From the Guidelines
Yes, there are several other causes of bladder dysfunction beyond the most common ones, including pelvic floor disorders, certain medications, and systemic diseases like diabetes. These causes can lead to a range of symptoms such as urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and urinary retention. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology in 2022 1, pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by a combination of muscular and connective tissue structures, and risk factors include advanced age, menopause, vaginal multiparity, obesity, and chronic straining. Additionally, a study published in Diabetes Care in 2020 1 found that diabetic autonomic neuropathy can cause genitourinary disturbances, including bladder dysfunction. Some key points to consider when evaluating bladder dysfunction include:
- Pelvic floor disorders, such as those resulting from childbirth trauma or surgery, can disrupt normal bladder function
- Certain medications, such as anticholinergics, antidepressants, and opioids, can cause urinary retention or incontinence as side effects
- Systemic diseases, such as diabetes insipidus, sickle cell disease, and amyloidosis, can affect bladder function through various mechanisms
- Psychological factors, including anxiety disorders, may contribute to urinary symptoms without physical abnormalities
- Treatment depends on identifying the specific underlying cause, which may require specialized testing, including urodynamic studies, cystoscopy, or imaging. Early evaluation by a urologist or urogynecologist is important for proper diagnosis and management of these less common causes.
From the Research
Other Causes of Bladder Dysfunction
There are several other causes of bladder dysfunction besides the most common ones, including:
- Drug-induced bladder and urinary disorders, which can be caused by various medications such as antipsychotics, alpha-blockers, anticholinergics, anaesthetics, and analgesics 2
- Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause, which can lead to estrogen deficiency and cause a range of urogenital complaints, including frequency, nocturia, incontinence, and urinary tract infections 3, 4
- Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity, which can increase the risk or severity of bladder conditions, while others, such as pelvic floor muscle exercise, can be protective 5
- Chronic urinary residual secondary to voiding difficulties, which can result in symptoms of frequency and overflow incontinence 6
- Urogenital atrophy, which can cause irritative symptoms that may be improved with hormone replacement therapy 6, 4
- Comorbidities, such as constipation and fecal impaction, mobility problems, and the loss of independence, which can contribute to bladder dysfunction, particularly in elderly women 6
- Concomitant medication, such as diuretics and alpha-adrenergic blockers, which can affect bladder function and should be noted and reviewed 6