What Causes Bladder Spasms?

Bladder spasms can be best described as the action of the bladder contracting or squeezing involuntarily, which sometimes causes the affected individual to urinate when they do not intend to. The sensation of a bladder spasm is one that happens suddenly or without any warning. Bladder spasms cause a burning sensation and or cramping pain. Other symptoms of frequent bladder spasms include accidental urine leakage, waking up several times a night to urinate, and frequent urges to urinate. The symptoms of bladder spasms tend to simulate those of a urinary tract infection. Bladder spasms are uncomfortable, painful, and inconvenient, but there are numerous medications and surgical interventions available to restore an individual's normal bladder function. Bladder spasms are often a complication of an existing condition, but other factors can also cause them to occur.

Use Of A Catheter

Many individuals experience bladder spasms due to the use of a catheter. A catheter is a narrow, flexible tube utilized to evacuate urine from an individuals body. Catheters are often used on a short term basis such as after surgical procedures when the individual is not mobile just yet. Catheters are also used on more of a long term basis for patients who are not mobile at all, or those who cannot control their bladder function. The catheter is inserted through the urethra and is pushed into the bladder. Catheters used to empty the bladder once do not have a balloon at the end, while catheters meant to stay in place for some time do. The balloon is inflated once the catheter has been inserted in order to keep it in place. Because a urinary catheter is a foreign object in the urethra, it is natural that some irritation would occur when the patient is not used to it. In addition, the friction from moving a catheter in and out of the urethra can cause inflammation. Irritation or inflammation in the urethra or bladder is a common trigger for bladder spasms.

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