PALPITATIONS • POOR BLADDER CONTROL
Poor bladder control
137
START
If urinating is painful, see p. 138 Inability to control urination may result in leakage of urine or difficulty urinating. These symptoms may be due to a bladder, nerve, or muscle disorder. In men, an enlarged prostate gland is a common cause. Urinary tract infections can also cause leakage of urine, especially in elderly people.
Are you female or male?
Female
Male
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have an enlarged prostate gland, especially if you are over 55, or a narrowing of the urethra( tube that empties the bladder).
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may be suffering from an irritable bladder.
Do you have either of the following?
A strong urge to urinate with little urine passed
Leakage of urine when you cough, sneeze, or run
Neither
! Inability. to urinate
Inability to urinate, even though the bladder is full, is a serious symptom. It may be the result of an obstruction or damage to nerves that supply the bladder, or it may be a side effect of certain drugs. You should call your doctor immediately.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Some drugs, particularly those that act on urine production or on the nervous system, can affect bladder control.
• Stop taking any overthe-counter medicines but continue to take prescribed medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
Are you currently taking any medication?
ACTION Medication
Do you have either of the following?
Difficulty starting to urinate
Weak urinary stream
Neither
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You probably have stress incontinence.
• Try Kegel exercises: contract, hold, and relax pelvic floor muscles 10 times, several times a day to strengthen them.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if the condition does not improve in 1 month.
No medication
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your poor bladder control from this chart.