Functions
The main urinary bladder function is to serve as a gatherer of nitrogenous waste that are produced from the breakdown of metabolites such as amino acids. Nitrogenous compounds in high amounts are toxic to cells and must be removed from the blood by the kidneys. The bladder then collects these wastes (known as urea) in liquid form (urine). Urine is then removed from the body with the help of the pelvic muscles and urethra which squeeze the urine out of the body during evacuation of the bladder. Occasionally, as we age, there are health related issues that occur with the bladder that can result in discomfort, or even misery, in the person with such problems. One of these is urinary incontinence that frequently arises in many older persons and fortunately is a treatable condition.
Causes of urinary bladder incontinence
There are many possible causes for bladder incontinence that are frequently diagnosed in patients. One of these is what is known as polyuria which can lead to incontinence due to the excessive amounts of urine added to the bladder by the kidneys. This is frequently a symptom of diabetes and can lead to excessive stress on the bladder in its function and over time produce less ability for the bladder to function properly. Also, as a person ages, the muscles that control the bladder become weaker and less able to retain urine and contribute to frequent urination and aging sometimes to the point of outright incontinence. In men, at the base of the bladder a structure known as the prostate gland often becomes enlarged or occasionally cancerous with age putting added stress on the bladder by reducing the ability of urine to travel into the urethra thus leading to incontinence. Finally, nerve problems caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury can lead to bladder malfunction as the nerves that control urination no longer properly cause the pelvic muscles to contract properly as the patient loses bladder control.
Treatments for urinary bladder incontinence
Treatment of urinary incontinence frequently relies on the use of medications and/or surgery as well as more conservative management strategies. There a a variety of different medications that can be used in treating urinary incontinence including anticholinergic medications such as Ditropanor, Enablex or Detrol. Topical estrogen is frequently used in women in order to rejuvenate the urethra, and antidepressants as well can help in controlling bladder incontinence that results from stress. All of these medications can be frequently used successfully as a long-term management strategy. In addition surgical procedures can be used that include sling procedures, bladder neck suspension and artificial urinary sphincters which all have varying degrees of success in treating urinary incontinence symptoms. If these treatments are relatively unsuccessful, then another possibility is to try other techniques such as pelvic floor exercises, using absorbent undergarments, electrical stimulation, or using catheters are viable options for many patients.
The urinary bladder is a necessary and vital abdominal organ that usually goes unnoticed when it is healthy and functioning properly, but it can be the source of misery for those who experience problem in its function. With careful and adequate treatment, however, these problems can be managed so that quality of life is not significantly reduced and the patient can go about everyday activities with a minimum of hindrance and frustration.