What are bladder control problems?

Bladder control problems refer to the condition that affects the way an individual holds or releases urine. The sudden or accidental leakage of urine is called urinary incontinence. It is one of the most common bladder control problems. The condition is often linked to another health problem such as pregnancy in women or prostate problems in men.

Bladder control problems usually affect a person’s quality of life. People may feel embarrassed or get scared to participate in the activities or may be unable to complete their normal routine. It is a common problem however it can be improved with proper treatment. Talking with a healthcare professional is always helpful to manage the symptoms and treat them well. The sooner you get the help there will be better chances of UI to improve.

Do bladder control problems have another name?

The other names for bladder control problems are Urinary incontinence (UI), urine leakage and urine loss. Few health care professionals use the term LUTS which is for lower urinary tract symptoms refers to the other symptoms along with UI.

People experience occasional or minor leaks of urine. Some may lose small to moderate amount frequently.

Types of urinary incontinence include:

Stress incontinence: The leakage occurs when pressure is exerted on the bladder while coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting heavy weights.

Urge incontinence: The sudden or intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary urine loss. It can occur due to infection or a neurologic disorder or diabetes.

Overflow incontinence: The constant or frequent dribbling of urine as the bladder doesn’t empty.

Functional incontinence: A physical impairment that prevents you from making it to the toilet in time.

Mixed incontinence: The experience of more than one type of urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence isn’t a disease. It is a symptom that occurs due to the underlying medical conditions or physical problems. The doctor can examine and determine the reason behind your incontinence.

Temporary urinary incontinence

Some drinks, foods and medications can stimulate your bladder and increase the volume of urine. They include:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Carbonated drinks
• Artificial sweeteners
• Chocolate
• Chilli peppers
• Spicy foods

Few medications sedatives and muscle relaxants

Urinary incontinence can also be caused due to a certain medical condition such as:

Urinary tract infection: It can irritate your bladder and make a strong urge to urinate.

Constipation: Hard compact stool in the rectum makes the nerves hyperactive and increased urinary frequency.

Persistent urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence can also be caused by underlying physical problems such as:

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and the increased weight can cause stress incontinence.

Changes with age: With age, the bladder muscle can decrease the bladder’s capacity to store urine. The contractions become more frequent as one gets old.

Menopause: The women produce less estrogen which keeps the lining of bladder healthy resulting in incontinence.

Hysterectomy: Any surgery involved in a woman’s reproductive system can damage the supporting pelvic floor muscles leading to incontinence.

Neurological disorders: Any interference with nerve signals involved in bladder control can result in urinary incontinence.

There are several factors on which the treatment of bladder cancer depends such as the type of cancer, the grade and the stage of cancer along with your overall health and treatment preferences.

Treatment of bladder cancer include:

• Surgery to remove cancerous tissue
• Chemotherapy in the bladder to treat tumours which are in the lining of the bladder.
• Reconstruction that involves making a new way for urine to exit the body.
• Chemotherapy for the whole bodywhere surgery isn’t an option
• Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy

What does physiotherapy for bladder control include?

Physiotherapy for bladder control includes the following :

Pelvic Floor Exercises which helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles involving the use of vaginal cones.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy strengthens pelvic floor muscles making use of electrical currents. 

Bowel Movement Retraining helps to pass motion without straining the pelvic floor muscles.

The physiotherapist will monitor and assess your condition every month prescribing you a home exercise program of pelvic floor exercises. After getting the optimal results you can stop the treatment.

Your physiotherapist will ask you queries related to your urinary leakage problem. It helps them to determine the severity of the condition based on which they will provide therapy that suits your needs.

Kegel exercises

These exercises are often recommended by doctors to strengthen the muscles which support the bladder and keep it closed. It can, therefore, help to improve the person’s ability to start and stop their urine. 

Though the pelvic floor muscles are difficult to target so it’s important to first identify these muscles. One needs to follow these steps:

While preparing to urinate, focus on stopping the urine stream. Think about tightening the muscles that can stop the urine stream and focus on the sensation of the pelvic floor muscles.

After the pelvic floor muscles are identified, you can perform the Kegel exercises twice daily.

Process:

• Squeeze the muscles which are used to stop the flow of urine
• Hold for a few seconds
• Release the muscles
• Repeat this 25 times
• Once the muscle gets stronger you can increase the frequency to 25 to 50 repetitions for two to three times every day.
• Kegels while urinating can affect your ability to empty the bladder and can lead to a bladder infection.

Pelvic floor exercises

There are other methods available to target pelvic floor muscles. It includes:

Short contractions: It works with the fast-twitch muscles located in the pelvic floor. This exercise aims to tighten the muscles quickly and then release them.

How to perform?

Take a deep breath in and exhale while tightening the pelvic floor muscles

Inhale while releasing the pelvic floor muscle contraction.

Repeat it 10 times and complete a total of three sets.

Long contractions

It helps a person to achieve a pelvic floor contraction that lasts 10 seconds.

How to perform?

Tighten the pelvic floor muscles and hold the contraction. Repeat three sets for about ten times.

At Care24, we provide a wide range of care services that includes a team of doctors, nurses, attendants and physiotherapists. We assure to provide timely medical services to your loved ones with the best care including physiotherapy for bladder control.

Our specially trained physiotherapist are extremely experienced in caring for those who suffer from bladder control problems. They provide bladder physiotherapy and therapy plan that will work best for your loved one. Our well-trained staff make sure your loved one gets the best care in the comfort of home.