Can COVID-19 Cause Bladder Problems?
Can COVID-19 Cause Bladder Problems?
SOME COVID-19 PATIENTS EXPERIENCE URINARY SYMPTOMS AFTER RECOVERY.
If you’ve had COVID-19, you may have experienced some lasting effects after the infection, such as brain fog, sleep problems, and trouble concentrating. But the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the bladder and urination are much less talked about.
The question is, can COVID-19 cause urinary problems?
Well, we’re here to address your questions and concerns. In this article, we’ll explore the link between COVID-19 and bladder problems, such as increased urinary frequency, incontinence, and an overactive bladder.
Does Research Show That COVID-19 Can Cause Bladder Problems?
Research studies have shown that bladder-related issues can be a long-lasting effect of COVID-19. They found that COVID-19 led to new urinary symptoms or worsened existing symptoms in patients [1].
Hence, you may experience bladder-related problems after COVID-19, including the following [1]:-
- Increase in the urgency to urinate
- Loss of bladder control (incontinence)
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate (nocturia)
All of the above are signs of an overactive bladder.
Nocturia can be particularly distressing since it can throw off your sleep cycle and reduce sleep quality. And a lack of sleep may, in turn, affect your concentration, mood, and focus the next day.
Who Is At Risk Of Experiencing COVID-19 Urinary Problems?
A 2021 research study has shown that bladder-related problems are more common in older COVID-19 patients than in younger patients [2]. Nonetheless, research has suggested that COVID-19 can still lead to urinary symptoms in patients in their forties and not just in those above the age of 60 or 70.
Also, the severity of your COVID-19 infection does not affect your risk of having bladder issues. In other words, you may still experience bladder irritation from COVID-19 even if your infection or symptoms were mild [2].
Any new or worsening urinary symptoms after COVID-19 can be very distressing. But seeking proper treatment and management for your symptoms will enable you to enjoy a better quality of life.
Why Does COVID-19 Lead To Bladder Problems?
The exact mechanism behind this remains elusive. And currently, scientists and researchers have yet to fully understand how COVID-19 can cause these bladder issues.
Nonetheless, research suggests that COVID-19 can cause bladder irritation in a few possible ways. They are as follows:-
- The protein found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus may bind to a certain receptor located in your bladder. This results in a cascade of responses that trigger symptoms of an overactive bladder [1].
- A COVID-19 infection can result in inflammation that irritates your bladder tissue, and this affects the normal functioning of your bladder muscles. Plus, the nerves in your bladder may be activated frequently, triggering the feeling of a full bladder more often than usual [3].
- Feelings of anxiousness, depression, and stress are naturally increased in a pandemic. The stress, worry, and anxiety you feel may aggravate symptoms of an overactive bladder [4].
How Can I Tackle An Overactive Bladder Post-COVID?
We understand it can be daunting to seek help. Talking about your bladder issues may leave you feeling embarrassed or vulnerable, but that’s completely okay. Try your best to find a safe environment to discuss this with a trusted medical professional—especially if your symptoms affect your social activities and quality of life.
There are also some non-medical management options you can try out at home. These may help to reduce your symptoms in the long run.
Pelvic floor exercises
Kegels, or pelvic floor exercises, are one common way to naturally improve your bladder control.
COVID-19 can lead to an underactive pelvic floor, which means your pelvic floor muscles do not contract when needed [5]. This can cause urinary leaks and incontinence. In contrast, an overactive pelvic floor means your pelvic floor muscles are constantly contracted, and this can lead to incomplete bladder emptying.
Performing pelvic floor exercises can help with an underactive pelvic floor by strengthening your bladder muscles [5]. These exercises can be performed daily, and you’ll likely see improvements from anywhere between a week to a month or two.
Lifestyle and dietary changes
The foods you eat and avoid can also impact your bladder symptoms. Some common foods and drinks can irritate your bladder, including caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
On the other hand, you may be able to minimize urinary issues by adopting bladder-friendly dietary habits. For instance, drinking enough water and including more fiber in your diet helps manage constipation, which may improve urinary frequency and urgency.
Bladder-related supplements
Bladder supplements have become really popular, but ensure you purchase such supplements from a reliable and established brand.
BetterWOMAN and BetterMAN are two clinically-tested supplements that improve your bladder control and function. They help reduce bathroom trips during the day and night, enhance bladder control, and reduce episodes of urinary leakages.
If you’re looking for supplements from a trustworthy brand with an established track record, these bladder-support supplements from BeBetterNow.com are a fantastic choice!
Final Thoughts: COVID-19 Bladder Problems
COVID-19 can lead to an overactive bladder and urinary symptoms. However, you won’t have to give up your favorite hobbies and sports or settle for disrupted sleep at night because of these symptoms. While they can be distressing, they can also be effectively treated and managed.
Seeking help from a trusted healthcare provider and changing your diet may help improve your symptoms. Additionally, natural supplements like BetterWOMAN and BetterMAN support your bladder’s health and function. These supplements have helped people worldwide regain their bladder control and confidence.
Read Related Articles: Overactive Bladder (OAB), Frequent Urination, Incontinence