The most common — and often, the first — symptom is blood in your urine. It may be just a little, or it can be enough to change the colour of your pee. It may turn an orange, pink, or darker red.

You may see blood one day, but not the next. If you have bladder cancer, the blood eventually comes back. In some cases, you can???t see blood in your urine. Your doctor or lab tech will only detect it with a urine test.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

Several symptoms might indicate bladder cancer like fatigue, weight loss, and bone tenderness, and these can indicate more advanced disease. You should pay particular attention to the following symptoms:

• Blood in the urine

Any blood in the urine can be a sign of a serious health problem, even if it happens only once. Ignoring hematuria can lead to the worsening of bladder cancer. This is a symptom that often occurs in advanced cancer cases. There may not be earlier signs of a problem.

• UTI like symptoms

Bladder cancer can be mistaken for a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) because many of the symptoms overlap. Patients may experience increased frequency and urgency of urination, pain with urination, or urinary incontinence. If you???ve noticed any urinary problems???you have to go all the time, or you feel like you have to go but can???t, or you have a hard time emptying your bladder???or if antibiotics don???t seem to be helping your UTI symptoms, talk to your doctor.

• Unexplained pain

More advanced bladder cancers are often associated with pain. Pain can occur in the flank area, abdomen, or pelvis. Patients can also develop pain in their bones if cancer has spread to their bones. If you???re having aches and pains in those areas, tell your doctor???especially if you???ve also noticed spotting or UTI symptoms.

• Decreased appetite

Appetite loss is a common cancer symptom, and bladder cancer is no exception. If cancer has grown or spread, you might experience weight loss or feel tired and weak. Of course, there are plenty of other things that can mess with your appetite, so don???t automatically assume the worst???but do talk to your doctor about it if it persists.

• Postmenopausal uterine bleeding

Any blood or spots that you notice after menopause could be a symptom of bladder cancer or some other underlying issue. Similarly to blood in the urine, it may be easy to overlook, but it is recommended that you see your urologist be safe.

Prevention

Because doctors don???t yet know what causes bladder cancer, it may not be preventable in all cases. The following factors and behaviours can reduce your risk of getting bladder cancer:

• Not smoking
• Avoiding secondhand cigarette smoke
• Avoiding other carcinogenic chemicals
• Drinking plenty of water

Summary

The presence of one or all of these signs does not mean you have cancer, but you should be seen by a urologist, as these are abnormal bodily functions. Sometimes those diagnosed with bladder cancer do not experience any bleeding or pain. That???s why routine screening and physicals are very important.

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It affects about one in every six couples, and researchers estimate about one in every three cases is due to fertility problems in the male partner alone.

While infertility is not always treatable, there are some things you can do to boost your chances of conceiving. Fertility can sometimes be improved with a healthy diet, supplements, and other lifestyle strategies.

This article lists some of the main lifestyle factors, foods, nutrients, and supplements that have been associated with improved fertility in men.

• Add Antioxidants to Your Diet

You’ve probably heard antioxidants called cancer and heart disease-fighters, but they might also increase male fertility. Several vitamins and minerals act as antioxidants, and some studies have linked antioxidant consumption with increased sperm count.

• Kick the smoking habit

When it comes to smoking, it is impossible to speak about the benefits. From causing cancer to allowing harmful chemicals to enter your body, both men and women should completely stay away from cigarettes.

The researchers found that people who smoked moderate or heavy amounts of tobacco had a lower sperm quality than people who smoked tobacco less heavily.

• Maintain a healthy weight and diet

After a long day, many of us will let down our guards and will venture out for an unhealthy meal. Some head out to their local pizza parlour, while others opt for a greasy cheeseburger and fries. As you age, these calories can have many negative impacts on your body. The next time you are in this position, steer away from both of these options and go for a healthy salad with a protein such as chicken or tuna.

• Stay away from stress.

Stress can decrease sexual function and interfere with the hormones needed to produce sperm. Stress management can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, meditating, exercising, or spending time with friends.

• Take ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, has long played a role in traditional medicines as a remedy for several forms of sexual dysfunction.

A 2013 study found that 46 males with low sperm counts who took 675 milligrams of ashwagandha daily for 90 days saw a 167% increase in their sperm count.

Summary

Most research supports the use of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and dietary adjustments to help a male manage and improve a low sperm count.

