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What Is Neurogenic Bladder?

Neurogenic bladder is a condition where the nerves that control the bladder do not work properly. This leads to problems with storing urine, emptying the bladder, or both. The issue is not with the bladder itself, but with the communication between the brain, spinal cord, and bladder. Under normal conditions, nerves send messages from the brain to the bladder to signal when it is time to store or release urine. In neurogenic bladder, nerve damage or nerve-related diseases interrupt these messages, which can cause either an overactive bladder or an underactive bladder. This condition can be caused by: Spinal cord injuries Multiple sclerosis (MS) Parkinson’s disease Stroke Diabetes Spina bifida (a birth defect affecting the spine) Brain or nerve tumors Surgery involving the pelvic region or spine There are two main types of neurogenic bladder: Overactive (spastic) bladder: The bladder muscles contract too often or at the wrong time. This causes sudden urges to urinate, frequent urinatio...

What Causes Bladder Inflammation?

Bladder inflammation, also called cystitis, happens when the lining of the bladder becomes irritated, swollen, or inflamed. This condition can affect both men and women, but it is more common in women due to their shorter urethra. People often notice pain while urinating, a frequent urge to urinate, or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen. The causes of bladder inflammation can vary, and not all of them are related to infection. One of the most common causes is urinary tract infection (UTI) . When bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra, they can multiply and cause irritation. This leads to symptoms such as burning with urination, urgency, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. If not treated, the infection can worsen or spread to the kidneys. Bladder inflammation can also occur without infection. One example is interstitial cystitis , sometimes known as painful bladder syndrome. In this condition, the bladder lining becomes overly sensitive. The exact cause is unknown, but it...

What Is Bladder Prolapse?

Bladder prolapse, also known as cystocele, is a condition where the bladder drops from its normal position and bulges into the front wall of the vagina. It happens when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder become weak or stretched. This condition affects women and is especially common after childbirth, menopause, or pelvic surgery. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that hold organs like the bladder, uterus, and bowel in place. When these supports are damaged—due to vaginal delivery, aging, heavy lifting, or chronic straining—the bladder may slip downward. Common symptoms include: A feeling of pressure or fullness in the vaginal area A noticeable bulge or tissue pushing into or out of the vagina Difficulty starting urination or fully emptying the bladder Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) Leaking urine during physical activity, coughing, or sneezing Discomfort during sex Some women may not notice any symptoms, especially if the prolapse is mild. Howe...

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence means losing control over your bladder, leading to the unintentional leakage of urine. It is more common than most people think and affects both men and women of all ages—though it becomes more frequent with age, pregnancy, childbirth, prostate problems, or certain medical conditions. There are several types of urinary incontinence, and each has different causes: Stress incontinence happens when pressure on the bladder—like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting—causes urine to leak. This is common in women after childbirth or menopause. Urge incontinence , also called overactive bladder , causes a sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by leakage. You may not make it to the toilet in time. It can happen during the day or night. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, leading to frequent or constant dribbling. This is more common in men with enlarged prostates or people with nerve damage. Functional incontinence happens when p...

What Is Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that affects how your bladder stores urine. People with OAB feel a sudden and strong urge to urinate that is hard to control. Some may also leak urine before reaching the toilet. This condition is not caused by infection or another disease, and it can affect both men and women. The main symptoms of overactive bladder include: Urgency: A sudden, intense need to urinate Frequency: Needing to urinate more than 8 times in a 24-hour period Nocturia: Waking up more than once at night to urinate Urge incontinence: Leaking urine after feeling a strong need to go OAB is more common in older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. It can also affect younger people and may interfere with daily life, travel, sleep, and social activities. Many people feel embarrassed or avoid talking about it, which can delay treatment. The cause of OAB is often linked to the way the bladder muscles behave. Normally, the bladder fills and stores urine until you are read...

What Is Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome?

Interstitial cystitis (IC)—also known as painful bladder syndrome—is a chronic condition that causes discomfort, pressure, or pain in the bladder and pelvic area. Unlike a typical urinary tract infection (UTI), it is not caused by bacteria and does not go away with antibiotics. IC can affect both men and women, but it is far more common in women. The symptoms often feel similar to a UTI, which can make diagnosis difficult. Many people report frequent urination, urgency to urinate, pain before, during, or after urinating, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the bladder, even after it is empty. Some may also feel pain during sexual activity. The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is still unclear. It is believed to be linked to a breakdown in the protective lining of the bladder, which may allow irritating substances in urine to reach the bladder wall. Others suggest that the immune system, nerves, or even past infections may play a role. It may also occur alongside other chronic ...

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a condition where harmful bacteria enter parts of the urinary system—most often the bladder and urethra—causing discomfort, inflammation, and sometimes serious complications if left untreated. UTIs are much more common in women than men. This is because the female urethra is shorter, allowing bacteria easier access to the bladder. However, men, especially older men with enlarged prostates, can also get UTIs. Children and older adults may also be at risk. The most common cause of UTI is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which lives in the bowel. When it travels from the rectum to the urethra and up into the bladder, it can multiply and trigger infection. Poor hygiene, dehydration, sexual activity, holding urine for too long, or catheter use can all increase the risk. Common symptoms include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, lower abdominal pain, and sometimes blood in the urine. Some ...