Bladder control problems range in type and severity with various treatment options, including behavioral changes or medical therapy. Types of bladder control issues treated by Emory Urology include:
- Frequent urination, or the need to urinate more often than usual.
- Urgent urination, or the sudden, intense need to urinate accompanied by discomfort in the bladder. Urinary frequency and urgency may be signs of a urinary tract infection. Other possible causes include diabetes, pregnancy, interstitial cystitis, diuretic medications, and certain neurological conditions.
- Overactive bladder is a condition in which involuntary contractions of the bladder cause a sudden, urgent need to urinate. The urge to urinate may be difficult to suppress. Overactive bladder can lead to urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence is the uncontrolled leakage of urine. There are two main types of urinary incontinence, although some patients may experience a mixture:
- Stress incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine due to increased pressure in the abdomen. Stress incontinence occurs when abdominal pressure rises due to activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
- Urge incontinence is a strong and uncontrollable urge to urinate, often caused by contractions or spasms of the bladder that lead to unintentional voiding of urine.