Parkinson's and urinary dysfunction

Does Parkinson’s cause urinary dysfunction?
Urinary dysfunction is often is associated with Parkinson’s. The bladder is a key component of the urinary tract which controls two aspects of urination. It regulates the storage of urine and the eventual release of it when it is appropriate to do so. In urinary dysfunction, these functions of the bladder are impaired. In the case of the storage of urine, the bladder sends signals to the brain indicating that it is full even though it is not. The result is that the need to urinate is experienced more frequently. This symptom also occurs at night and is called nocturia. Therefore, this condition may interfere with your sleep.

Also, the ability to control urination decreases.  Thus, it becomes harder to delay urination when the need arises. This symptom can become challenging when you find yourself in public situations.

Another problem may be reduced ability to empty the bladder. This may also lead to an increased frequency of urination. If the bladder does not empty properly on a regular basis, the chances of getting a bladder infection rise. A sign of a bladder infection is pain during urination.

What are common symptoms of urinary dysfunction?
Some common symptoms are increased frequency of urination, dribbling of urine after you have just urinated, and an inability to delay urination. Other symptoms include urges to urinate even though you just went to the bathroom, and urinating small amounts at a time. Uncontrollable leakage of urine is also associated with urinary dysfunction.

What should you do if you experience symptoms of urinary dysfunction?
The first step you need to take is to inform your health care team about the symptoms. From there, you may be directed to a urologist who will assess and determine if Parkinson’s is the cause of your urinary dysfunction or if there is another factor responsible.

What may be the cause of urinary dysfunction?
Aside from Parkinson’s itself causing urinary dysfunction, some of the drugs used to treat Parkinson’s especially drugs with anticholinergic effects may impair bladder function.

Sometimes in men, urinary dysfunction may not be associated with Parkinson’s at all. An examination may lead to the conclusion that prostate disease is the cause of the urinary dysfunction. In this condition, the prostate is abnormally enlarged and affects the flow in the urinary tract.

How can you reduce the symptoms of urinary dysfunction?
One thing you can do to ease your symptoms is to reduce your intake of fluids with diuretic effects. Diuretic drinks are those that increase your need to urinate. Drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol are diuretic. Some other examples are tea and grapefruit juice.

You may also want to keep track of when you drink. In order to reduce the amount of times you have to get up at night, you should avoid drinking fluids for couple of hours before you go to sleep. Similarly, you may want to limit drinks before you plan to go out. Washroom emergencies in public venues can be problematic and sometimes embarrassing. However, you need to make sure you get enough fluid on a daily basis since constipation is also associated with Parkinson’s.

If you are slow in getting to the washroom or have issues with mobility, you may consider getting a bedpan or a urinal to assist you. Clothes that are easier to undo or take off should be worn at night. For men, a condom catheter is also an option. However, if you lack voluntary control over urination, you may need protective padding or cotton underwear. Odor problems can occur with the use of protective padding. Cranberry juice is known to lessen the effect of the odor.

Control over urination can be increased with exercises that strengthen your pelvic muscles. You can also increase your control by practicing alternatively delaying and initiating urination. Bladder retraining is also useful for reducing symptoms of urinary dysfunction. It consists of urinating at scheduled times even if you do not need to go. If these measures are not helpful your urologist may start you on medications.

This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.

Copyrights  © World Parkinson’s Program