Leaky bladder is a common problem, especially among women, and can be caused by physical stress, infections, nerve damage, muscle weakness, or hormonal imbalances. Treatment options include medication, surgery, and devices such as a pessary. Patients should seek treatment as it can be a sign of a serious underlying medical problem.
The term “leaky bladder” describes periodic episodes of incontinence, in which a person notices urine leaking after urinating or during certain activities. This is an extremely common problem, especially among women, and there are a number of treatments available. A doctor will need to examine the patient and conduct an interview to learn more about the origins of the leaky bladder in order to provide the best possible treatments. It’s wise to seek treatment, because sometimes urinary incontinence can be a sign of a serious underlying medical problem such as a tumor or nerve damage.
Some common forms of leaky bladder include stress incontinence and temporary incontinence. Stress incontinence is where people lose urine under physical stress such as coughing, sneezing, or vigorous activity. Temporary incontinence is caused by problems such as a urinary tract infection or pregnancy, when the fetus puts pressure on the bladder. Other causes of incontinence can include nerve damage that makes bladder control difficult, muscle weakness, or hormonal imbalances. Women most commonly notice bladder leakage during and after pregnancy and as they enter menopause.
Accidental urination with a leaky bladder can occur at any time and sometimes patients do not feel it. They may notice wet underwear or a strong odor when using the bathroom. Some temporary measures to deal with a leaky bladder may include using incontinence pads to absorb urine, as well as urinating on a schedule to try to keep the bladder as empty as possible.
Medications are available to treat this condition, ranging from antibiotics to resolve an infection to medications that limit bladder spasms. Women with weak muscles may need to wear a pessary, a device that a doctor can insert into the vagina to support and relieve pressure from the bladder, to prevent leakage. Surgery may be another option, as can techniques such as electrical nerve stimulation, in which a device sends signals to malfunctioning nerves to control their activity.
Patients are sometimes reluctant to discuss a leaky bladder with a doctor because they feel uncomfortable or think no treatment will be available. Many people associate urinary incontinence with natural aging and therefore don’t believe there is anything a doctor can do about it. While common, incontinence doesn’t come naturally, and a doctor may examine a patient for potential causes or refer the patient to a urologist for a more thorough evaluation. Treating a leaky bladder can resolve a serious medical condition, as well as help the patient feel more comfortable and confident.
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