Signs You Have A Weak Bladder: Doctor Shares Ways To Treat It

How your bladder functions provides valuable insights into your overall health. The number of times you pee in a day, the colour and consistency of your urine, and any changes in bladder habits can be indicative of hydration levels, kidney function, and potential issues, such as infections or neurological problems.

In general, a weak bladder, or urinary incontinence, is a common problem, affecting around 42.3 crore people worldwide, according to StatPearls Publishing. It is believed that the condition is twice as likely to occur in women than in men, with increased risk associated with pregnancy, childbirth, diabetes, and an increased body mass index.

Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vamshi Krishna, Consultant-Urology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, discussed the common causes, signs, and treatment options for urinary incontinence.

What Happens When You Have A Weak Bladder?

A person suffering from a weak bladder can experience involuntary urine leakage, meaning the unintentional passing of urine.

This may result from weakened pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, which could be menopause-related, especially in women, nerve damage due to conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or other factors, such as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or certain medications.

According to the United Kingdom National Health Services (NHS), there are also different types of urinary incontinence, including:

• Stress incontinence: When urine leakage occurs under pressure, for example, when you cough or laugh
• Urgency incontinence: When urine leaks as you feel an intense urge to pee
• Chronic urinary retention: When you're unable to fully empty your bladder
• Total incontinence: When your bladder cannot store any urine at all

Signs You Have A Weak Bladder

Some of the common signs of a weak bladder include:

• Unintentional leakage of urine, especially during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
• A sudden and strong urge to urinate that may be difficult to control.
• Having to wake up frequently at night to urinate.
• Difficulty completely emptying the bladder, leading to a feeling of residual urine.
• Treatment And Preventive Strategies

Here are some treatment options for and preventive measures against urinary incontinence:

• Performing kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control.
• Behavioural techniques, such as bladder training and scheduled toileting, can help manage and improve control.
• Depending on the underlying cause, medications may be prescribed to relax the bladder or improve its function.
• Devices like pessaries or urethral inserts can help support the bladder and reduce leakage.
• In severe cases, surgical procedures may be considered to address structural issues.

Preventive strategies

• Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can contribute to bladder weakness.
• Staying hydrated is essential.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol intake.
• Regularly perform pelvic floor exercises.
• Effectively manage conditions like diabetes or neurological disorders.
• Avoid constipation by eating a fibre-rich diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Quit smoking, as it may strain the pelvic floor muscles.
• Avoid or limit the consumption of foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and acidic fruits.

Conclusion

Having a weak bladder or suffering from urinary incontinence can impact daily activities and reduce a person's quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying causes and seek appropriate medical guidance for effective management. Fortunately, several treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help you regain control over your bladder. Moreover, you can take steps to prevent such occurrences. Speak with a healthcare.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/signs-of-a-weak-bladder-and-ways-to-treat-it-1709017613