Such lifestyle changes include adopting a regular exercise regimen and sleep schedule, as well as avoiding tobacco, excess alcohol, and illicit drugs. It may also help to avoid particular prescription medications.

Taking herbal supplements, such as fenugreek and ashwagandha, may also help.

Dietary changes that promote a higher sperm count include reducing the intake of trans fatty acids and increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D intake.

Maintaining a healthful, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best way to boost sperm count through the diet.

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Steps to prevent bladder cancer

• Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for bladder cancer. Chemicals in tobacco smoke are absorbed into the blood, pass through the kidneys and collect in the urine. These chemicals can damage the inside of the bladder and increase your chances of getting bladder cancer.

• Avoid exposure to chemicals and irritants.

Certain chemicals that are used in the workplace have been associated with a higher chance of developing bladder cancer. Doctors believe contact with certain agents leads to bladder cancer because your kidneys help filter harmful chemicals from your bloodstream and distribute them into your bladder.

• Eat a healthy diet

Choose a diet rich in a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help reduce your risk of cancer.

• Stay properly hydrated

Not drinking enough fluids may be a risk factor for bladder cancer. Drinking water may dilute harmful substances in your urine and flush them out of your bladder faster.

Symptoms

Bladder cancer signs and symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola coloured, though sometimes the urine appears normal and blood is detected on a lab test
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Back pain

Many risk factors can raise your chances of developing bladder cancer. Avoiding certain harmful behaviours, especially smoking, may protect you from the disease. Still, people without risk factors can develop bladder cancer.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and visiting your doctor for regular screenings can help lower your risk and ensure early detection if you do develop bladder cancer.

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If your urinary system is healthy, holding your pee generally isn???t dangerous. If you???re an adult and your bladder is holding more than 2 cups of urine, you may start to feel uncomfortable.

If you have an overactive bladder, holding your pee can be an important part of bladder training. Regular bladder training may help you develop a more convenient urination schedule.

There isn???t a set guideline for how long you can safely hold your pee. It varies from person to person.

In certain circumstances, holding urine for any length of time can be dangerous. If you have any of the following conditions, holding your urine can increase your risk of infection or kidney disease:

• Enlarged prostate
• Neurogenic bladder
• Kidney disorders
• Urinary retention

Can hold urine cause UTIs?

Simply holding your pee doesn???t cause a UTI. UTIs occur when bacteria make their way into the urinary tract. If you don???t empty your bladder regularly, the bacteria are more likely to sit and multiply in the bladder. This can lead to a UTI.

Your risk for a UTI may also be higher if you don???t drink adequate amounts of water. This is because your bladder won???t be full enough to send the signal to urinate. Bacteria that might already be present in the urinary system will then be able to multiply, potentially leading to an infection.

Other possible complications

Your bladder is a part of your urinary system. It???s connected through the ureters to your kidneys. In rare cases, urine can back up into the kidneys and lead to an infection or kidney damage.

Pre-existing medical conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or a neurogenic bladder from nerve damage, can lead to involuntary retention of urine. A blockage in the passage of urine or weakened bladder muscles can prevent the bladder from emptying.

The Bottom Line

In most cases, holding your pee now and then isn???t harmful to your health. If, however, the urge to urinate is affecting your daily life, you should consult your doctor. Holding your pee regularly can increase the risk of UTIs or other complications.

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It’s certainly not possible to prevent all cancers, but population studies have found a reduced risk of the following cancers in people who consume more garlic:

• Stomach cancer
• Colon cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer

Anti-Cancer Compounds

Garlic has natural antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral. The knobs and cloves of garlic contain high levels of sulfur, flavonoids, and selenium. And, when it is crushed, chopped, or bruised, garlic produces the compound allicin.

It is garlic’s antibacterial properties that may help to prevent cancer as well as its ability to enhance genetic repair, slow down cell proliferation, and prevent the formation of carcinogenic substances in the body.

Three of the cancer-fighting compounds in garlic include:

• Allicin: A powerful plant compound that is antibiotic and anti-fungal. This substance is strong enough to cause blisters if you get too much on your skin, but allicin fades quickly after it is produced. Cooking speeds the breakdown of allicin, and microwave cooking appears to kill it and destroy the health benefits.
• Flavonoids: Aromatic plant compounds that are considered to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds fight cancer by preventing cell damage.
• Selenium and allyl sulfides: Both of these plant chemicals may be anti-mutagens or substances that prevent cancer by blocking damage to cells’ DNA or stimulating the body to repair damaged DNA.

