Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Bladder Spasms?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Bladder spasms are involuntary contractions of the bladder that generate an urge to urinate, sometimes accompanied by extreme pain. If the spasms persist, incontinence might develop, because the bladder will force out urine. The resulting stream of urine might be impossible to stop because the patient does not have control over his or her bladder. Many conditions can lead to bladder spasms, and they should be addressed by a doctor because it might be possible to manage the spasms or to address the underlying cause and eliminate them altogether.

When bladder spasms occur, the bladder randomly contracts as though the patient is preparing to urinate. The patient usually will feel as though he or she needs to urinate, and some leakage might occur. One of the most common causes of incontinence in the elderly is this condition, and these contractions also can cause incontinence in young children. In some cases, the spasms might be extremely violent, with patients comparing them to severe cramps, like those associated with child birth.

Possible Causes

Bladder spasms commonly cause incontinence in the elderly.
Bladder spasms commonly cause incontinence in the elderly.

People who have neurological problems can develop bladder spasms as a result of conflicting messages sent to the nerves in the bladder. Stroke victims also are prone to developing involuntary bladder contractions because of the brain damage caused by strokes. Bladder infections and chronic conditions that affect the bladder, such as interstitial cystitis, can lead to spasms as well. Age is one of the most common risk factors for developing spasms of the bladder, with people older than 60 being more prone to them, but people of any age can experience them.

Treatment Options

Stroke victims may experience bladder spasms.
Stroke victims may experience bladder spasms.

There are several approaches to treating bladder spasms, depending on the root cause. Certain medications can be used to relax the bladder so that it cannot contract at random, and electrical stimulation is sometimes used to address mixed signals from the nerves around the bladder. Some patients have success with acupuncture and other alternative therapies, and others find that doing pelvic floor exercises increases their bladder control. Measures such as catheterization might be used to address incontinence on a temporary basis while a doctor treats the spasms.

Acupuncture has been used to treat patients suffering with bladder spasms.
Acupuncture has been used to treat patients suffering with bladder spasms.

Bladder training also is an option. In bladder training, people establish a urination schedule, urinating at set times rather than when they feel the need. The interval between urinating can gradually be extended until the patient finds his or her comfort zone. A urologist can provide additional suggestions and treatment options to patients, depending on the cause of their bladder spasms.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon141136

I'm a 14 year old and I've been getting bladder spasms for about 2 years. Yes, it annoys me. It usually happens when I just drink a glass of water in one go. And often it happens at night time so the main problem is it affects my sleep. The doctors couldn't really help so I don't know what to do.

closerfan12

@StreamFinder -- the most common ones are those mentioned in the article, a sudden need to void, sometimes with pain.

The only others I've found are burning while urinating, abdominal cramps, and a feeling of a full bladder -- your basic UTI/bladder spasm symptoms.

You might want to check out the Mayo Clinic website or WebMD, sometimes they have good info.

StreamFinder

Can anybody tell me what some other bladder spasm symptoms might be?

I've got a biology paper due on urinary tract diseases and need some information quickly!

rallenwriter

Sometimes certain foods can actually cause spasms in the bladder.

Foods like alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits and overly-sweet beverages can irritate the bladder, causing spasms.

However, this usually only occurs in conjunction with another one of the bladder spasm causes, usually interstitial cystitis.

calea

It's interesting that catheterization is both a cause and a temporary solution to bladder spasms. I've heard that bladder spasms can also be caused by a reaction to some foods, and that dietary changes can help.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Bladder spasms commonly cause incontinence in the elderly.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Bladder spasms commonly cause incontinence in the elderly.
    • Stroke victims may experience bladder spasms.
      By: leungchopan
      Stroke victims may experience bladder spasms.
    • Acupuncture has been used to treat patients suffering with bladder spasms.
      By: www.doglikehorse.com
      Acupuncture has been used to treat patients suffering with bladder spasms.
    • Bladder spasms are involuntary contractions of the bladder.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Bladder spasms are involuntary contractions of the bladder.
    • Bladder spasms can cause the urge to urinate along with pain.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Bladder spasms can cause the urge to urinate along with pain.
    • Age is one of the most common risk factors for developing spasms of the bladder.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Age is one of the most common risk factors for developing spasms of the bladder.
    • Medications can be used to treat bladder spasms.
      By: krutoeva
      Medications can be used to treat bladder spasms.