What is a bladder control problem?
Bladder control problems affect the way you retain or release urine. Most common among these problems is urinary incontinence, or the accidental loss or leaking of urine. Though not a condition in its own right, urinary incontinence often presents itself as a symptom of an underlying medical condition or a life event, such as pregnancy or an enlarged prostate.
What causes urinary incontinence?
Prostate problems are the leading cause of urinary incontinence in men, but in women there exist a number of contributing factors, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Injury
- Cystocele or pelvic prolapse
- Menopause
Other factors that may contribute to urinary incontinence include:
- Aging
- Infections of the bladder
- Constipation
- Birth defects
- Obstructions in your urinary tract
- Diabetes
- Weight problems and obesity
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol or caffeine
- Neurological damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke
If you suffer from any of these conditions and are experiencing urinary incontinence, make an appointment with the team at Prince William Urology Associates right away.
What are the symptoms of bladder control problems?
Symptoms of bladder control problems may include:
- Leaking urine during normal activities, such as exercising, lifting, bending, or coughing
- Sudden urgent need to urinate
- Leaking urine unexpectedly
- Wetting your bed at night
These symptoms may be inconvenient and embarrassing, but with help of your doctor at Prince William Urology Associates, they can be effectively managed.
How are bladder control problems treated?
The treatment for bladder control problems often depends on the type of condition you have. Your doctor at Prince William Urology Associates may prescribe one or more of the following:
- Medications to relax your bladder distributed either in pill, liquid, or patch form
- Catheters to empty your bladder
- Bulking agents injected into your urinary sphincter to help close your bladder opening
- Electrical nerve stimulation using pulses of electricity to change your bladder’s reflexes
- Surgery
You can also take steps to help cope with your bladder control problems. This may include changing your lifestyle to become more active and healthy, buying pads and other absorbent materials to wear beneath your undergarments, or buying adult incontinence briefs.
If you or a loved one suffer from bladder control problems, call Prince William Urology Associates or schedule an appointment online today.
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