Bladder dysfunction in women comprises various conditions that affect their bladder’s normal function. These conditions can impact a woman’s quality of life and may require medical evaluation and treatment.

If you want to know more about bladder dysfunction in women, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best nephrologists and urologists in East New York.

Here are the most common bladder dysfunctions in women and their effective treatments:

• Urinary Incontinence — This is a condition where you will experience an involuntary leakage of urine. It can occur with activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise (stress incontinence), or it can happen suddenly and with a strong urge to urinate (urge incontinence or overactive bladder). Available treatment for this condition can include:
  • Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) to strengthen the muscles that control urination.
  • Behavioral techniques, such as bladder training, to gradually increase the intervals between your bathroom trips.
  • Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods), and stopping your smoking habits.
  • Medications, such as anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists, to relax your bladder muscles and reduce urinary urgency and frequency.
  • Surgical procedures, such as sling procedures or bladder neck suspension, to support your bladder and urethra in cases of stress incontinence.

• Overactive Bladder (OAB) — OAB is characterized by a sudden and frequent urge to urinate, often accompanied by urinary incontinence. It can significantly affect your daily activities and quality of life. Treatment for this condition can include:
  • Behavioral therapies, including bladder training and pelvic floor muscle exercises.
  • Medications, such as anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists, to relax your bladder muscles and reduce urinary urgency and frequency.
  • Neuromodulation therapies, such as sacral nerve stimulation or posterior tibial nerve stimulation, to modulate your bladder function.
  • Botox injections into your bladder muscle to reduce your urinary urgency and frequency (reserved for refractory cases).

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) — While not always a dysfunction of the bladder itself, UTIs are more common in women due to the shorter length of your urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to your bladder. Symptoms include frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or bloody urine. Common treatment for this condition can include:
  • Antibiotics to treat your underlying bacterial infection. The choice of antibiotic will depend on the specific bacteria causing your infection and its susceptibility.
  • Prevention strategies, such as staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene (wiping front to back), urinating after intercourse, and avoiding irritants like spermicides or douches.

• Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) — IC/BPS is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain, pressure, or discomfort, along with urinary urgency and frequency. This condition can be challenging to diagnose and manage, and its exact cause is unknown. Treatment can include:
  • Dietary modifications to avoid potential bladder irritants, such as acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
  • Medications, such as oral pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron), antihistamines, or tricyclic antidepressants, to reduce your bladder pain and urinary symptoms.
  • Bladder instillations or installations of medications directly into your bladder to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Neuromodulation therapies, such as sacral nerve stimulation, to modulate bladder function and alleviate symptoms.

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) — POP occurs when your pelvic organs, such as your bladder, uterus, or rectum, bulge into your vaginal wall due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to urinary symptoms such as incomplete emptying, urinary frequency, and urgency.
  • Pelvic floor physical therapy to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Pessaries, which are devices inserted into your vagina to support pelvic organs and relieve your symptoms.
  • Surgical procedures, such as vaginal or laparoscopic repair, to restore pelvic organ support and lessen your symptoms.

• Bladder Fistulas — These are abnormal connections between your bladder and other organs, such as your vagina or intestines, leading to symptoms such as urinary incontinence, recurrent UTIs, and passage of urine through your vagina. Treatment can include:
  • Surgical repair to correct the abnormal connection between your bladder and other organs, such as the vagina or intestines.

These conditions can have a significant impact on your quality of life, but many treatments and management options are available to address their symptoms and improve your bladder function. It’s important that if you are experiencing any bladder dysfunction, consult your medical provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you suspect or have symptoms of bladder dysfunction, consult your medical provider immediately and have yourself checked. At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologist will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.