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What are the Most Common Bladder Problems?

Adam Hill
Adam Hill

Bladder problems affect millions of Americans, and while some of these problems aren't a serious threat to overall health, they are all distressing and can negatively affect one's quality of life. Some common bladder problems include urinary incontinence, bladder cancer, and urinary tract infection. The causes of these problems vary, but many of the effects are similar, namely some type of discomfort or lack of control during urination.

Urinary incontinence may be the most common of all bladder problems. More women are affected than men, due to the fact that many factors related to pregnancy and childbirth can be to blame for incontinence. Childbirth, especially, can weaken and stretch the pelvic floor muscles that are responsible for bladder control. Genetic predisposition also plays a role for some, as well as being overweight. Nerve and muscle damage, as well as nervous system problems, can also lead to incontinence.

A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.

For men, the most common causes of incontinence include a partially blocked urethra, or possibly a tumor that affects the bladder control muscles. These tumors can be benign, or they can be the result of bladder cancer. Apart from the presence of a tumor, blood in the urine is the main indicator that cancer may be present. Bladder cancer is usually easily treated if it is found early, which it almost always is. Smoking is the most common risk factor, making the reduced risk for bladder cancer one of the hundreds of health benefits gained from avoiding or quitting smoking.

Bladder infections may be caused by kidney stones.
Bladder infections may be caused by kidney stones.

Another bladder problem which is more common for women is a urinary tract infection (UTI). The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the bladder and urethra, and everything in between. Most UTIs, though, are simply bladder infections. They are more prevalent in women because women have a shorter urethra, making it easier for germs to enter the bladder from the outside.

Urinary incontinence may be the most common of all bladder problems.
Urinary incontinence may be the most common of all bladder problems.

The risk for a UTI is increased if you do not drink enough fluids, because regular urination helps flush out accumulated germs from the urinary tract. Kidney stones, diabetes, and pregnancy are also known to increase the risk of a UTI. Sexual contact with a new partner can also lead to a UTI, mostly because of the introduction of unfamiliar germs near the urinary tract. Some women are prone to frequent UTIs, although the medical reason for this is not known. If a UTI or any related bladder problems go untreated, they can lead to kidney infection, which poses a serious health risk.

Discussion Comments

anon37225

I am thirty-seven years old and i had strained my back in late November babysitting. Just before my incident, i was leaking very badly and had the urge to go urinate constantly even at night. It's hard to sleep at night and to lie down on my stoamch on the right side. So I sleep on my back in which i had to go to emergency constantly and the infection came back twice and it went away with the use of anitbiotics. I wouldn't know or how much of the drugs thay have giving me and none of them didn't work. I am on Detrol and it just controls the pain in my back and the urine during the day not night. They called it either a UTI or Overactive Bladder.I kind of have both and I am at a second specialist about it and he is going to keep a close eye on it. I hope he could give the relief that I deserve so much. Thank - you so much!

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    • A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
      By: kocakayaali
      A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
    • Bladder infections may be caused by kidney stones.
      By: airborne77
      Bladder infections may be caused by kidney stones.
    • Urinary incontinence may be the most common of all bladder problems.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Urinary incontinence may be the most common of all bladder problems.
    • Bladder cancer is among the more serious common issues that can impact the bladder.
      By: joshya
      Bladder cancer is among the more serious common issues that can impact the bladder.
    • Women are typically more affected by bladder problems then are men.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Women are typically more affected by bladder problems then are men.
    • Smoking is the top cause of bladder cancer.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Smoking is the top cause of bladder cancer.