That constant urge to go to the bathroom to urinate can be a symptom that is not always related to urinary incontinence. Some people may have a condition called bladder tenesmus, which is when the bladder complains of pain or discomfort, even without urine being present.

But don't confuse this health problem with another very popular one: rectal tenesmus. The bladder, as the name suggests, is an involuntary spasm that affects the urinary system and can cause irritation in the region of the ureter and bladder.

As for rectal tenesmus, it consists of the constant need to evacuate, affecting the region of the rectum and anus, so in both cases, it is not necessary to have urine or feces for the urge to release them to appear.

Causes

Bladder tenesmus arises when there is some kind of irritation in the organs of the urinary system, so there are several causes for the condition. It usually occurs after a urinary tract infection has become established in the body, and is one more symptom of the disease.

In these situations, tenesmus needs to be investigated further by a urologist or nephrologist to understand what is forming this internal crystallization.

Symptoms of bladder tenesmus

Besides the constant urge to urinate, to the point that even with an empty bladder the sensation prevails, it is possible to mention other common symptoms when the body has urinary spasms, such as discomfort in the region and sudden cramps.

Another common situation for those with bladder tenesmus occurs after going to the bathroom. In addition, internal burning and burning is a constant complaint among patients right after they finish urinating.

Finally, there are more severe cases in which the pain goes beyond the urinary region and can even reach the spine.

Diagnosis

Everyone is prone to bladder tenesmus, from newborns to elderly patients, but the most common cases occur among adults because of the development of the urinary system.

Thus, the diagnosis is made through a medical consultation, which will understand the patient's history, the possible causes of the symptoms, and identify whether or not there is the presence of infections in the urinary system through clinical and laboratory tests.

Treatment and prevention for bladder tenesmus

There is no surgery or procedure that can cure bladder tenesmus, so treatment is done through preventive measures, which aim to relieve the symptoms of the spasms.

A balanced diet, together with physical exercise and adequate daily hydration are essential in this process. In addition, some doctors recommend that the consumption of alcoholic beverages be avoided during recovery.

Finally, periodic visits, every three to four months, to a nephrologist or urologist are also suggested in order to evaluate each case individually and, thus, request the most assertive treatment for the patient.

Source : Carlos Machado, nephrologist graduated from the Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP.

Read also: Uremia: what is it, symptoms, values and treatment