Bladder Matters

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Bladder Matters

A community for patients suffering from a range of bladder conditions. Useful tips, relatable stories, background science and iAluRil® info.

18/11/2025

18th to 24th November is World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week. 🌍
This is an annual global campaign to help improve awareness and understanding of AMR.

What is AMR?
• Antimicrobial medicines include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics, which are used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants.
• Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to antimicrobial medicines, which means infections become harder to treat and the risk of disease spread is increased.

Why is this happening?
• The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants has driven the development of drug-resistant pathogens.

Why is AMR awareness important?
• AMR is one of the top global public health and development concerns. It affects people in all countries and of all ages.
• AMR threatens modern medicine by making infections harder to treat and making other medical procedures much riskier to complete.

To learn more, visit the link in our bio to the World Health Organisation website fact sheet page about Antimicrobial Resistance.

13/11/2025

iAluRil is a non-antibiotic option for the relief and prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The two main ingredients; chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid help re-build the damaged lining of the bladder to help prevent bacteria from causing an infection.

10/11/2025

Cranberries have long been linked to potential preventative benefits for urinary tract infections (UTIs), with up to 27% of women reporting that they use cranberries as a remedy. But can they really help?

Cranberries contains sugars called proanthocyanidins (PAC), which are currently thought of to prevent E.coli (the bacterium that commonly causes UTIs) from being able to bind to the lining of the bladder/urinary tract. However, there is insufficient evidence as to whether drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills can prevent UTIs and results may vary between person to person. Cranberry juice should be avoided in people with bladder pain syndrome (BPS)/ Interstitial cystitis (IC).

It’s understood that eating/drinking cranberries will not treat a UTI that you already have.

If you are suffering with UTIs, we recommend consulting with your Urologist, Urology Nurse or Healthcare Professional, as they will be able to provide you with specific advice and tailored support.

05/11/2025

If urinary tract infections (UTIs) are left untreated or fail to resolve with antibiotics, they can become chronic. Over time, the bacteria causing the UTI can move into the cells of the bladder wall and the biofilm which covers cells, where the bacteria are less affected by, or even resistant to, antibiotics. The bacteria can also become dormant within the biofilm making them undetectable on dipstick or urine culture tests. The bladder cells can also become inflamed which makes the bacteria 'sticky' and harder to flush out.

There is increasing concern that the dipsticks and urine cultures used for detecting UTIs are not reliable; with up to two thirds of infections being missed. From here, the chronic UTI loop begins.

29/10/2025

The urethra is the tube in which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethras in males pass along the length of the p***s so tend to be between 18 and 20cm long. Female urethras are much shorter; being about 4cm long. This shorter urethra is one reason why urinary tract infections are more common in women, as there is less distance for bacteria from the back passage to travel to the bladder and cause an infection.

22/10/2025

iAluRil offers a non-antibiotic option in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs).

A UTI is classed as recurrent when there are 2 or more occurrences in 6 months, or 3 or more within a year.

18/10/2025

Are you experiencing urinary incontinence alongside menopause?

Some women think that urinary incontinence is inevitable with ageing, but it isn’t and there are ways to prevent /treat this if it does happen.

Many patients do not seek help as they are too embarrassed or feel they do not want to trouble their doctor or nurse with these issues. However, it is so important to discuss your experiences with your healthcare professional, as they can provide you with help, support and treatment options. 💜

08/10/2025

iAluRil can either be administered by a Urology Nurse in a hospital/clinic or self-administered by yourself at home.

Usually, your first instillation will be done within the Urology Department by a clinician, but they may then show you how to administer iAluRil yourself at home, if you wish.

Have a look at the iAluRil website for more information on both types of administration- link in bio.

03/10/2025

Did you know that hormonal changes during menopause can impact your bladder?

This Menopause Awareness Month, we are going to be talking about different bladder symptoms women may face when experiencing menopause 💜

The menopause is a natural stage in life where periods stop due to the ovaries producing less of the hormone called oestrogen. Usually, the menopause affects women between 45 and 55 but it can happen at any age.

Bladder weakness often begins in the perimenopause stage as oestrogen levels start to drop, which causes the urethral and vaginal tissues to thin and pelvic floor muscles to start to relax, this can lead to urinary incontinence and other symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and greater risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

It is estimated that more than half of postmenopausal women suffer from some degree of urinary incontinence.

30/09/2025

It’s important to speak to your General Practitioner (GP) practice if you have any symptoms of urinary incontinence.

But what might you expect from a visit to your GP about it? 👩‍⚕️

They will likely ask questions to understand what’s going on, like:
🏃‍♂️ Do you experience leaka ge when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise?
🕒 Do you need the toilet often during the day and/or night?
🚽 Is it hard to pass urine when you go to the toilet?
🥤 What fluids (water, juice, alcohol, caffeine) are you drinking?
💊 Are you taking any medications?

Your GP may rule out other causes (like a urinary tract infection) and might refer you to a specialist for more support if needed. You may also be asked to keep a bladder diary to help guide your treatment. A bladder diary can help track how incontinence affects your daily life and helps your care team find the best way forward.

25/09/2025

Ever felt a sudden, intense need to urinate and couldn’t hold it?

This is called urge incontinence; a condition where the bladder can contract unexpectedly, giving you only seconds to reach the toilet.

Urge incontinence can be caused by a problem with the detrusor muscles in the walls of your bladder, whereby they contract to o often , creating the urgent need to urinate. This type of incontinence often occurs as part of a group of symptoms called overactive bladder syndrome.

Some common triggers include:
• Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
• Dehydration or concentrated urine
• Constipation
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Neurological disorders
• Certain medications

22/09/2025

iAluRil is available on prescription or online.

On prescription: Speak to your Urologist or Urology Nurse about whether iAluRil is a suitable treatment option for you.

Online: iAluRil is also available to buy online following training- either from your healthcare professional or by viewing our self-administration videos on the website. We always recommend speaking to your Urologist or Urology Nurse prior to starting any treatment.

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