Overactive bladder and incontinence part 3

What causes overflow incontinence?

Most of us have no problems with urination. The bladder is about the size of I-1.5 liter muscular pocket. The muscles have a complex set of nerves, which sense filling of the bladder. There are also other nerves that relax the bladder when the bladder is filling with urine. When the bladder capacity has reached a certain limit, the nerves stimulate muscles and the bladder empties. The outflow of bladder known as the urethra also has complex network of nerves that prevent the urine from running out of the bladder continuously. When the bladder contracts the urethra relaxes and the urine flows out.

Why the bladder muscles start to contract prematurely is not known. In the majority of cases, no cause of an overactive bladder is ever identified. Some neurological disorders which cause an overactive bladder include multiple sclerosis. Parkinson’s, stroke or chronic diabetes

Factors that can aggravate an overactive bladder include:

- excess fluid intake
- poor kidney function
- diabetes
- urinary tract infection
- anatomical abnormalities of bladder/ureter
- bladder cancer
- bladder stones
- excess consumption of coffee beverages
- excess consumption of alcoholic beverages
- certain medications that increase urine production
like diuretics

Who is prone to developing an over active bladder?

The two most common disorders, which are associated with overactive bladder are diabetes and enlarged prostate in men