of girls and 1-2% of boys have had a UTI by age 5. Common reasons for a UTI are sex, high blood sugar, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or problems with your body fighting disease or other illnesses. Learn more.

Myth #2: Smoking is the only cause of bladder cancer.

There are several causes of bladder cancer. Other risk factors include chemicals ingested while working in a place that produces plastics, paints, leather, and rubber; cancer drugs; radiation to the pelvis and a family history of bladder cancer. Learn more.

Myth #3: Bladder leakage is a normal part of aging and cannot be treated.

Urine leakage is not a normal part of aging and can be treated. There are several surgical options, but before surgery is considered, lifestyle changes, such as a change in diet, can be tried first. Other treatments are pelvic floor exercises, prescription medications, hormone therapy, nerve stimulation, and bladder Botox. Learn more.

Myth #4: Bedwetting is always the child’s fault and cannot be treated.

Over 5 million children in the US have bedwetting problems. If your child is over 7 years old and often wakes up in a wet bed, they may have a problem. You and your doctor will want to find out the cause of bedwetting and find a treatment plan. In some cases, prescription medications can be used to help stop bedwetting. Learn more.

The first step to keeping your bladder happy and healthy is to arm yourself with knowledge. Each week this month, the Urology Care Foundation will highlight bladder conditions affecting people in the U.S. and offer tips on how to have that important conversation with your doctor.

For more on Bladder Health Month, check out our information center.

About Urology Care Foundation: The Urology Care Foundation is the world’s leading nonprofit urological health foundation and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. Collaborating with physicians, researchers, patients and the public, the Foundation supports and improves urological clinical care by funding research, developing patient education and pursuing philanthropic support. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its programs, visit: www.urologyhealth.org.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology and has more than 23,000 members worldwide. The AUA is a premier urological association, providing invaluable support to the urological community as it pursues its mission to advance the highest standards of urological care through education, research and health care policy formulation.

Contact:

Corey Del Bianco, Corporate Communications & Media Relations Manager

410-689-4033

[email protected]

SOURCE Urology Care Foundation