Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Nervous Bladder?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

A nervous bladder is a condition where the individual senses the need to urinate, but is unable to completely empty the bladder. Nervous bladders can be attributed to factors such as anxiety and other emotional issues as well as have a physical origin. In all cases, the experience of having this condition can create a great deal of distress and also interfere with the ability to enjoy daily activities.

In terms of emotional issues, a nervous bladder may cause an individual to constantly be on the lookout for the nearest public restroom. If one is in close proximity, the urge to go may remain under control. However, if there is no assurance that a restroom is nearby and available, the feeling of having to go immediately may increase to the point the individual experiences something akin to a panic attack. Even if a bathroom is located, the individual may have trouble urinating to the point of feeling that the bladder is completely emptied.

Therapy may be helpful in treating a nervous bladder.
Therapy may be helpful in treating a nervous bladder.

A variation on the nervous bladder is an inability to use a public restroom. Sometimes referred to as a shy bladder, the individual may have a phobia of using public facilities. The phobia may revolve around fears concerning hygiene, or simply be a fear of being seen urinating in a setting where strangers may be present. Both the fears of being without or being unable to use a public restroom can be treated effectively with counseling.

Nervous bladder is a condition in which someone feels the urge to urinate but can't completely empty the bladder.
Nervous bladder is a condition in which someone feels the urge to urinate but can't completely empty the bladder.

There are, however, physical components that may also come into play. If there is some type of blockage present, the flow of urine will be weaker and may cause the individual to strain in an effort to gain relief. Often, the effort does not result in a feeling of being completely relieved and the individual may soon feel the urge to return to the bathroom. When someone has trouble using the bathroom even in a private home, there is a good chance that there is some type of physical issue that must be addressed.

A variation on the nervous bladder is an inability to use a public restroom.
A variation on the nervous bladder is an inability to use a public restroom.

Anyone who experiences this condition should consult a physician immediately. The doctor can determine if there is a physical component and administer the proper treatment, which may include prescription medication or other treatments that stimulate proper function. If there is no physical reason for the nervous bladder, the physician may refer the patient to a counselor for therapy sessions to help correct the situation.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

StreamFinder

Is a nervous bladder ever connected to an inflammatory bladder?

pharmchick78

Did you know there is an equivalent of the nervous bladder -- the nervous bowel?

It works almost the exact same way -- a person feels the need to defecate, but is unable to do so.

A lot of people have some form of nervous bowel when they are going to someone else's home -- women especially seem to be more nervous about defecating in a strange toilet.

In some cases, a nervous bowel is associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In those cases, the situation is connected with other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, excessive gas, and a feeling of tenesmus, or incomplete bowel movements, even after defecation.

Although there is no one known cause for this condition, it is thought to be associated with the connection between the nervous and digestive systems, which regulates the contractions of the intestines, as irregular contractions are often involved.

In the US, women are thought to suffer from this condition four times more often than men.

googlefanz

I never knew this was an actual condition, I just thought that some people experienced it and others didn't.

It's such a relief to know that there are nervous bladder treatments out there!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Therapy may be helpful in treating a nervous bladder.
      By: alexsokolov
      Therapy may be helpful in treating a nervous bladder.
    • Nervous bladder is a condition in which someone feels the urge to urinate but can't completely empty the bladder.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Nervous bladder is a condition in which someone feels the urge to urinate but can't completely empty the bladder.
    • A variation on the nervous bladder is an inability to use a public restroom.
      By: igor
      A variation on the nervous bladder is an inability to use a public restroom.
    • Exercising during pregnancy may help with bladder control issues.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Exercising during pregnancy may help with bladder control issues.
    • Anxiety and emotional issues may be the cause of a nervous bladder.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Anxiety and emotional issues may be the cause of a nervous bladder.