Bladder Problems

Urinary incontinence is when urine leaks out before you get to the bathroom, and is one of the bladder problems that millions of adults have. Bladder problems can occur at any age, although older people are more likely to have them. There are many reasons why people may have bladder problems. Today, there are more treatments for bladder problems than ever before.

 

Bladder Problems: An Overview

If you sometimes wet yourself, you are not alone. Millions of adults have this bladder problem, which is called urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is when urine leaks out before you get to the bathroom. You may think that the only way to deal with this problem is to wear adult diapers, or pads, but today there are better ways to treat bladder problems, including taking different medicines.
 
With proper treatment, hopefully you will not have to worry about things, such as:
 
  • Rashes
  • Sores
  • Bladder infections
  • Problems having sex
  • Being unable to sleep
  • Being embarrassed to go out in public
  • Being self-conscious when meeting with friends.
     

Understanding Bladder Control and Bladder Problems

The body stores urine in the bladder. During urination, muscles in the bladder contract (tighten). This forces urine out of the bladder and into a tube called the urethra, which carries urine out of the body. At the same time, the muscles surrounding the urethra relax and let the urine pass through. Spinal nerves control how these muscles move. Bladder problems can occur if the bladder muscles contract, or the muscles surrounding the urethra relax, without warning.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD