Getting the total num of items in a dropdown list

Hello guys,

how do i get the total number of items in a dropdown list, the code below gives me a value of 0

 if (DropDownList_Categories.Items.Count == 0)
        {
            DropDownList_Categories.Visible = false;
            TextBox1.Text = User.Identity.Name.ToUpper().ToString() + "'s Group";
            TextBox1.Visible = true;
        }

 

tnx
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