Bladder Control: What Women Need to Know
What causes bladder control problems in women?
Urine leakage has many possible causes.
Weak muscles. Most bladder control problems are caused by weak pelvic muscles—the muscles that hold the bladder in place. These muscles may become stretched and weak during pregnancy and childbirth. The sphincters—muscles that keep the bladder closed until you urinate—may also be weakened.
Nerve damage. Damaged nerves may send signals to the bladder at the wrong time, causing the bladder to push out urine without warning. Or damaged nerves send no signals at all, so the brain can’t tell when the bladder is full. Trauma or diseases such as diabetes can cause nerve damage.
Medicines, alcohol, and caffeine. Leaking can happen when medicines or alcohol affect the nerves or muscles. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee or cola cause the bladder to fill quickly, which may cause the bladder to leak.
Infection. A urinary tract infection can irritate bladder nerves and cause the bladder to squeeze without warning.
Excess weight. Being overweight can put pressure on the bladder and contribute to leakage.
October 2007
NIH Publication No. 08–6189
nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov
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