Bladder Disorders

Bladder disorders can significantly impair quality of life and cause distress to patients.

Bladder disorders are often associated with frequent bladder infections, which can lead to renal failure if they are left untreated. Some of the more common types of bladder disorders include:

Overactive bladder
Neurogenic bladder

Overactive Bladder

One of the most common bladder disorders

Affects roughly 16 percent of the population

Occurs in men and women equally

Overactive bladder is one of the most common bladder disorders, affecting around 16% of the population; it affects men and women at approximately equal rates. The primary symptom of overactive bladder is experiencing a sudden, powerful urge to urinate, which may be difficult to overcome, leading to accidents and incontinence. In addition, affected individuals urinate frequently, often arising during the night to urinate several times. Severely affected individuals may report having to urinate every 20 minutes or so and experience multiple accidents every day before they receive effective treatment.

Causes and Management of Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder seems to be caused by involuntary contraction of the muscles that empty the bladder even when the bladder is not full.

Its incidence increases with age, but it is not a normal aspect of aging.

In many cases, the specific cause of the condition is unknown.

In other cases, it may be linked to diabetes, obesity, or diuretic use.

Excessive fluid consumption or cognitive impairment may contribute.

Kegel exercises and weight loss may help some patients.

Other treatments include catheterization, medications, injections, or surgery.

Neurogenic Bladder

Urinary incontinence is a common symptom.

Some patients cannot fully empty the bladder.

Frequent bladder infections may occur.

Constipation or fecal incontinence may also occur.

Neurogenic bladder is another common bladder disorder. It is caused by an injury or condition that disrupts the nerves that communicate between the bladder and the brain. Common causes include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and child-bearing related injuries.

Treatment for Neurogenic Bladder

Catheterization may be intermittent or continuous.

Intermittent catheterization drains the bladder periodically.

Continuous catheterization may use a drainage bag.

Medications may improve bladder function.

Primary treatment of neurogenic bladder consists of either intermittent or continuous catheterization to drain the bladder. In intermittent catheterization, the patient or a caregiver periodically inserts a catheter to drain the bladder; this is the primary treatment for individuals who are unable to fully empty their bladders. For patients suffering from complete incontinence, a catheter connected to a drainage bag may need to be installed and used continuously. Some patients also experience some relief from medications to improve bladder function.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Implantable Treatment Option

A relatively new technique called sacral nerve stimulation may allow patients with both severe overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder to avoid catheterization. In this technique, a small device is implanted under the skin of the buttocks and is surgically connected to the nerves that control the bladder.

How the Device Works

The device sends signals to these nerves, improving the connection between the brain and the bladder.

Effectiveness of Treatment

Although it is not effective in all patients, it has been found to be extremely effective for some patients in controlling both incontinence and the ability to fully empty the bladder.