Bladder Problems

Common Problems Affecting the Bladder

Sep 21, 2009 Diane Ursu

There are several problems associated with the bladder and the inability to control urination.

Bladder problems can be attributed to the muscles and nerves that are associated with the bladder. The urge to urinate is normally controlled by a muscle that surrounds the bladder. The brain delays the urge to urinate during sleep. The cells of the bladder are the only cells in the body that stretch and shrink as the bladder fills and empties. In men, the prostate is adjacent to the bladder. If a problem occurs with any of the nerve pathways, muscles, or organs in the pelvis, one of several conditions may occur.

Frequent Urination and Urgency

Urinary frequency and incontinence are most common in women. These conditions can be caused by weakened pelvic muscles resulting from childbirth. Menopause leads to decreased estrogen levels which can also contribute to weakened bladder muscles.

Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder. Stress incontinence occurs when pressure is exerted on the bladder, such as during a sneeze or cough. Urge incontinence often results from overactive bladder.

Overactive bladder results when the muscle surrounding the bladder spasms. This muscle, called the detrusor muscle, normally contracts when the bladder is full. With an overactive bladder, the muscle spasms with no relation to the amount of urine in the bladder, and the need to urinate may occur when the bladder is not full. Men and women both experience overactive bladder with no greater prevalence in either.

Flaccid Bladder

Flaccid bladder occurs when the bladder is unable to empty completely. The bladder overstretches and dilates. This is also called atonic bladder. Bladder stones can block the urethra causing the bladder to overfill. Men are at risk for flaccid bladder when the prostate becomes enlarged. The enlarged prostate pushes on the urethra blocking the flow of urine. Those with flaccid bladder are at a greater risk for bladder infections and damage.

Self-catheterization can be done to allow the bladder to completely empty. Increased water intake may aid in passing bladder stones. Cystoscopy or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy may be used to remove stones that do not pass on their own. Various medications and surgical procedures may be used to treat an enlarged prostate or the symptoms it causes.

Nocturia

Enlarged prostate also contributes to nocturia, which occurs when the frequent need to urinate disrupts sleep. An enlarged prostate can press on the bladder causing the sensation to urinate. Urinary infections and diabetes can cause the frequent urge to urinate that may lead to nocturia. Medications used to treat cardiovascular disease may also contribute to nocturia.

Bedwetting

One to two percent of teenagers and one percent of adults experience bedwetting, or enuresis. Adult enuresis is called incontinence. Enuresis may be caused by bladder infections or overactive bladder. Diet and the timing of food and fluid intake can be used to control enuresis. Medication is often the last option for treating enuresis.

References

The copyright of the article Bladder Problems in General Medicine is owned by Diane Ursu. Permission to republish Bladder Problems in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Bedwetting Affects Children, Teens, and Adults