BLADDER CONTROL

       

 Bladder control

The most common types of urinary incontinence in women are stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. Women with both problems have mixed urinary incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence is caused by loss of support of the urethra which is usually a consequence of damage to pelvic support structures as a result of childbirth. It is characterized by leaking of small amounts of urine with activities which increase abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing and lifting. Additionally, frequent exercise in high-impact activities can cause athletic incontinence to develop. Urge urinary incontinence is caused by uninhibited contractions of the detrus or muscle. It is characterized by leaking of large amounts of urine in association with insufficient warning to get to the bathroom in time.

      Poly uria (excessive urine production) of which, in turn, the most frequent causes are: uncontrolled diabetes mellitus primary polydipsia  (excessive fluid drinking),  central diabetes insipidus and nephorgenicdiabetes  insipidusPolyuria generally causes urinary  urgency and requency but doesn't necessarily lead to incontinence.

         Caffeine or cola beverages also stimulate the bladder.

        Enlarged prostate  is the most common cause of incontinence in men after the age of 40; sometimes prostate cancer may also be associated with urinary incontinence. Moreover drugs or radiation used to treat prostate cancer can also cause incontinece.

         Disorders like multiple sclerosis,  spina bifida, parkinson's disease. strokes,and  spinal cord injury can all interfere with nerve function of the bladder.

Continence and micturition involve a balance between urethral closure and detrusor muscle activity. Urethral pressure normally exceeds bladder pressure, resulting in urine remaining in the bladder. The proximal urethra and bladder are both within the pelvis. Intraabdominal pressure increases (from coughing and sneezing) are transmitted to both urethra and bladder equally, leaving the pressure differential unchanged, resulting in continence. Normal voiding is the result of changes in both of these pressure factors: urethral pressure falls and bladder pressure rises.