Causes of Bladder Problems
There are many reasons adults may have bladder problems. Sometimes bladder problems are caused by an illness, and when the illness goes away, so do the bladder problems. For example, bladder infections and, if you are a woman, infections in the vagina can cause incontinence for a short while. Being unable to have a bowel movement, or taking certain medicines, may also make it hard to control your bladder.
Sometimes bladder problems last longer. In these cases, bladder problems may be caused by:
- A weak bladder
- Overactive bladder muscles
- A blocked urinary passageway
- Damage to the nerves that control the bladder
- Multiple sclerosis
- Strokes
- Parkinson's disease
- Diseases, such as arthritis, that limit movement
- Weakening of muscles around the bladder, which can be caused by:
Sometimes the weakened muscles cause urine to leak out during activities, such as:
- Coughing
- Laughing
- Sneezing
- Other certain activities.
Aging does not cause bladder problems, although bladder problems are more common in the elderly.
Types of Bladder Problems
There are several different types of bladder problems including:
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence (overactive bladder)
- Overflow incontinence
- Functional incontinence.
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence happens when urine leaks during activities including:
- Exercise
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Laughing
- Lifting heavy objects
- Other body movements that put pressure on the bladder.
This type of bladder problem is the most common type of bladder control problem in younger and middle-aged women. In some cases it is related to childbirth. Stress
urinary incontinence may also begin around the time of
menopause.
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