When the bladder muscles contract or tighten suddenly, it is called a bladder spasm. It comes on as a stinging pain for a moment, and you may feel the urge to urinate.
Bladder spasms are often confused with an overactive bladder (OAB). OAB is also known as urge incontinence, when you suddenly need to empty your bladder and possibly suffer involuntary urine leakage. A bladder spasm could also be a symptom of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI is treatable and disappears with treatment. However, bladder spasms can also be a symptom of OAB, which is a broader issue with other factors.
There are a number of reasons that cause a bladder muscle spasm. They can occur because of diet, medication, changes in blood supply, or the functioning of the nerves that control the bladder. They could also happen because of an infection or surgery.
Some other causes are:
You can also easily develop symptoms if you do not fully empty your bladder when you use the bathroom.
The most familiar symptoms are the urge to urinate and urinary leakage. However, if the contraction of the bladder is because of a UTI, you may also experience the following:
If bladder spasms are due to OAB, you may experience the following:
Pelvic exercises, also known as kegel exercises, help strengthen the muscles in the pelvis and the core. They help treat bladder spasms arising from stress and urge incontinence. Combining Kegels with biofeedback is a good way to reduce bladder spasms.
Squeeze your muscles like you would holding urine or abstaining from passing gas. These exercises get better with practice but tightening the wrong muscles could have adverse impacts. Consult your doctor to understand how to contract the correct muscles fully.
Tracking the food and beverages you consume will help identify which items cause bladder spasms. Keep a food diary and make an entry every time you feel a contraction in the bladder.
Irritation-causing items include:
This includes timing your visits to the bathroom, such as after every 1.5 to 2 hours. As the bladder spasms and leaking subside, you can extend the time between your trips. This technique is very helpful for children.
The drugs prescribed to relax the bladder and prevent spasms are called anticholinergics. They block the involuntary movement of muscles. Your doctor may also prescribe medicines for the overactive bladder to relax the bladder and help it hold more urine.
Over-the-counter bladder spasm medication might also help. However, consult your doctor before using them.
These devices use electrical signals to relieve pain.
A TENS device sends mild electrical pulses to the bladder via patches applied over the skin to increase blood flow and release pain-blocking hormones. Increased blood flow makes the bladder muscles stronger and reduces spasms.
An Electrical Stimulation implant is placed under the skin to deliver electrical impulses regularly for bladder spasm relief.
A method that trains the brain to control normally automated body functions. Bladder training is an example of biofeedback. Some doctors believe that biofeedback works better than medicines.
To avoid leakage accidents while your bladder spasm treatment continues, you may also consider using incontinence products.
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Get complete protection from incontinence with this disposable brief. It is designed to ensure that the wearer gets uninterrupted sleep and is protected from leakage. It also has an odor-reduction feature leaving the wearer feeling fresh and comfortable.
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Pain-free testing is a reality with this innovative glucose monitor. It requires a very small blood sample the size of a pinhead. The monitor has a high-contrast display for better visibility and a backlight for on-the-go testing.
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An interactive training system with biofeedback for women to help strengthen the core and bladder muscles. Great for post-partum recovery. It can be cleaned with disinfecting wipes or a washcloth with soap and water, has an eco-friendly battery, and is compatible with iOS and Android.
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Add safety and comfort to catheterization with this bladder spasm catheter. It has two balloons that secure the catheter inside the bladder. It has two lumens that allow inflation and drainage, respectively. This catheter works in harmony with the body's natural defense against infections.
Bladder spasms may disappear with time. Treatment options like kegel exercises, bladder training, and avoiding foods that increase the spasms can be very simple and also very effective. If you feel a burning sensation, it might be a sign of an infection, and it is always best to consult your doctor.
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Akanksha Nigam has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. With a Masters Degree in Finance, she began her Marketing career in the banking industry. However, her interest in human ...
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