Bladder weakness is another term for urinary incontinence, a condition resulting in loss of bladder control. Four major types of incontinence exist, all of which have different symptoms and treatment options. These treatments depend on the causes, which differ as well.
Irritation of the Bladder
Certain beverages irritate and aggravate the bladder, thereby weakening it. This results in urinary incontinence. MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding all carbonated drinks and drinks with caffeine such as coffee and tea. Should a person consume decaffeinated beverages, he should stay away from artificial sweeteners and corn syrup. Spicy foods and foods such as tomatoes and citrus might also produce symptoms.
Infections
People suffering from infections such as a urinary tract infection can weaken the bladder, irritating it and producing strong urges to urinate, according to MayoClinic.com. This infection can and the urges it causes often results in incontinence which is sometimes the only sign of a urinary tract infection a person experiences. Additional symptoms include foul-smelling urine and pain during urination.
Pregnancy
Stress incontinence is common among women during their pregnancy and labor. This is because of their hormonal changes and the increased weight on the growing uterus
Labor also weakens the bladder and the muscles responsible for controlling the flow of urine. MayoClinic.com explains that labor damages many nerves and tissues of the pelvic floor. This damage can push the bladder, rectum, uterus and small bowel from their usual position and into the vagina, resulting in incontinence. This can develop immediately following childbirth, or take years to develop.
Becoming Older
The bladder tends to weaken as a person ages. This simple process limits the ability of the bladder to store urine and increases overactive bladder symptoms. These risks increase when a person suffers from blood vessel disease.
During the aging process, women go through menopause, a process causing a lower production of the hormone estrogen. This hormone is responsible for keeping the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy. Without enough estrogen, the tissue deteriorates, making incontinence worse.
