Common Conditions That Can Cause Urinary Problems

Bladder problems can affect people in different ways. Some people experience urinary leakage or a frequent urge to go, while others have trouble fully emptying their bladder. These symptoms can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and sometimes difficult to talk about.

Urinary problems may also be connected to an underlying medical condition. Below, we’ll look at several conditions that can affect bladder function, common symptoms to watch for, and treatment options a healthcare provider may recommend.

Common Conditions Related to Bladder and Urinary Problems

So what disorders can affect the bladder? While some medical issues are very visible and are commonly known to affect the bladder, such as spinal cord injuries, others are invisible. Here are some of the more common conditions to know about.

Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic bladder, which is one of the more common urinary problems, can impact people with all types of medical conditions that affect the nerves of the body. For example, people with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, or spinal cord injury may deal with neurogenic bladder. This is primarily due to nerve damage or non-functioning nerves due to a congenital disability, such as spina bifida.

So, how does a neurogenic bladder cause urinary problems?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, when someone has a neurogenic bladder, that means the nerves that carry signals from the brain no longer work properly. This may cause urinary incontinence or urine leakage if the muscles don't get the message to hold urine in the bladder. Also, it could cause urinary bladder retention, which can happen when the bladder muscles don't release urine when it's time.

Pelvic Floor Weakness or Prolapse

Urinary incontinence is more common in women than in men. Experts believe this may be due in large part to pelvic floor weakness or pelvic organ prolapse after pregnancy, childbirth, and/or menopause. In fact, up to 60% of women with pelvic organ prolapse also have some degree of urinary incontinence.

Additionally, a weak pelvic floor often goes hand in hand with stress incontinence. This type of urinary incontinence is a typically light release of urine due to stress or pressure on the bladder. This can happen when laughing, coughing, exercising, or sneezing.

Bladder Cancer

Cancer and subsequent surgeries and treatments can affect the body in a variety of ways. This may also impact the bladder's function, especially when cancer is in the bladder, prostate, or other surrounding areas or organs of the body.

Bladder cancer and related treatments can cause urinary issues, such as incontinence. Plus, if the bladder is removed, the affected individual may have to undergo urostomy surgery and use urostomy supplies.

On the other hand, some elect to have an Indiana pouch, a pouch made of intestinal tissue that serves as a new bladder. Those with an Indiana pouch will then use intermittent urinary catheters to empty their pouch on a regular basis throughout the day.

Additionally, some other cancer-related surgeries and therapies can have long-lasting effects on the urinary tract, such as chemotherapy. For example, radiation therapy in the pelvic area (reproductive organs, bladder, colon, rectum, prostate, etc.) can impact the bladder and its nerves, which can lead to urinary retention or incontinence. These issues are often temporary; however, some people may need to use catheters until the effects have cleared up.

Enlarged Prostate

Over half of all males above 60 may be living with an enlarged prostate. This condition is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.

But how does BPH cause urinary problems?

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped reproductive gland below the bladder. It also wraps around the urethra, so when the prostate gets larger, it can sometimes block the flow of urine. This may cause urinary retention, although sometimes men may also experience overflow incontinence. This is a form of urinary incontinence that occurs when the bladder doesn't completely empty. Then, the urine will leak throughout the day.

Men with enlarged prostates commonly use intermittent catheters to help drain their bladder. Sometimes, the enlarged prostate can cause an obstruction to the bladder, which may keep straight tip catheters from passing through the urethra to the bladder easily. Some men may find that a coudé tip catheter passes more easily around obstructions like this.

However, it's important to talk to your doctor about what type of catheter they recommend.

How To Treat Urinary Problems

Are you dealing with unusual symptoms such as:

• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Increased frequency or urgency to urinate
• A feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder
• Urine leakage (incontinence)
• Not being able to reach the bathroom in time

If so, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Don't be afraid to address any issues you're having, even if you feel a little embarrassed or nervous. Your healthcare professional is there to help you. Plus, they can figure out the root cause of your urinary issues.

Next, they'll likely recommend a treatment plan, which may or may not include clean intermittent catheterization. Sometimes, these issues are mild enough that some simple lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular pelvic floor exercises into your daily routine, can be enough. Other issues may require the use of prescription medication or other treatments, including surgery.

Many times, all that's needed is a good bladder management program, which may include the daily use of catheters to make sure your bladder is fully empty.

Need Catheters? Contact 180 Medical.

If you need intermittent catheter supplies, your next step is to find a trustworthy catheter company. From the beginning, 180 Medical has specialized in providing high-quality catheters for people with all types of conditions that can impact the bladder.

Our Product Specialists know our product range inside and out, so they can help you narrow down your options from our wide range of catheter types and brands. Plus, we only employ people with compassionate hearts who truly care about our customers. We go above and beyond to take care of our customers.

Whether you're looking for a new and more reliable catheter company or you're brand new to using catheter supplies, 180 Medical is here for you.

Contact us when you're ready to get started. We're happy to help you find the catheter that will work and feel best for you.