How to treat common bladder problems

Bladder problems can range from mild issues like occasional incontinence to more serious conditions that have a significant impact on quality of life.

Mr Junaid Masood, renowned consultant urologist, explores the most common bladder problems, whether these issues can be a sign of something more serious, and how they are managed and treated.

What are the three most common bladder problems?

There are several types of bladder problems. The three most common are:

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence refers to the unintentional loss of bladder control, which leads to accidental urine leakage. It can occur during actions like coughing, laughing, sneezing, or physical activity. The severity of incontinence can vary, from mild leakage to a total loss of bladder control. The most common types of urinary incontinence are stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence.

Overactive bladder

Overactive bladder involves frequent and sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control. People with overactive bladder may feel the need to urinate more than eight times a day and may also experience nocturia, which is the need to urinate during the night. The causes aren’t always clear, but it’s often linked to bladder muscle contractions that occur at inappropriate times.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

A UTI occurs when bacteria, usually from the gastrointestinal tract, enter the urinary system and cause an infection. Symptoms of a UTI include a frequent and strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain or discomfort, and rarely haematuria. UTIs are most frequently caused by bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E.coli).

Can bladder problems be a sign of a more serious condition?

Bladder problems are often benign and treatable. However, in some cases, they can be a sign of more serious underlying health issues. For example, haematuria, frequent bladder infections, or chronic pelvic pain can be early warning signs of conditions such as bladder cancer, kidney disease, or neurological disorders.

Bladder cancer is a serious condition that typically presents with haematuria, but it may not be accompanied by pain or other symptoms in its early stages. This is why it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice any unusual changes in your urination patterns or if you experience persistent symptoms that don’t improve with treatment.

Additionally, bladder problems can also be related to prostate issues in men, particularly benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. BPH can lead to difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, or incomplete bladder emptying, which can cause complications if left untreated.

How are bladder problems managed and treated?

The management of bladder problems depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. There are various options available:

Lifestyle changes

For many bladder problems, particularly incontinence and overactive bladder, lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference. This may include: dietary adjustments (reducing intake of caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods), bladder training to increase the time between urinations, or pelvic floor exercises (also known as Kegel exercises) to strengthen muscles and prevent leakage.

Medications

There are several medications available to treat bladder problems. For example, beta-3 agonists are commonly prescribed to manage overactive bladder by relaxing the bladder muscles. Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs, and in cases of recurrent infections, a longer course of low-dose antibiotics may be recommended.

Other procedures

In more serious cases, medical interventions may be required. These may include:

• Botox® injections, which can help reduce bladder muscle spasms in cases of overactive bladder.
• Surgery, such as sling procedures for incontinence or bladder augmentation for severe cases of bladder dysfunction.
• Cystoscopy, a procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the bladder to diagnose or treat conditions like bladder stones or tumours.

While bladder problems can lead to discomfort and disturbances, they are treatable in most cases. Early detection and proper management can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

If you would like to book an appointment with Mr Junaid Masood, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.