|  | Conditions Treatments | Urinary Disorders

Signs & Symptoms of Loss of Bladder Control

Incontinence can be an embarrassing, debilitating condition that effects the lifestyle of those suffering from it. Most people, especially in advancing years or when pregnant, suffer from it to some degree. Normally the bladder uses internal and external pressure to gauge when it is time to send a signal that a bathroom break is needed. With incontinence, this signal is disturbed either by surgery, weakened muscles or nerve damage. The two most common forms are Stress and Urge Incontinence.

  1. Job of the Bladder

    • The bladder's primary job is to collect urine or metabolic waste processed by the kidneys. Urine is then held until pressure inside the bladder exceeds the pressure in the urethra which carries it outside the body. The normal state is for the urethral pressure to be greater than bladder pressure thus holding back the waste urine.

    Incontinence

    • Incontinence is where the normal balance of pressures inside the bladder and urethra is thrown off. This can be due to sudden increased pressure from sneezing or coughing. This can also be caused by weakened bladder wall muscles that go from normal tension to fail without the signs that a person needs to urinate. Infection, pregnancy, trauma and prostate issues can all cause incontinence.

    Stress Incontinence

    • The main cause of this common type of incontinence is a weakened pelvic floor muscle in women or following prostate surgery on men. Because of the weak muscle is unable to provide adequate tension to the structures surrounding the bladder, urine can trickle out. This most often seen during exercise, laughing, coughing and sneezing when the already insufficient muscle is put under more stress.

    Urge Incontinence

    • This is a sudden urge to urinate followed by uncontrolled urination. Researchers are still not sure why this happens but it is thought to involve the detrusor muscle. This is a somewhat common problem termed "overactive bladder." There are several medications on the market designed to improve the control of the detrusor muscle. This disorder is sometime due to central nervous system problems.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms range from the occasional leak during stressful activity to complete inability to plan or control where urination takes place. Symptoms can be exponential in their development, going from minor to very debilitating with in a short time, or can remain constant for decades. Pregnancy and the increased pressure it puts on the abdomen can cause temporary incontinence.

    Treatment

    • Unfortunately, treatment for this issue is limited. Medication can be taken to help with muscle function but can have limited effects. Usually it is a lifestyle change that is needed. With more planning about when to drink, what to drink and where the closest restrooms are at any given time, managing this problem is possible.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles