Bladder health is part of overall well-being

Your bladder helps keep you healthy by holding your urine. It tells your brain when it’s time to go to the bathroom and also helps your body get rid of waste. You may notice some changes or have questions. This is common and your doctor can help. 

Changes in your bladder health

What this can look like

Some people notice small changes in how their bladder feels or works. For example, you might:

  • Feel a sudden need to go
  • Go to the bathroom more often than before
  • Have times when it is hard to hold urine
  • Notice small leaks from time to time

These experiences can be different for everyone. They may come and go or change overtime.

It’s not always “just part of getting older.” 

Bladder changes are not always caused by age. Sometimes they are related to medications or other health changes. Your doctor can help look at possible reasons and discuss solutions that may help. 

How to talk to your doctor

Bladder health can feel personal or hard to talk about. You may feel unsure about when or how to mention it. Many people have bladder concerns. Your doctor and care team are used to talking about them. Discussing it with your doctor can help them understand what’s going on and decide what might help.

To start the conversation, you could say: 

  • “I wanted to ask about something.”
  • “I have a question about my bladder.”
  • “This has been on my mind.”
  • “I wasn’t sure how to talk about this.”

You don’t need the right words

You do not need medical words or to explain everything perfectly. You can speak in your own words. There is no right or wrong way to start the conversation. What is most important is what matters to you. Bladder concerns are different for everyone.

Some people talk with their doctor about: 

  • Changes that may help day-to-day comfort
  • Different treatment options
  • Supports that fit their life and routine

Your doctor can help explain what might make sense for you. 

Where should I talk to my doctor about bladder health?

You can talk to your doctor or care team about it at different visits. This can include follow-up visits or an annual wellness visit (AWV).

An AWV is a yearly visit covered by your plan. It gives you time to talk about your overall health and any questions you may have.

You can also earn $100 in Healthy Rewards on your prepaid flex card, which can be used like a prepaid debit card once you complete your AWV. 1

Products and everyday supports

Some people choose to use products to help with comfort or confidence. These can include personal care or home safety items.

Your health plan includes an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit. You have access to hundreds of health and wellness items and first aid supplies. Visit SentaraMedicare.NationsBenefits.com to purchase your items using your allowance.2

For questions about OTC benefits like adult briefs and pads, call 1-877-438-7521 (TTY: 711).

How your plan can help

Your health plan offers support.If you need help with transportation to a doctor’s visit, general questions, or to talk to your care manager, please call member services phone number below.

Sentara Community Complete (HMO D-SNP): 1-866-650-1274 (TTY: 711)

Sentara Community Complete Select (HMO D-SNP): 1-800-927-6048 (TTY: 711)

October 1–March 31 | 7 days a week | 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

April 1–September 30 | Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

  

1Healthy reward disclaimer

2Benefits vary by plan. Your quarterly amount will be loaded to your account on the first day of each quarter. It will expire on the last day of the quarter. Leftover funds cannot be carried over to the next quarter.

 

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