What Causes Urinary Incontinence? 14 Possible Causes You Should Know

Bladder Infection

As the name implies, bladder infections occur when the organ becomes infected by bacterial strains. They’re common in women compared to men, with an estimated fifty percent of females likely to experience the condition. Often, they’re uncomplicated infections triggered by Escherichia coli. While it’s possible to treat the condition easily with antibiotics, it can still cause considerable discomfort and pain. 

Bladder infections begin when bacteria are able to get into your urethra, which is the tube that’s responsible for carrying out urine to the bladder. Once inside the bladder, it sticks to the organ’s lining, triggering an inflammatory condition called cystitis. If the bacteria move into your kidneys, it can infect the organs. Some of the condition’s risk factors include sexual intercourse, age, pregnancy, menopause, and urinary system changes. Poor hygiene may also contribute to it.

Having an infected bladder can be an uncomfortable experience. Some symptoms accompanying the condition are burning sensations when urinating, urgent and frequent urination, lower abdominal discomfort, foul-smelling urine, cloudy urine, and blood in your urine. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin to treat bladder infections. Drinking plenty of fluids and urinating more frequently are also recommended to flush out the bacteria.