Sometimes the exact cause of this type of overactive bladder is not known, but here are some possible reasons why people get problems with bladder spasms and urge urinary incontinence:
Fluid intake
Drinking too much leads to large amounts of urine (polyuria), and can, therefore, cause urgency feelings and frequent visits to the toilet as the bladder quickly becomes full. Diabetes with high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause increased thirst and large amounts of urine.
Better control of diabetes thereby reduces urinary incontinence.
Low fluid intake can cause urgency feelings too. For example, if you drink less in hope to reduce the urgency feelings it can actually make the problem even worse. That’s because concentrated urine tends to irritate the bladder lining, which results in smelly urine and, again, urge symptoms. Dehydration is also a risk factor for constipation which is a known risk to get a urinary infection.
Anyone at any age can get problems with bladder spasms or urge urinary incontinence with urine leakage, but here are some risk factors:
• You have a urinary tract infection (bacteria can irritate the inside of the bladder)
• A high intake of coffee and energy drinks
• Bladder stones
• Fragile post-menopausal mucous, that causes burning and irritation of the urethra in women
• Irritation to the bladder from the outside, such as a prolapse, an ovarian tumor or constipation
• Enlarged prostate
• Overweight