Causes of bladder problems and bladder symptoms

Medical conditions causing bladder/urinary problems are generally categorised either as neurogenic or non-neurogenic. Some conditions can cause urinary retention or may completely prevent the bladder from emptying and require catheterisation. Some conditions can cause urinary incontinence in which case a collecting device (urisheath and bag) offers a comfortable solution for men, or incontinence pads for women.

Your bladder/urinary symptoms will vary depending on the underlying cause. The basic function of your urinary system is to store urine in your bladder and empty it through your urethra.

Neurogenic conditions causing urinary problems

The result of having lost proper control from the central nervous system due to a neurological disorder is a neurogenic bladder. A neurogenic bladder means that the normal process of filling and emptying the bladder is not working properly, so the bladder either fills without proper emptying or it empties unexpectedly. Urinary symptoms vary depending on where the neurological damage occurs and how severe it is.
Neurogenic bladder may occur as a consequence of:

• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spina bifida
• Type 2 diabetes
• Parkinson
• Stroke
• Brain tumours

Different types of neurogenic bladder

A neurogenic bladder may be retentive, meaning it retains urine which could cause infection or other serious problems, or it may be overactive. An overactive bladder is typically caused by spasms of the muscles of the bladder and mainly associated with symptoms of urge incontinence. Symptoms vary depending on where the neurological damage occurs and how severe it is.

Other medical conditions causing bladder issues
An example of a non-neurogenic medical condition causing urinary problems is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) also known as enlarged prostate. Men diagnosed with BPH have an enlarged prostate which can have an impact on their daily life as urinary symptoms may appear as the prostate grows. Symptoms can become very bothersome and if severe, an intermittent catheter, medicine or an operation may be needed.  

• Weakening of the pelvic floor due to age or childbirth
• BPH (enlarged prostate)
• Prostate or bladder surgery
• Bladder cancer
• Aging

Bladder symptoms

Typical symptoms of urinary incontinence

• Urine leakage
• Small or large amounts of urine leaking without warning or without feeling the urge to go to the toilet
• Involuntarily leakage when sneezing, coughing, laughing or exercising
• A sudden urge to rush to the toilet to urinate
• The need to get up to pass urine two or more times a night (nocturia)

Do you experience any of the above symptoms?
If you are a man, you can see which male incontinence solutions fits your needs.
If you are a woman, we recommend that you consult a healthcare professional. 

Typical symptoms of urinary retention

• Discomfort
• Urgent sense to urinate but inability to start the urine flow
• Frequent visits to the toilet
• Dribble due to overflow incontinence
• Weak flow
• Bloated lower abdomen

Why does it happen? 

Urinary retention can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract, a bladder muscle weakness, or by damage to the nervous system caused by e.g. multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or spina bifida (neurogenic conditions). People with nerve damage may experience that their bladder muscles don’t get the message that it is time to release urine, or find the muscles are too weak to empty the bladder completely. Urine that stays too long in the bladder may lead to an infection and urine may back up, leading to pressure and damage to the kidneys. Urinary retention may also lead to overflow incontinence. 

When to get in contact with your healthcare professional

Many people who experience bladder issues are hesitant to see their healthcare professional, because they find it embarrassing. In order to clarify what is causing the symptoms and to rule out anything potentially serious, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.