Bladder Dysfunction

Bladder dysfunction can present in different ways, including:

• Urinary urgency (a sudden urge to urinate). Where you need to rush to the bathroom, this can be with or without leaking

• Waking in the night to empty your bladder more than once (nocturia)

• Difficulty starting the flow of urine

• Slow, interrupted flow

• Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying

• Painful bladder filling that is relieved with emptying

The causes of the above dysfunctions are many and varied.

In the case of urinary urgency this can be due to the bladder becoming sensitive and causing it to send strong signals to the brain that you need to empty when it is half full. But it can also be caused simply by drinking far too much fluid. Taking a detailed history of your bladder, bowel and other related symptoms will allow us to determine the cause behind the symptoms and treat accordingly.

In some instances it will be advised that you review with your GP, urologist or urogynaecologist to rule out any underlying disease or pathology which may be causing these symptoms.

As with any condition treatment is tailored to the individual.

It may include:

• Lifestyle advice. This may include optimising fluid intake to avoid exacerbating symptoms.

• Education. Understanding the cause of your dysfunction will allow you to have greater control over your symptoms!

• Pelvic floor optimisation. Having a strong functioning pelvic floor should allow you to better hold your urine so you can make it to the toilet more comfortably

• Referring you for further investigations and relevant health professionals

• Tips on how to best empty your bladder

• Optimisation of bowels. Bowel dysfunction can also impact the bladder. Crudely put, stool takes up more space in the pelvis than urine and if you are constipated the bladder can often not fill or empty as well. It is not uncommon for physiotherapists to hear that bladder symptoms are worse when the bowel symptoms have worsened