Types, causes and symptoms
Finding about more about bladder problems and why you are experiencing them is
your first step towards controlling them and enjoying a better quality of life.
Types of bladder problems
Overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence are common bladder problems.
Overactive bladder
Having an overactive bladder means just that – the bladder muscles become
more active and this leads to the feeling of needing to pass water even if the
bladder is not full. Sometimes this urge can be unexpected and you may feel
desperate to reach a toilet as soon as possible. The sudden urge to go to the loo
is called urgency and, if you don’t get there in time, is known as urgency
incontinence. Some people need to go very often (called frequency) or have to get
up frequently during the night (called nocturia).
Stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is leakage from your bladder that occurs when you
sneeze, laugh, cough or exert yourself, for example when exercising, or getting up
from a chair. It usually happens because the muscles in the pelvic floor or
sphincter are weak or damaged.
Mixed urinary incontinence
Although overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence are separate conditions,
some people suffer from the symptoms of both at the same time. This is called
mixed urinary incontinence.
If you do suffer from mixed urinary incontinence it is then important to try to work
out what is causing the biggest problem so your doctor or nurse can give you the best
advice on how to cope.
Causes of incontinence
The cause of an overactive bladder is often not known. It can sometimes be caused
by an infection in the bladder or may occur in people who have diabetes or have
had a stroke.
Stress incontinence is normally the result of weakened pelvic floor muscles. This
may be worsened if you are pregnant or overweight, as this will put additional
pressure on your bladder, making it even harder for you to keep your urine in.
If you suffer from constipation or have had a bad cough, you may also be prone
to stress incontinence.
Symptoms of incontinence
Any kind of unexpected bladder weakness or leakage may be a sign of an overactive
bladder or stress urinary incontinence.
View graphic depictions of incontinence
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