How Garlic May Reduce the Development of Cancer

There are several mechanisms by which garlic may inhibit the development of cancer. There are additional mechanisms by which it may also slow the cell cycle in cancer cells already present or induce apoptosis (cell death).

Eat garlic regularly

As always, no one food reduces cancer risk. It’s your pattern of eating that counts ??? choosing mostly plant foods that fill up two-thirds or more of your plate, with smaller amounts of meat.

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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia??(BPH) ??? also called prostate gland enlargement ??? is a common condition as men get older. About half of men over age 75 will experience symptoms of BPH. BPH is a minor condition and is not related to??prostate cancer. However, symptoms can cause discomfort and be inconvenient.

What Is BPH and How Does It Affect Me?

The prostate gland surrounds the urethra and is part of the male reproductive system, and wraps around the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. As a man ages, the prostate gets larger and begins to put pressure on the bladder and urethra, causing health issues. It may be responsible for blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder and can cause issues in the bladder, urinary tract, or kidneys.

How Do I Know if My Prostate is Enlarged? (Symptoms of BPH)

If your prostate is enlarged, it may not be a sign of cancer, but it is something that you should discuss with your doctor. Many of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate tend to relate to urination. If you are concerned about enlarged prostate, here are 7 symptoms to look for:

1. Difficulty starting urination. The enlarged prostate alters the pressure of your bladder to pass urine. This can have damaging effects on your kidneys.
2. Weak urine stream. As the urethra becomes constrained, urine passes at a much slower rate.
3. Urgent need to urinate. You may go from not needing to urinate to suddenly needing to go because of how the bladder gets constrained.
4. Issues with sleeping. Pressure from the enlarged prostate can interfere with nerve signalling in the middle of the night. This leads to you thinking you have to urinate when you don???t.
5. Feeling unable to empty your bladder. You may not be able to empty your bladder, which can lead to??Urinary Tract Infections(UTI) and stone issues.
6. Urinary tract infection. A UTI is caused by the urine that sits in your bladder which you can???t fully empty, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive.
7. Bladder stones. The leftover urine in your bladder can also crystallize to create bladder stones.

BPH can cause these symptoms, but having these symptoms doesn???t necessarily mean you have BPH. There are many reasons why you may have urinary issues. If you are at all concerned that you may have an enlarged prostate, you should??consult a urologist.

For More Information

You can learn more about urology services at Uro Clinic Care by visiting our website. If you would like to find a urologist near you or schedule an appointment, you can use the contact form on our??contact us page??or??view our location.

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There has been some doubt about the power of cranberries with regards to UTIs. Some studies have found that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills can prevent UTIs, especially in women who are at risk for these infections. But others haven???t come to that conclusion.

Cranberries don’t seem to work for everyone. And they don???t treat UTIs that you already have.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that unsweetened cranberry juice and cranberry supplements may make UTIs less likely, but that it is not yet clear how much you need to take and for how long.

The bottom line? Cranberry won???t hurt, but it may help. It could be worth trying if you struggle with frequent UTIs, as the risk in doing so is low.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) affects more than 150 million people worldwide and is the most common urologic disease in the United States. More specifically, women have a 50-per cent risk of a UTI episode over their lifetime, and approximately 20 to 30-percent of women experience a subsequent UTI recurrence. The most common treatment of UTIs is antibiotics however recurring infections and antibiotic treatments may result in antibiotic resistance and gastrointestinal problems. Therefore alternative methods, specifically through nutrition can be beneficial if proven to be an effective way to help treat UTIs.

How you actually can help prevent UTIs

Here are several measures that women should do to help prevent UTIs:

• Drink lots of water and urinate frequently.
• Avoid fluids such as alcohol and caffeine that can irritate the bladder.
• Urinate shortly after sex.
• Wipe from front to back after urinating and bowel movement.
• Keep the genital area clean.
• Showers are preferred to baths and avoid using oils.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to keep the area around the urethra dry.

