Bladder infections are usually cured by special antibiotics that are designed to kill the infecting bacteria and must be administered for one to two weeks. Those suffering from chronic infections may require a longer treatment time, but it is important to finish the necessary treatment in order to prevent the recurrence of infection. Those suffering from a bladder infection will usually be put on a 6 month treatment plan which includes low doses of antibiotics such as TMP/SMZ or nitrofurantoin.
The pelvic floor muscles help support the urethra, bladder, vagina, penis, uterus and rectum. These are used when you urinate or have a bowel movement. When you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles it will help lessen and even possibly prevent leaking of urine from the bladder.
Kegel exercises help to restore muscle tone and strength to the pelvic floor. These are the muscles responsible for starting and stopping the flow of urine. Pregnancy, childbirth, or obesity often result in weaker pelvic muscles or the muscles can simply get out of shape as we age. Regular exercise can restore these muscles resulting in greater bladder control. To help you find the right muscles, try to stop the flow of urine. If you succeed, you are working the right muscles.
During pregnancy a great deal of stress is being placed on your internal organs and muscles. Internal muscles and other support tissues for your bladder has been stretched and weakened. Your bladder is not being supported as it should be and problems will result. Incontinence, bladder infections, skin irritations and urine that smell bad are some of the problems associated with poor bladder support.
