Shine OnSensitive bladder: What you need to know about this embarrassing condition
It’s probably not something you’d talk about except with your closest girlfriends, but one in three women from the ages of 18-75 has a sensitive bladder – a condition in which the bladder doesn’t function properly, leading to urinary incontinence.
“There are different reasons why women might have urinary incontinence,” says Dr. Marla Shapiro, MDCM CCFP MHSc FRCP(C), Family Physician. “Among issues with bladder control is an overactive bladder which is called urge incontinence. This means that there is an urgency to urinate without adequate time to get to the washroom, or there may be the urge to urinate too often. Another kind of so-called sensitive bladder is stress incontinence. This is a bladder leak that happens with coughing or sneezing. It can happen with exercise or even having a good laugh.”
While urge and stress incontinence are the most common types, she notes that when both occur together, it is known as mixed incontinence.
To help your doctor with diagnosing any bladder issues, Shapiro suggests women keep a log of their symptoms. This can help identify any triggers such as laughing, exercising, sneezing or if you hear water running.
“It is important to know what is causing your symptoms and to make sure there are no other underlying medical issues that are responsible for your symptoms,” she says. “In women, we know that after pregnancies and child birth; post menopausal; and with aging; the muscles of the bladder wall can get weaker, making sensitive bladders more of an issue.”
Being overweight as well as suffering from diabetes can also lead to a sensitive bladder as can certain medications, she notes.
“Millions of women are impacted and often will not participate in activities to avoid the embarrassment or unexpected nature of their symptoms,” Shapiro says. She notes that 25 per cent of women with sensitive bladders report having leaks up to several times a day, and many of those can’t make it to a restroom in time.
“Almost 2/3 of women report that sleep is impacted by their bladder complaints and another 15 per cent believe that their bladder leaks impacts on their work life and daily activities. They avoid travel, activities and intimacy,” she adds.
Shapiro says someone experiencing symptoms of a sensitive bladder should seek treatment as soon as possible (no matter how embarrassing it might feel) in order to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. Your doctor will also want to rule out a potential bladder infection.
“Remember that urinary incontinence is not a diagnosis but a symptom that merits attention. When a sensitive bladder is impacting on your quality of life, it is important to see your health care practitioner, yet we know women are often embarrassed to discuss their symptoms and it can take up to six years for women to be diagnosed.”
Shapiro notes that treatment options vary depending on the kind of urinary incontinence one is experiencing.
“All of us should maintain a healthy weight and a lifestyle that supports our health,” she says. “Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can be irritants to the bladder. Stop smoking if you are a smoker (which I know is easier said than done but – so important to do.).”
Many women also use an absorbent product of some kind to help with bladder leaks and neutralize any accompanying odors.
In the case of an overactive bladder, there are medications that can help lessen the urgency to go. Biofeedback – also known as tuning into your body – can also help manage symptoms. And if all else fails, there are surgical options your doctor can discuss with you that can help correct things.