In the event of a urinary tract infection, antibiotics are the most common treatment. If left untreated, particularly in children, the elderly, or people with other chronic medical conditions, urinary tract infections can become more severe.

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Many of us rely on a morning cup of coffee, tea or a jolt of caffeine in the afternoon to help us get through the day. Amid myths and controversy about whether caffeine is good or bad for us, evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption can bring both benefits and risks. However, high consumption of caffeine may not be healthful. In addition, the recent trend of adding caffeine to drinks and snacks that do not naturally contain it has raised new concerns.

How Does Caffeine Affect the Body???

Caffeine is a natural stimulant most commonly found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants. It works by stimulating the brain and central nervous system, helping you stay alert and prevent the onset of tiredness.

Aside from the response from the brain, caffeine affects other parts of the body as well. This substance is also linked with certain bladder problems. Caffeine can increase bladder activity and result in exacerbated symptoms, including higher urgency and frequency of urination, as well as increased incontinence.

Where Can Caffeine Be Found???

Caffeine occurs naturally in the leaves, seeds, or fruit of more than 60 plant species, including:

• Coffee beans
• Tea leaves and buds
• Cacao beans
• Guarana seeds
• Yerba mate leaf

Caffeine & the Urinary Tract??

Caffeine has an interesting place in Urology. The effects it has on the body can influence the onset of two common urinary tract complications. The following conditions are indirect results of caffeine absorption:

• Urinary Tract Infections??

Sure, your morning cup of java perks you up, but it may also make your UTI symptoms act up again. Caffeine is known to irritate the bladder and worsen bladder infection symptoms. A study of people with interstitial cystitis (chronic inflammation of the bladder) found that people who drank coffee experienced worsened symptoms. Try a mug of noncaffeinated herbal tea to replace your morning coffee ritual until you are UTI-free.

• Urinary Incontinence??

Urinary incontinence, or ???leaky bladder,??? is defined as the loss of bladder control. Caffeine can make you need to urinate much more often.

In one study, 12 young to middle-aged people with overactive bladders who consumed 2 mg of caffeine per pound (4.5 mg per kilogram) of body weight daily experienced significant increases in urinary frequency and urgency. In addition, high intake may increase the likelihood of developing incontinence in people with healthy bladders.

If you drink a lot of caffeinated beverages and feel that your urination is more frequent or urgent than it should be, it may be a good idea to cut back on your intake to see if your symptoms improve.

Caffeine Related Urinary Tract Symptoms??

The following examples are both direct and indirect symptoms of caffeine???s effect on the urinary tract. In addition to the possibility of a UTI or ???leaky bladder,??? these irritating symptoms can vary in severity and may not always be present in every patient.

• Bladder Irritation
• Urgency of Urination
• Frequency of Urination
• Sleep Deprivation

Board-Certified Urologist in Livingston, New Jersey??

Is caffeine bothering your urinary tract? With over 20 years of experience, Dr Vivek Jha is happy to assist with any urological complications. Learn how you can make lifestyle changes to improve your urological health today! Please view our??services??and??blog??for more urological information on the conditions that may be affecting you.??Contact??Dr Vivek Jha for comprehensive treatment today.

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Nearly half of all men will experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), by the age of 60. These symptoms commonly occur when tissue on either side of the prostate enlarges to the point of compressing the urethra, which runs through the gland from the bladder.

As a result, urine flow is obstructed. Men with BPH often experience difficulty starting to urinate, leakage, a weak urine stream and an urge to go frequently, particularly at night.

Fortunately, BPH is benign but, if left untreated it can contribute to other issues, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder or kidney damage, kidney stones and incontinence. BPH is in fact, the leading reason men visit urologists, which is why The Uro Clinic Care offers state-of-the-art care.

