This condition often referred to as a weak bladder or urinary incontinence is a common condition that is marked with the involuntary passing of urine. This can be from time to time dripping when sneezing or coughing to an urgent need to avoid that does not permit sufficient time to get to the bathroom. Knowing the causes and symptoms of the weak bladder is important since this will enable people in need of the intervention to seek the help of a doctor and also manage the symptoms well.
Common Causes of a Weak Bladder
The causes of the weak bladder may differ from one individual to another and the following are some of the causes:
Age
This is because the muscles that are used in the bladder and the urethra become weak as the person advances in age. This is a normal process that comes with old age but the later can be prevented by taking certain measures. For finding the underlying cause you should get a check up from a qualified Urologist in Rawalpindi.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy also exposes a woman to incontinence since the baby’s weight can apply pressure on the bladder. Also, childbirth can lead to the weakening of the muscles used in controlling the bladder and the damage to the nerves and the supportive tissue can also lead to this condition.
Menopause
The level of estrogen greatly reduces during menopause and this can weaken the bladder and the urethral sphincter that can result in incontinence especially in women.
Prostate Issues
In men, the prostate gland can enlarge or one can develop prostate cancer and this leads to urinary incontinence. Conditions of this kind, including surgery, can also influence the ability to control the bladder.
Neurological Disorders
Illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke affect the nerve supply, which controls the bladder and can cause incontinence.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infection can cause inflammation of the bladder and this may lead to a persistent need to pass urine and at times one may pass urine without controlling it.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can exacerbate bladder weakness, including:Certain lifestyle factors can exacerbate bladder weakness, including:
- Obesity: The extra fat tissue can press on the bladder and cause it to work harder.
- Smoking: Cough due to smoking becomes chronic and this puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
- Diet: Other substances that one should avoid include caffeine, alcohol, and foods that are rich in acids as they trigger irritation of the bladder.
Symptoms Of A Weak Bladder
The symptoms and manifestations of a weak bladder can differ with the cause and the degree of the problem.
Urge Incontinence
- Sudden Urge to Urinate: The symptoms of the disease include; the urge to pass urine and an inability to control the urge thus passing urine involuntarily.
- Frequent Urination: Urging of having to pass stool more than normal, commonly, eight or more times in a day.
- Nocturia: Night time frequent trips to the bathroom to pass urine.
Stress Incontinence
- Leakage During Physical Activity: Urine leakage that occurs without the person’s control during activities that apply pressure on the bladder region including; coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting heavy objects.
- Small Amounts of Urine Loss: Normally, not much urine is leaked but it can be quite annoying and uncomfortable at the same time.
Overflow Incontinence
- Frequent or Constant Dribbling: Inability of the bladder to empty completely and frequently or persistently leak urine.
- Weak Urine Stream: These include; poor urinary flow and the inability to initiate the flow of urine.
Functional Incontinence
- Inability to Reach the Bathroom: Accidents that happen as a result of medical conditions that limit one’s ability to reach the bathroom in time like arthritis or Alzheimer’s disease.
When To Seek Medical Assistance
If you have such symptoms of a weak bladder you should seek help from a doctor. They can assist in identifying the reason for the symptoms and the right management to take. It can also assist in the control of symptoms to an extent and enhance the subject’s quality of life.
Conclusion
While it is a common issue, a weak bladder can dramatically affect one’s day-to-day functioning, but knowing the causes and symptoms can help in the prevention and cure of the condition. Such issues could be age related, result from an underlying health condition, or be influenced by one’s lifestyle; identifying the root cause and consulting a physician can assist in regaining control and enhancing one’s quality of life. To diagnose bladder problems you can get the help of a Urologist in Lahore.