The bladder is the reservoir for urine that is excreted from the kidneys. Kidneys are our body’s filtering system. It removes waste products like urea and ammonia from the blood and returns vital nutrients and water to the blood. These waste products are then passed via the ureters to the bladder where it waits to be released from the body.
Occasionally, there can be problems with the bladder that cause that urine to be released at inopportune times, like when you are in a crowd or wearing white. It can be quite embarrassing to say the least.
How does bladder weakness come about? One can say age has something to do with it, but age is not the reason for everything. People younger than senior age can also experience this condition.
Pregnancy – When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through a variety of changes. The pelvic muscles that support the bladder stretch as the baby grows. When it is ready for delivery, pushing can also stress these muscles. Afterwards, the muscles are in a weakened state that can affect the way that the bladder operates.
Medication – Certain medicines can affect the muscles of the body or the bladder specifically. It is best to read the side effects of a medication before taking it.
Menopause – As women stop producing certain hormones that were present during childbearing age, muscles are prone to weakness, as are the bones of the pelvis. This can lead to problems with bladder control.
Accidental injury – Injury to the pelvic region and subsequent recovery can affect the muscles of the bladder. Damage to the nerves that give us the sensation of fullness can also be affected.
When you have bladder issues, it is nice to find out the cause. But what you really want to know is the treatment. No one wants to go about their daily activities with a map of bathroom access between them and the office.
Pelvic exercises – These are recommended for women post-pregnancy. Consistently tightening and releasing these muscles builds their strength back.
Incontinence pads – For weakness with minor leakage when you laugh or cough, a pad may be enough to keep it under control. There are specific ones made for the job that are leak-proof and designed for men and women.
Medication – A spastic bladder muscle can make you feel like you always have to urinate. Medication can relax the muscle enough to help you keep frequency under control.
Are you experiencing leakage? Talk to your doctor about bladder weakness and possible treatment options.