Bladder dysfunction describes a group of disorders that interrupt normal bladder functions, which include storing urine produced by the kidneys and voiding urine from the body. To function effectively, the bladder requires complex interactions among the muscle in the bladder wall, the bladder sphincter muscle, the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and the nerves surrounding the bladder. Any interference can cause bladder dysfunction, such as different types of urinary incontinence---the involuntary leakage of urine and overactive bladder.
Bladder Training
Bladder training can effectively help to relieve the symptoms of an overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. Bladder training involves strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises as well as timing bathroom trips.
To perform Kegel exercises, first isolate the pelvic floor muscles. Do this by concentrating on contracting and relaxing the muscles surrounding the vagina. Then in a sitting or lying position, contract the muscles and hold for five seconds. Let them relax for five seconds and continue repetitions until the muscles become strong enough to hold contractions for 10 seconds. The doctors at MayoClinic.com recommend performing 10 repetitions three times a day.
Keeping a diary can help train the bladder. Recording bathroom trips and making an effort to use the bathroom on a regular schedule helps gain control over spontaneous bladder contractions.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback describes a process that collects information about the body and presents it in a way that can be seen and understood. In the case of bladder dysfunction, biofeedback has proven effective in treating urinary incontinence, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, by helping patients regain control and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Biofeedback requires the placement of two small sensors on either side of the anus with additional sensors placed on the abdomen. Because the pelvic floor muscles come close to the skin around the anus, those sensors detect when these muscles contract. The sensors on the abdomen detect when the abdominal muscles contract. Being able to identify exactly which muscles are contracting helps the patient work on the correct set of muscles, thereby helping to relieve bladder dysfunctions.
Neuromodulation
Doctors use neuromodulation, a therapy performed by delivering electrical stimulation through an implanted device, to treat urge incontinence and an overactive bladder. An overactive bladder causes abnormal bladder contractions due to the failure of nerve signals to transmit to and from the brain. The nerves that control bladder function run through the sacral area, the bottom portion of the spine. By implanting a device to deliver electrical impulses in the buttocks, these nerves can be stimulated to help overcome dysfunction.
Medications
Anticholinergic medications work by inhibiting the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine, when bound to receptors on muscles, triggers muscle contractions. In the case of bladder dysfunction, these medications help the bladder to relax, therefore relieving the symptoms caused by an overactive bladder.
