When you urinate, use your muscles to stop the flow of urine midstream. If you can do this, you have identified one of the muscles involved with pelvic and bladder support. Do not continue to stop your urine flow, as this can increase the likelihood of developing other problems including urinary tract infections. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Another way to identify the right muscles is to imagine that you are trying to prevent from passing gas in a public place. Squeezing those muscles identifies the right muscles you need to exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Once you are clear on the right muscles, take care not to contract, or squeeze, other muscles when you are doing your exercises. Contracting other muscles can put more pressure on your bladder. Also avoid holding your breath while you are doing your exercises.
Perform your exercises while lying down, sitting, and standing. Hold each squeeze for about three seconds, then relax for three seconds. Try to reach 10 to 15 repeats of the same exercise in each position. As you become more comfortable with these exercises, extend the length of the contraction.
Remember, strengthening your pelvic muscles through exercise may only be one part of an effective treatment plan to reduce, or get rid of, your bladder spasms.
Gradually extend the time between voiding. This will gradually train your bladder to hold a little more urine, strengthening the muscles to prevent the spasms. Avoid drinking fluids within two hours of bedtime to help control of your bladder during the night. [11] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Foods that are highly acidic, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, and foods that are spicy have been associated with triggering bladder spasms. [13] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Chocolate and foods or beverages that contain artificial sweeteners may also trigger bladder spasms. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Alcoholic beverages and those with caffeine can cause your bladder to fill quickly, leading to leakage and spasms. Beverages that contain large amounts of citrus fruits can be irritating to your bladder, and lead to bladder spasms. Try spacing out what you drink over the day, rather than drinking a large quantity in a short period of time. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The ingredients in bubble bath products and soaps that contain fragrances or harsh ingredients can be irritating to your bladder, and lead to spasms. Sitting in a warm bath, without any bubble bath soap added, can help relieve your symptoms. [18] X Expert Source Robert Dhir, MDBoard Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 September 2020.
Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs. You can also refer to Quit Smoking for more tips.
Anticholinergics are bronchodilators, which means they work to stop certain muscles from tightening. For bladder spasms, they help reduce the frequency of involuntary bladder contraction. [22] X Expert Source Robert Dhir, MDBoard Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 September 2020. The medications in this class include propantheline, oxybutynin, tolterodine tartrate, darifenacin, trospium, and solifenacin succinate. These medications may cause dry mouth and other side effects, include constipation, blurred vision, heartbeat irregularities, and drowsiness. Tricyclic antidepressants may be used in some cases, since they have anticholinergic aspects. [23] X Research source The most commonly prescribed include imipramine hydrochloride and doxepin. These agents help to control the smooth muscle tissue in the bladder. Alpha blockers can be prescribed to reduce overactive bladder symptoms by decreasing bladder contractions and relaxing muscles. Common agents are prazosin and phenoxybenzamine. [24] X Research source
By working with your doctor, your existing drug regimen will be considered as your doctor considers safely adding new agents that can help to manage your bladder spasms. [26] X Research source
Few studies in humans have been done to measure the effectiveness of alternative and herbal remedies to help control bladder problems, including spasms. Some small evidence is available for Japanese and Chinese herbs, but the results are very limited and not adequate to support recommending their use for this problem.
Most states require acupuncturists to be licensed through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Finding a licensed acupuncturist will help ensure that you receive appropriate care. Keep your doctor informed of alternative therapies you’re trying. This way, all of your healthcare providers can work in conjunction with each other to provide you with the best possible care.
Many of the devices require minor surgery to implant the actual device and find proper placement for the electrodes. Interventions of this type are most often used to control bladder problems that may or may not be directly related to spasms. Common use of electrical stimulation devices are for conditions such as overactive bladder syndrome, stress incontinence, and urinary urge incontinence.
Surgical interventions for bladder spasms are only recommended in people that suffer from severe detrusor muscle over-activity, meaning severe and painful episodes of bladder spasms, and in those that have not responded to other treatment options.
The detrusor muscle consists of smooth muscle fibers that are part of the wall of the bladder. The detrusor muscle contracts, along with the abdominal wall muscles, to empty the contents of the bladder into the urethra. However, all of the muscle groups are involved in emptying the bladder and may be a part of the problem, so you should see your doctor for a full diagnosis. The sphincter muscle provides a tightening at the opening of the bladder to prevent urine from passing. When the brain signals the muscles that it is time to release urine from the bladder, the sphincter muscle relaxes to allow the urine flow to pass through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that connects your bladder to the outside. The muscles of the abdominal wall are in a relaxed state when the bladder is empty and as it gradually fills with urine. The abdominal wall muscles gently expand as the bladder expands. The abdominal wall muscles and the sphincter muscles work together to provide bladder control. When the brain says it is time to release urine, the abdominal wall muscles contract, or tighten, and press on the bladder to force the urine into the urethra. The muscles and the nervous system work together to effectively communicate with the brain and provide voluntary control over emptying your bladder. A problem with any of the muscles or nerves involved can contribute to bladder spasms.
Nerves that are part of the bladder and abdominal wall area tell the brain when the bladder is full and it needs to be emptied. This is translated as a feeling of pressure that lets you know it is time to release the urine stored in the bladder. Damaged nerves can send signals to the muscles to contract at the wrong time, causing spasms. Some medical conditions that interfere with nerve signals that involve bladder contraction include diabetes, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Other conditions that cause the nerves to be damaged are back surgery, pelvic conditions or surgery, back problems such as herniated discs, and radiation exposure.
If you feel you may have a bladder or kidney infection, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to obtain a prescription for the appropriate antibiotic to treat the infection. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include a strong and frequent urge to urinate, passing small amounts of urine, a burning sensation or pain when urinating, cloudy, discolored, or visible blood in the urine, strong smelling urine, and pelvic pain.
Not every medication causes problems. Even the drugs that might cause problems do not cause them in every person. Do not stop or alter any of your medications. Talk with your doctor about your bladder spasms and your current medication regimen. If you are taking a drug that might be contributing to the bladder spasms, dose adjustments under the direction of your doctor might help while still providing control of your medical condition. Examples of medications that can cause bladder control problems include drugs prescribed that help you to relax, manage symptoms of anxiety, help you to sleep at night, muscle relaxers, diuretics, or medications used to treat nerve damage including conditions like fibromyalgia. [34] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Your body recognizes the catheter as a foreign substance and contracts or spasms in an effort to remove it. Talk to your healthcare provider to select a catheter that is as comfortable as possible, is the proper size, and is made of materials that may be less irritating.
For example, you may have weakened muscles or mildly damaged nerves but no problems with bladder spasms. Becoming overweight or drinking caffeinated beverages, combined with the weakened muscles or damaged nerves, may be enough to cause you to develop bladder spasms. [36] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Recognizing that several factors can be causing your bladder spasms can help you to work towards resolution of this problem by implementing a combination of different approaches to treatment.
