Bladder Spasm
Facts about Bladder Spasm
Although medical professionals do not fully understand the cause behind bladder spasm, they do know the symptoms and how to control it.
Bladder spasm is exactly as it sounds; a spasm of the bladder muscle. Under normal circumstances, the bladder is a vessel that collects and stores urine as it is produced by the body. The bladder muscle is relaxed as it gradually fills, and only contracts when a person is ready to urinate; effectively forcing out the fluid with the squeezing of the muscle. For some, however, the process does not proceed so smoothly.
These are the people who suffer from bladder spasm; a condition where the bladder muscle contracts on its own, giving the feeling of fullness and the need to immediately urinate. If the bladder is not emptied, the contractions become stronger, actually forcing urine to leak from the bladder. It may be just a minute amount, or could be a large amount depending on the person. In some cases, the person enduring the bladder spasm will be unable to stop the flow of urine. This leakage is called “urge incontinence”.
It is true that the actual cause of the bladder spasm is unknown; however, there are a few conditions that doctors know to be predisposed for developing the disorder. Certain foods tend to react as an irritant to the bladder in some people, with the end result being the occurrence of spasm. Women over age 65 have proven to be prime candidates for bladder spasm. Those who have had strokes or other types of neurological disorders also rate high on the list of sufferers.
Treating bladder spasm is generally trial and error to find which method works best for the individual. Medication that serves to relax the bladder muscle can be successful for some, but there are side effects that can be extremely uncomfortable. Side effects that are most often reported are dry mouth and constipation, with some cases so pronounced that the amount of medication prescribed needs to be decreased substantially.
Retraining the bladder is another method that is helpful to regain bladder control. Precise timing of urination is implemented, beginning with perhaps a one hour interval between episodes. The distance between urinations is gradually lengthened until a time is reached that performs best for the individual. Scheduling the elimination of urine is commonly prescribed to control bladder spasm in a natural way.
Learning to control the pelvic floor muscles are a key component in controlling bladder spasm, as well. Strengthening these muscles through exercises can control the leaking experienced in urge incontinence.
Bladder spasm is an uncomfortable disorder, but not one that needs to dictate a person’s habits. Regaining control over bodily functions may take some practice and exercise, but will restore your normal functions in a natural manner.