Bladder Problems

How common are bladder problems?

More than 3 million people in the UK have bladder problems. People of all ages can have difficulty controlling their bladders: whether they are school children or grandparents, men or women, otherwise healthy individuals or those with some disability. Some people find that they often need to go to the toilet during the day and night while others may experience regular accidents.

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How can people tell if they have bladder problems?

Most people need to empty their bladders no more than seven times a day and only once a night. They can consciously control when and where this process takes place. People who have bladder problems are sometimes unable to control their bladders and release urine at the wrong time.

Is there more than one type of bladder problem?

There are several different types of bladder problems:
• Stress incontinence - this is when the bladder leaks small amounts of urine during coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or any sudden physical exercise. Confusingly the use of the word 'stress' does not mean mental stress, but refers to the physical stress or pressure that sudden movements place on the muscles supporting the bladder.
• Unstable bladder - there are several symptoms of an unstable bladder. Some people need to go to the toilet frequently - more than seven times during the day and more than once at night. Others experience a very strong urge to go to the toilet with no advance warning. Sometimes this urge is so strong that they are unable to delay passing water long enough to reach the toilet.
• Mixed incontinence - individuals who suffer from both unstable bladder and stress incontinence are described as having mixed incontinence.
• Overflow incontinence - this occurs when the bladder does not empty properly. As a result, over time, large quantities of urine are stored causing the bladder to overflow. It is more common in men and is often the result of an enlarged prostate blocking the bladder opening.

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Will I need any tests?

Your doctor or practice nurse will ask some questions about your bladder problems and your medical history.
You may need an examination and a sample of your urine may be tested. Your doctor may start a course of treatment or refer you to a hospital specialist for further tests to find the cause of your bladder problems.

What can be done about bladder problems?

A great deal. Almost everybody with bladder problems can be helped and many people can be completely cured.
• Exercise - sometimes the answer can be as simple as doing special exercises, to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, or retraining the bladder to hold on for longer.
• Medicine - some drugs can relieve and control the troublesome symptoms of an unstable bladder and can also treat infections.
• Surgery - there are straightforward surgical procedures that have helped many people to control their bladder problems. These include operations to repair weakened muscles or remove any blockage from the bladder.
• Special products - if the underlying problem cannot be controlled, special products such as pants, pads, collection devices, chair and bed protection allow people to go on living normal lives.

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Help yourself

• Watch your weight - being overweight makes incontinence more likely.
• Practice your pelvic floor exercises - particularly before and after having a baby.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and fibre to prevent constipation.
• Stop smoking - a chronic cough can cause incontinence.
• Don't drink too much liquid, although it is important to drink at least eight cups of water or soft drinks a day.
• Don't drink too much tea, coffee or alcohol - they can make you pass more urine.

Further information

This factsheet supported by Pharmacia and Upjohn

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