Urinary incontinence is a global problem affecting 8.7% or over 421 million people. While it can affect anyone, its prevalence rises steeply with age. Hence, as the world population ages, bladder capacity decreases while natural muscles weaken. Women are disproportionately affected compared to men due to the structural effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause on the pelvic floor. However, bladder health is important as it stores urine until the person goes to the bathroom. If it is forced to stretch excessively, experiences repeated infections, or is unable to empty completely, muscles and nerves can become permanently damaged.
Common Causes of Bladder Failure
These problems affect both men and women, but the causes often differ by sex. On the upside, permanent bladder damage can be prevented through several strategies such as early diagnosis, healthy habits, and prompt medical care. In men, issues may be caused by an enlarged prostate, complications of prostate surgery, or nerve disorders. In addition, chronic conditions can also affect how it functions. For instance, diabetes can damage the ‘autonomic nerves .’ They tell the brain when it is full and signal the muscles to squeeze.
This can lead to diabetic cytopathy, where the individual loses the sensation or urges to urinate. As the bladder overfills, it stretches out and eventually loses the muscle tone required to contract and empty. Among women, pregnancy and childbirth injuries, menopause, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and neurological disorders can affect its function and health. However, for both sexes, the common causes are chronic urinary retention, spinal cord injuries, repeated UTIs, certain medications, and long-term constipation, to name some.
Prevention Strategies
The bladder is a resilient body organ, but frequent injury, untreated urinary problems and certain lifestyle habits can cause permanent damage over time. A simple but effective practice is to regularly empty the bladder when the urge is there rather than routinely holding it. Delaying urination can overstretch the bladder muscle reducing its ability to contract effectively. Likewise, adequate water intake is essential to flush bacteria from the urinary tract, reduce infections, and prevent concentrated urine from irritating the bladder. Experts from the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend 2.7 liters of fluids for women and 3.7 liters for men a day for good hydration.
Untreated UTIs may spread to the kidneys and contribute to long-term urinary tract complications according to the National Kidney Foundation. The most serious long-term threat is kidney damage and renal failure. Under normal conditions, the kidneys filter waste from the blood to make urine which then flows down into the bladder. If the bladder cannot empty properly, urine backs up into the ureters or the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder and the kidneys themselves causing the latter to stretch and swell.
Hence, it is important to seek medical attention if experiencing a UTI. Similarly, do not ignore difficulties when emptying the bladder. These warning signs include weak urine stream, frequent nighttime urination, feeling that the bladder is not empty, and the need to strain when peeing. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent irreversible bladder damage. Constipation is another factor that can contribute to bladder damage because a full bowel inhibits normal emptying.
Fortunately, there are several things that an individual can do to protect the bladder such as including fiber in the diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying physically active. Doing pelvic floor exercises also help especially after childbirth or prostate surgery. Another important thing to do is manage chronic medical conditions properly to reduce the risk of bladder nerve damage and kidney complications.
Some medications, such as certain antihistamines, antidepressants, and pain meds, may contribute to urinary retention, according to a study by Verhamme et al. Furthermore, it is vital to stay vigilant and consult a healthcare professional immediately as soon as these conditions are detected: inability to urinate, presence of blood in urine, recurrent UTIs, persistent pelvic pain, and sudden changes in bladder control. A fever with urinary symptoms must also be treated immediately, as a sudden inability to take a leak.
To sum it up, permanent bladder damage is generally preventable. This can be achieved by drinking adequate fluids, following good bladder habits, treating infections promptly, controlling chronic diseases properly, and seeking medical attention for urination problems in their early stage.
This article was written for WHN by Bri Burton, who is a talented wordsmith, an avid blogger, and a health advocate.
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