Leading BPH Treatment offered by Uro Clinic Care

Among the most advanced medical treatments our BPH team at The Uro Clinic Care provides:

• UroLift?? System:??This minimally invasive procedure does not involve the removal of prostate tissue and therefore does not require cutting. Instead, the physician inserts into each side of the prostate two small, binding implants that pull the tissue away from the urethra. UroLift is performed at our outpatient surgery centre in Norwood, so overnight stays and catheters are not required. Patients may feel improvements within two weeks.
• GreenLight??? Laser Therapy:??In this procedure, the physician uses a laser to vaporize obstructing prostate tissue. In the first step, the urologist inserts a small scope into the urethra to gain visibility to the prostate and bladder. The doctor then uses the laser fibre to eliminate the tissue. A temporary catheter may be needed to allow urine to drain from the bladder. Most patients are placed under anaesthesia and experience improvements in urine flow within 24 hours.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP):??This surgical treatment is an option for men with moderate to severe BPH-related urinary problems that haven???t responded to medication. During the procedure, the physician inserts an instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra and to the prostate, where it trims away excess tissue. This surgery is usually performed under anaesthesia, and a urinary catheter is often required for at least 24 to 48 hours.
• HoLEP:??Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is specialized for patients with??significantly??enlarged prostates, typically more than 50 grams in size. This minimally invasive procedure involves a laser that precisely removes the obstructing portion of the prostate, similar to open-heart surgery but without incisions. Studies show HoLEP provides a lasting solution because there is nothing to grow back to following the procedure.

Non-Medical treatments:??Men with mildly enlarged prostates may find relief by modifying their diets and lifestyles and/or through oral medications. Alpha-blockers, for example, can relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, making it easier to urinate.

Questions? Contact our patient navigator with questions or to schedule a consultation.

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UTIs happen when bacteria get into the urinary system through the urethra. An infection happens when germs enter the urethra, travel up to the bladder, ureters, and kidneys, and begin to grow. ???Holding??? urine, improper hygiene or constipation are common causes of UTIs in children. Most infections are caused by bacteria from the digestive tract.

In children, UTIs may go untreated because often the symptoms aren???t obvious to the child or parents. But UTIs in children need treatment right away to get rid of the infection, prevent the spread of the infection and reduce the chances of kidney damage.

Risk of UTI’s in Children

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child and may vary depending on the degree of infection. If your child is an infant or too young to tell you how he or she feels, the signs are likely to be vague and not linked to the urinary tract. When they do occur in younger children, symptoms can be very general. They may include:

In babies and toddlers, look out for:??

• Fevers (high or low-grade)
• Grouchiness
• Lack of appetite
• Loose stools
• Foul-smelling diaper urine
• Overall malaise

In older children, look out for:??

• Complaints about pain in the lower abdominal area or back
• Frequent urination
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Complaints that it ???hurts to pee??? and/or passing only a few drops
• Bedwetting or trouble controlling urine

The initial signs of a UTI in children can be easily overlooked. Younger children may have a difficult time describing the source of their distress. If your child looks sick and has a high fever without a runny nose, earache, or other obvious reasons for illness, consult their doctor to determine if your child has a UTI.

What to do if you think your child has a UTI?

If you think your child may have a UTI, call your paediatrician. A simple test can diagnose if your child has a UTI. To get rid of the infection, your child will need to take antibiotics.

It???s important to continue giving your child the medicine until your paediatrician says the treatment is finished, even if your child feels better. UTIs can return if not fully treated.

At-Home Treatment of UTI in Children

If your child is receiving antibiotic treatment at home, you can help ensure a positive outcome by taking certain steps.

1. Give your child the prescribed medications for as long as your physician advises, even if they begin to feel healthy.
2. Take your child???s temperature if they seem to have a fever.
3. Monitor your child???s urination frequency.
4. Ask your child about the presence of pain or burning during urination.
5. Ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids.

How to prevent a UTI in children

You can help reduce the possibility of your child developing a UTI with some proven techniques.

1. Don???t give girl child bubble baths. They can allow bacteria and soap to enter the urethra.
2. Avoid tight-fitting clothing and underwear for your child, especially girls.
3. Have your kids drink lots of water, which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.??
4. Avoid allowing your child to have caffeine, which can cause bladder irritation.
5. Change your baby’s diapers often to prevent bacteria from growing.
6. Encourage your kids to go to the bathroom as soon as they feel the urge — not to hold it in.
7. Encourage your child to use the bathroom frequently rather than holding in urine.
8. Teach your child safe wiping techniques, especially after bowel movements. Wiping from front to back reduces the likelihood that bacteria from the anus will get transferred into the urethra.

If your child gets repeated UTIs, preventive antibiotics are sometimes advised. However, they haven???t been found to decrease recurrence or other complications. Be sure to follow the instructions even if your child doesn???t have symptoms of a UTI.

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