Just below your navel is the area where the bladder lies. Tenderness in this area can often signal that a bladder infection may be in progress. The bladder, of course, is the storage space for urine that is derived from both kidneys. When the bladder is full, it receives nerve impulses that give you a feeling of urgency, leading to evacuation.
In women, the bladder can become easily infected because of its outlet, the urethra, being in close proximity to the rectum.
It is important, when wiping the rectum after a bowel movement, that the stroke should be made away from the urethra, rather than towards it, to help prevent infection of the outlet to the bladder. The flushing of the toilet while sitting after a bowel movement can also cause bladder infections. Men do not experience bladder infections as frequently because of the length of the male urethra.
Infections of the bladder cause symptoms such as urinary frequency, burning on urination and, often, blood in the urine. Blood in the urine should be investigated to rule out tumors that may occur in the bladder or kidney. Infections of the bladder can be prevented by taking adequate amounts of water during the day (six to eight glasses). Cranberry juice also can maintain a healthy, functioning bladder. Not to waste all of this information, I present it to you by the following:
WHAT’S THE MATTER BLADDER
What’s the matter bladder?
It seems that things aren’t right.
You’re not letting me get my rest
I’m urinating both day and night.
I know that you’re getting older
And your last nerve is on the line
But you just have to get hold of yourself
When I try to go out and dine.
You’re making me get up three times at night
And often in a darkened room
I’ve stubbed my toe on the edge of the bed
And holding back, the flow was doomed
How can I make peace with you?
You know I love coffee and wine
I’m aware that caffeine and alcohol irritate you
But you’re gonna have to give me some time
I know how to calm you down
With a new drug that’s right on hand
But I can also help by doing other things
I’m sure that you understand
You may be getting infected
By a host of other things
I no longer flush while sitting
Because I know what that can bring
I drink at least six glasses of water daily
With concentrated cranberry juice in between
I’m only trying to help you
To resist infections that can be mean
I’m aware that the muscles on my pelvic floor
Have become weak with aging and time
I’ve been doing those pelvic exercises
I’m sure they will strengthen and be more kind
I’ve even gotten my prostate gland checked
To see if it was squeezing too tight
But the size was normal and the PSA was down
The doc said everything was alright
I hope that we can come together
And respect each other’s needs
Because you certainly know that you need me
And I’m sure I need you indeed