What Is a Bladder Spasm?
Chances are we have all crossed our legs a time or two in hopes of making it to the closest restroom before it’s too late. But there's a big difference between having to go, and always feeling like you have to go. For those who live with bladder spasms, that feeling is a painful reality that can lead to embarrassing wetting accidents and an unwanted shift in lifestyle. However, there are a variety of treatment options available to manage the symptoms. Here's what you need to know about bladder spasms, from the causes to what you can do to ease the pain.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of bladder spasms is feeling an urgent need to urinate. The spasm may lead to leakage, or what is called incontinence.If your bladder spasms are caused by a UTI, you may also experience the following:
- burning sensation when you void your bladder
- ability to pass only small amounts of urine each time you use the bathroom
- urine that looks cloudy, red, or pink
- pelvic pain
If your bladder spasms are the result of OAB or urge incontinence, you may also:
- leak urine before reaching the bathroom
- urinate often, up to eight or more times each day
- wake two or more times during the night to urinate
Causes
Pinpointing your bladder spasm cause can be tricky, so it is important to see a doctor if you experience such a sensation. There are a number of different reasons why you could be experiencing the spasms. In some cases, the cramping pain could be related to your diet or a medication you are taking. It can also have something to do with malfunctioning nerves that control the bladder.
In many situations, bladder spasms are a temporary condition associated with an infection, such as a urinary tract infection. Once treated, the spasms and sudden urge to go to the washroom will disappear. Interstitial cystitis is a condition that can also cause these bladder spasms. The pain that comes with this condition can be severe.
Who Is Most Likely to Develop Bladder Spasms?
Anyone at any age can have bladder spasms. In children, bladder spasms (also called pediatric unstable bladder or uninhibited bladder) are the leading cause of daytime incontinence.However, you are more likely to have bladder spasms with urine leakage if you:
Diagnosis
Before running any tests, your doctor will assess your medical history and notes on any medications you are taking. They will also perform a physical exam. Afterward, your doctor may examine a sample of your urine to check for bacteria, blood, or other signs of infection. If infection is ruled out, there are several tests that can help diagnose bladder issues. Some tests measure how much urine is left in your bladder after voiding. Others measure the speed of your urination. Some tests can even determine your bladder pressure.
Treatment
Exercise and changes in lifestyle may help ease your bladder spasms. Medications are another treatment option.
Exercise
Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, are very helpful in treating bladder spasms caused by stress and urge incontinence. To do a Kegel, you should squeeze your pelvic floor muscles as if you are trying to stop the flow of urine from your body. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a specialist so you can learn proper technique.
Lifestyle changes
Certain lifestyle changes can help with bladder issues, such as changing your fluid intake and diet.To see if your spasms are tied to certain foods, try keeping a food diary. This can help you track any foods that may be causing bladder spasms.
With a variety of treatment options available to help bladder spasm sufferers with their symptoms, hiding simply doesn’t make much sense. Talking openly with a doctor about bladder spasms is the first step for sufferers to take if they want to shift their lifestyles over to the fulfilling side.
