When the bladder undergoes involuntary contractions, the spasms can cause a person to urinate. Not only are “bladder spasms” painful, but they can be embarrassing if there is an extreme urge to urinate that causes leakage. One primary cause of bladder spasms is a condition known as “overactive bladder” (OAB), which is known to occur among those with “urge incontinence,” the symptoms of which are estimated to affect 30% of men and 40% of women in the United States. Another common cause of bladder spasms is urinary tract infections (UTIs), which occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract. Other causes include diabetes, an enlarged prostate, and interstitial cystitis. To effectively treat this problem, it is important to diagnose the cause.
P.S. To reduce the incidence of bladder spasms, the urologist may prescribe one of a group of medications called “antimuscarinics,” including darifenacin, oxybutynin chloride, and solifenacin succinate.