Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Detrusor contractions, Detrusor overactivity, Bladder contractions, Urge incontinence (when leakage occurs), Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, Vesical spasms, Unstable bladder
Definition
Bladder spasms are defined as sudden, involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle (bladder muscle) that can cause an urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by pain, pressure, or discomfort in the lower abdomen.1 These contractions occur when the bladder muscle squeezes suddenly without warning, causing an immediate and sometimes uncontrollable urge to void urine.2 The spasms can force urine from the bladder, potentially leading to urinary leakage or incontinence.3 Bladder spasms are often a symptom of underlying conditions rather than a disease itself, and can significantly impact quality of life through disruption of daily activities and sleep patterns.4 The intensity of bladder spasms can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping pain, with some patients describing the sensation as similar to menstrual cramps or labor pains.5
Clinical Context
Bladder spasms occur in various clinical scenarios and can affect individuals of all ages, though they become more common with advancing age.1 They are frequently associated with several conditions including urinary tract infections (UTIs), which cause inflammation and irritation of the bladder lining, triggering spasms.2 Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is characterized by frequent bladder spasms, urgency, and sometimes incontinence without an identifiable cause.3
Bladder spasms are also common following urologic surgeries, particularly prostatectomy, cystoscopy, or bladder surgery, where catheterization is required.4 The presence of indwelling urinary catheters is a significant trigger for bladder spasms, as the foreign body stimulates the bladder to contract in an attempt to expel it.5
Neurological conditions that affect bladder control pathways, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or spinal cord injuries, can lead to neurogenic bladder dysfunction with associated spasms.6 Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) presents with chronic bladder pain and spasms, often without identifiable infection or pathology.7
Other contributing factors include bladder stones, bladder cancer, enlarged prostate in men, constipation, certain medications (particularly diuretics), excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and diabetes.8 In children, bladder spasms may be associated with nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) or dysfunctional voiding patterns.9
Treatment approaches vary based on the underlying cause and may include anticholinergic medications, beta-3 adrenergic agonists, muscle relaxants, botulinum toxin injections, neuromodulation therapies, and behavioral modifications.10 For catheter-related spasms, changing the type or size of catheter may provide relief, as demonstrated in clinical studies comparing different catheter types.4