Bladder problems
Unfortunately, there are still many taboos surrounding bladder complaints. Too bad, because problems with urination can almost always be treated well. Many women often walk around with their complaints for an unnecessarily long time, which perpetuates the problem or even makes it worse. Women's Healthcare Center Amsterdam is happy to offer you personal care, quality and attention.
Many complaints can be treated well
Many women still find it uncomfortable to talk to their GP about their bladder problems. Bladder problems include unnecessary urine loss, pain when urinating, frequent urination or a bladder infection that may or may not return regularly. In addition to embarrassment, ignorance about the possible treatment of bladder problems also plays a role. Many women therefore do not seek help, while their problems can often be treated well. This does not always mean that all problems disappear completely, but they do reduce considerably. This greatly improves the quality of life.
Causes of bladder complaints
The most common cause of urine loss later in life is childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles are stretched by childbirth and do not fully recover afterwards. Sometimes this can lead to prolapses which worsens the symptoms. Other causes are lifestyle and environmental factors such as fluid intake, overweight, insufficient use of the pelvic floor muscles. But smoking and straining when constipated are also risk factors. Bladder complaints increase with age and often peak after menopause.
Different forms of urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a condition in which control over the bladder is reduced or even completely lost. This occurs in about a quarter of women. There are 3 different types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence.
In the case of stress incontinence, you involuntarily lose urine during exertion such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, sports, jumping or during intercourse. There is no urge in this case. With urge incontinence, there is an irrepressible urge to urinate. The result is that you have to urinate very often, even at night. It also happens that both forms are present at the same time. This is called mixed incontinence.
Overactive bladder
Rushing to get to the toilet in time, having to urinate very often, not being able to hold your urine when you feel the urge or having an excessive urge? These are all characteristics of an overactive bladder. This means that you no longer have control over your bladder.
Pain when urinating
Pain when urinating is common. It can range from a mild burning sensation to severe pain. The most common cause is a urinary tract infection, but can also be caused by chronic abnormalities such as an overstimulated bladder, bladder pain syndrome or bladder cancer. Always visit your GP if you have any complaints. If the complaints do not disappear, it is important to seek specialist care.
Recurrent bladder infection
A bladder infection can often be recognized by an annoying urge to urinate, urinating small amounts and pain or a burning sensation when urinating. Usually, a course of antibiotics is prescribed. If the symptoms do not subside after the course of antibiotics, it is important to continue looking for the cause of the infection and to treat it.
What can we do for you?
Women's Healthcare Center provides expert care and support for women. Our team of specialisten will do everything they can to help you get the right diagnosis and find the best treatment options.
