From urinary tract infections to overactive bladder syndrome, women are statistically more likely to experience bladder-related health issues than men. Hormonal changes, anatomical differences, pregnancy, and ageing all contribute to this increased risk, yet many of these conditions remain under-discussed.
Bladder issues can significantly impact quality of life, affecting everything from daily routines and sleep to confidence and emotional well-being. Despite how common they are, many women delay seeking help, either out of embarrassment or the mistaken belief that these symptoms are just an inevitable part of womanhood.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common bladder issues affecting women. By exploring their symptoms, causes, and potential treatments, we hope to empower women to take charge of their health and break the stigma surrounding these challenges.
The Most Common Women's Bladder Problems
While women can experience numerous bladder-related conditions, we'll focus on six of the most prevalent ones: UTIs, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, urinary retention, interstitial cystitis, and bladder cancer.
Urinary tract infections
Caused by bacteria entering the urinary system, urinary tract infections are incredibly common, affecting between 50 and 60% of women in their lifetime. Women are more susceptible to these infections because of a shorter urethra and its proximity to the anus. Bacteria typically get into the urinary tract through sexual activity or by wiping from back to front.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with UTIs include:
Frequent urination
Stinging sensation when peeing
A sudden urge to urinate
Strong-smelling urine
Pain in the lower abdomen
Cloudy urine
Blood in the urine
Fever and chills
Despite the uncomfortable symptoms, urinary tract infections are often treatable with the right antibiotics, increased fluid intake, and pain relief medication. It is important to seek medical advice urgently if you experience any of the symptoms, as rapid treatment can prevent complications.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is characterised by unintentional urine leaks and the inability to control urination. The symptoms can range in severity from occasional leaks to frequent wetting.
There are five different types, including:
Stress incontinence: Preceded by physical actions like coughing, laughing, sneezing, jumping, etc.
Urge incontinence: Preceded by a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate.
Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Overflow incontinence: When urine leaks from an overly full bladder.
Functional incontinence: Urine leaks caused by physical barriers and cognitive impairments.
While very common among women, urinary incontinence can be distressing. This is why many women choose to wear incontinence underwear that absorbs any leaks throughout the day. It is also important to seek advice from your doctor if you experience incontinence as your doctor can recommend a treatment plan depending on which form of incontinence you are experiencing.
Overactive bladder syndrome
The most common characteristic of overactive bladder (OAB) is a sudden and strong urge to urinate. If you don't act on this urge immediately, it could lead to urine leakage. Nocturia (having to get up multiple times throughout the night to pee) is also a typical symptom. This issue affects millions of women around the world and can have a huge impact on their day-to-day lives.
OAB can be caused by:
The detrusor muscle (responsible for bladder emptying) is contracting too frequently
Issues with the nerve signals between the brain and the bladder
Underlying conditions like bladder stones and neurological disorders
Lifestyle measures like drinking habits, diet, and being overweight
Urinary retention
Urinary retention, which can happen suddenly or gradually, is a condition that prevents you from fully emptying your bladder. The symptoms can be incredibly frustrating, as you may feel the need to pee but then be unable to urinate when you sit on the toilet. Additionally, you may experience a weak urine stream or feel as though you need to pee immediately after finishing.
In most cases, urinary retention is caused by blockages in the urinary tract. Potential obstructions include scarring, bladder stones, and tumours.
If you experience urinary retention alongside lower abdominal pain and swelling, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Interstitial cystitis
Also known as bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition characterised by extreme bladder pain and pressure. Other symptoms include frequent urination and the sudden urge to urinate. Interstitial cystitis can be very difficult to live with since pain management becomes a part of everyday life.
While the causes of IC are unclear, certain treatments, supportive therapies, and management techniques can help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms, it is important to work with a urologist to see what treatment options are available for each individual
Bladder cancer
Like all types of cancer, bladder cancer is caused by the uncontrollable multiplication of cells, eventually disrupting the normal functioning of the bladder. Some of the first signs of bladder cancer include blood in the urine (however this symptom can also occur in urinary tract infections).
The three main types of bladder cancer include:
Urothelial Carcinoma: Originating in the bladder lining, this is the most common type of bladder cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Likely caused by long-term irritation or infection, squamous cell carcinoma also affects the bladder walls.
Adenocarcinoma: Only accounting for about 1% of cases, this type of bladder cancer begins in the bladder's glandular cells.
If bladder cancer is detected early enough, it can usually be treated effectively through surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The recommended treatment will depend on the stage, grade, and type of cancer.
Bladder stones
Bladder stones are solid mineral deposits that build up in the bladder. These stones form when concentrated minerals in the bladder crystallise and harden, often resulting from other conditions like urinary retention and UTIs. However, they can also develop due to dehydration or underlying health issues.
Most smaller stones pass through the urinary tract, but larger stones may need to be surgically removed. Bladder stones can be incredibly painful, with common symptoms including a burning sensation when peeing, blood in the urine, and urgent urination.
