Cures for Bladder Problems

Bladder disorders in both men and women are one of the most common reasons that both sexes seek medical advice. As people age, various changes in the urinary process, as well as hormonal changes, can have a profound affect on an organ that is typically taken for granted. When bladder problems emerge, the quality of life diminishes and forces many people into a virtual seclusion or silent suffering. There is, however, treatment for typical bladder problems, which includes medication, physical therapy and surgery.

How the Normal Bladder Works

• A healthy bladder holds between 10 and 20 ounces of fluid. Men have larger bladders than women and bladder size reduces with age in both sexes. The bladder normally needs to be emptied between three and six times in a 24-hour period. Typically the urge to empty the bladder comes on when it is approximately half full, but can be consciously delayed if necessary. Being able to postpone using the toilet is sign that a bladder is healthy and normal.

Dysfunctional Bladder Signs

• Having to urinate hours before the bladder is even half full is one of the first signs of oncoming bladder problems. The exception is after drinking a great deal of fluid, especially diuretics such as alcohol or coffee, or due to medication side effects. Some early problems are frequent urination when only a small amount of urine is passed. Painful urination and repeated urinary tract infections are warning signs that the bladder or urinary tract is out of balance.

Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections

• Prostatitis is a common condition in older men that produces some of the previously mentioned symptoms. The prostate gland becomes inflamed, which causes painful urination and the need to urinate frequently. Interstitial cystitis is a similar condition in women in which the wall within the bladder or urinary tract becomes inflamed. Both these conditions are typically treated with antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlarged prostate in men that causes the urethra to become squeezed smaller or blocked in severe cases.

Bladder Dysfunctions

• Other types of bladder problems include the symptom of frequent urination when there is no infection. Nocturia is a condition that can be severely disrupting to a good night's sleep as it causes a person to wake up frequently so as to urinate. Incontinence is a condition that is categorized as "stress" or "urge," both of which make it impossible to prevent urine leakage even when the bladder is not full.

Medication Treatments for Bladder Problems

• In the case of prostatitis and other inflammation problems, antibiotics are prescribed. Additionally there are several medications on the market today that are specifically designed to help with incontinence. These are effective but have a number of side affects that may be difficult to tolerate, so consult with a physician. Some studies have shown estrogen therapy is effective for treating women, using a locally applied estrogen cream.

Nonnedication Treatments

• Often bladder problems have underlying causes such as nerve damage to the pelvic area or weakening of pelvic and bladder muscles due to age or childbirth. Kegels are a type of muscle-strengthening exercise that can produce significant improvement in cases of incontinence and spasms after urination. Electrical devices that stimulate the pelvic muscles are available for severe cases. Biofeedback is a helpful program in which the patient learns to take control over the urges to urinate. Limiting stimulating fluids such as coffee and alcohol, as well as weight loss for individuals who are over their recommended weight, can also bring a certain level of relief.