Bladder Control Problems: Bladder control problems, or urinary incontinence, affect over 13 million people in the U.S. Causes include urinary tract infection, overactive bladder, blocked urethra, medication side effect, and muscle weakness. Symptoms and signs include hematuria, straining, dribbling, frequency, and urgency. Treatment may incorporate behavioral therapy, medication, and surgery.
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Understanding Bladder Control Medications
People who have bladder control problems have trouble stopping the flow of urine from the bladder. This problem is also called urinary incontinence. A number of medications are available to treat urinary incontinence. -
Foley Catheter
A Foley catheter is a thin, sterile tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Because it can be left in place in the bladder for a period of time, it is also known as an indwelling catheter. -
Inability to Urinate
The inability to urinate (urinary retention) may be caused by an enlarged prostate, a urinary tract infection, or ruptured disc. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. Acute urinary retention requires a trip to the emergency department. -
Incontinence FAQs
Get answers to frequently asked questions about urinary incontinence types, causes, health factors, symptoms, tests, treatment, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. -
Prolapsed Bladder
Bladder prolapse is the name of a condition in which a woman's bladder descends into the vagina, usually resulting from the stress of childbirth or other bodily harm to the pelvis. Urinary difficulties, discomfort, and stress incontinence (urine leakage caused by sneezing, coughing, exertion, etc.) can result from a prolapsed bladder. -
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is when there's an involuntary loss of urine. There are many types of incontinence, including urge incontinence (overactive bladder), mixed incontinence, reflex incontinence, and stress incontinence. Potential causes of incontinence include overactive bladder muscles, weak bladder muscles, blockage of urine flow, and nerve damage. Treatment may involve dietary changes and exercise, including Kegel exercises and using vaginal weights. -
Urologic Dysfunction After Menopause
Urologic conditions that can occur around the time a woman goes through menopause include bladder control problems, bladder prolapse (descent of the bladder into the vagina), and urinary tract infections. Diagnosis of urologic problems may include: urinalysis, microscopy of the urine, and urine culture. Treatment may include behavioral modification, medication, and surgery.
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Bladder Control Problems Topic Guide - Visuals
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Bladder Control Problems Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Tamsulosin (oral)Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker that is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)...learn more »
DoxazosinDoxazosin is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Doxazosin relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. I...learn more »
ImipramineImipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat symptoms of depression. Imipramine is sometimes used to treat bed-wetting in children ages 6 and older...learn more »
Bladder Control Problems Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term for a group of disorders affecting body movement, balance, and posture. Loosely translated, cerebral palsy...learn more »
Bedwetting
Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) is the involuntary passage of urine while sleeping. Causes of bedwetting include urinary tract infection, diabetes, emotional pr...learn more »
Enlarged Prostate
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH) As the prostate gland grows, it may press on the urethra and cause difficulty with urination. Symptoms and ...learn more »