What Causes Bladder Issues in Women?
Bladder issue causes can be difficult to pinpoint, as there are typically multiple contributing factors at play. However, some of the most common causes include:
Weak pelvic floor muscles
When the muscles supporting the urethra aren't strong enough to , it can result in stress urinary incontinence. Weak pelvic floor muscles are often caused by pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes, overuse, abdominal trauma, and not getting enough exercise.
Fortunately, you can strengthen these muscles by performing pelvic floor exercises like Kegels, which focus on contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles at timed intervals. It is best to seek advice from a pelvic floor physiotherapist before starting such exercises to ensure they are right for you and to ensure correct technique.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices
Some of the unhealthy lifestyle choices that could contribute to bladder issues include:
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Eating processed and sugary foods
Not getting enough exercise
Smoking cigarettes or vapes
Not maintaining a healthy weight
Dehydration
Poor hygiene
While leading a healthy lifestyle cannot guarantee you'll never develop bladder issues, it can certainly help reduce the risk .
Certain medications
The following medications can potentially cause bladder problems or worsen existing problems. If you are concerned that a medication could be causing a bladder concern, then it is important to speak to your doctor about the risk vs benefit of your medication.
Recurring infections
Recurring bladder and kidney infections can lead to more serious issues like urinary incontinence and even bladder cancer. This is why it's so important to treat infections as soon as you start to notice the first warning signs. If you're prone to infections, you may want to look into ways to avoid them such as staying well-hydrated and peeing after sex..
Underlying medical conditions
If you are having issues with bladder control, it could be due to an underlying medical condition such as:
Diabetes: Due to nerve damage in the urinary tract and changes in blood flow, diabetes can lead to a variety of bladder issues.
Chronic constipation: Hard stool in the lower intestine puts additional pressure on the bladder, which can cause urinary incontinence and other issues.
Multiple sclerosis: Neurological issues like MS can damage the nerves that control bladder function in the spinal cord.
Natural ageing process
As women age, their bladder walls tend to thin because of hormone changes associated with menopause. Subsequently, the bladder cannot hold as much urine as before, resulting in frequent urination and even urinary incontinence.
Additionally, the hormone changes associated with menopause can result in changes in the bladder lining and an increased risk of UTIs.
Obesity
If you are overweight or obese, the additional weight in your abdominal region could be putting excess pressure on your bladder. This may result in unintentional leaks and frequent urination. A weakened pelvic floor and a higher risk of diabetes are also contributing factors linked to obesity.
How Bladder Problems Are Diagnosed
If you suspect you have a bladder problem, you should make an appointment with your general practitioner as soon as possible. They can diagnose your issue by talking about your symptoms, discussing your family history, and asking about your general health.
You may also need to undergo one or more of the following tests:
Urinalysis: By testing urine samples, doctors can check for the presence of infection-causing bacteria.
Cytoscopy: Performed by inserting a very thin tube into your urethra, a cystoscopy allows medical experts to see inside your bladder.
Electromyography: This test is carried out using sensors to determine whether or not the nerves and muscles in your bladder are working correctly.
CT scans and ultrasounds: Imaging tests like CT scans and ultrasounds let your doctor see if any obstructions or other irregularities are causing your bladder problems.
Additionally, you may be asked to keep a bladder diary for about a week, so your doctor can get a clear idea about how often you experience urine leaks, bladder pain, and other associated symptoms.
FAQs
What are some of the most common treatment options for urinary incontinence?
Treatment options will depend on the severity of your urinary incontinence, but you may be recommended, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
In more severe cases, you may need to try sacral nerve stimulation, hormone therapy, or bulking injections. Surgery is typically seen as a last resort due to potential complications.
Why are women more likely to experience bladder issues?
Women are more likely to experience bladder issues because of unique life events like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. All these phases put additional pressure on the bladder and thin the lining. While bladder problems are still fairly common in men, they aren't nearly as prevalent.
How can I avoid bladder problems?
You can avoid experiencing bladder issues by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles (if recommended to do so by a healthcare professional), maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, not smoking, and avoiding bladder irritants like alcohol and caffeine.
When should I seek medical attention for my bladder issues?
The sooner you book an appointment with your general practitioner, the sooner you can receive a diagnosis and effective treatment for your issue. However, some of the red flags to look out for include blood in the urine, painful urination, and urinary incontinence.
What is the best thing to drink for bladder health?
Water is undoubtedly the best thing to drink for a healthy bladder. Proper hydration helps flush bacteria from the bladder and offers numerous additional health benefits.
Final Thoughts
Whether you experience frustrating urine leaks or you suffer from something more serious, like bladder pain syndrome, you are not alone. Approximately half of all women are affected by bladder issues at some point in their lives.
With the right diagnosis, treatments, and management strategies, you can overcome bladder challenges and live a fulfilled and active life.
