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Natural Remedies for Bladder Spasms
Urinary incontinence caused by bladder spasms can strike suddenly and without warning, causing significant embarrassment and discomfort for the sufferer 13. In a normal bladder, the muscle contracts only upon urination. However, a bladder muscle that is unstable may contract at random times, causing urinary urgency and leakage, reports the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center 2. Bladder spasms are among the top causes of urinary incontinence in women over the age of 65 13. Although you should see a doctor to rule out underyling conditions, you may wish to address your bladder spasms through natural remedies and approaches.
Magnesium
According to Wellsphere.com, this mineral is helpful to overall muscle health, and appears to alleviate bladder spasticity. By strengthening the muscles that contract to cause urination, magnesium may prevent random contractions and leakage from occurring. In addition, Wellsphere.com reports that taking magnesium prior to going to bed at night may reduce the occurrence of incontinence during sleep 1. Although research has yielded some positive results using magnesium for bladder spasms, it is not considered a medical treatment for this condition 2.
Crataeva
Herbs That Relax Bladder Muscles
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The Mayo Clinic reports that this ayurvedic herb is one of the more commonly used natural remedies for urinary incontinence 13. According to "Total Health Magazine," crataeva improves bladder muscle strength and tone, and decreases urinary urgency and frequency 3. It also improves the flow of urine, which helps in emptying the bladder more completely. When the bladder is emptied efficiently, there is less likelihood of urinary leakage at random times. The Mayo Clinic notes that further research is needed to determine the efficacy of crataeva in addressing urinary incontinence 13.
Horsetail
Horsetail, also known as equisetum, is another popular natural remedy for bladder spasms and urinary incontinence, the Mayo Clinic notes 13. Horsetail contains silica, which helps maintain collagen and acts as a urinary astringent and reduces muscle spasms. Its activity as an antispasmodic agent makes this herb useful in reducing urinary leakage and involuntary muscle contractions. Although the Mayo Clinic specifies that alternative treatments such as horsetail are not considered cures for urinary incontinence, it adds that these remedies may provide some degree of relief 13.
Kegel Exercises
Natural Alternatives for a Weak Urine Stream
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Another natural remedy for improving bladder function is the use of kegel exercises 4. According to Medline Plus, these exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn improves the strength of the urethral sphincter 4. These exercises can be done independently or through the use of a vaginal cone, which is a weighted device that is placed in the vagina. The weight of the cone causes the vaginal muscles to involuntarily contract in order to hold it in place. These contractions, if held for 15 minutes at a time twice daily, can significantly improve bladder function within four to six weeks, Medline Plus reports. If you are not sure whether you are doing Kegel exercises properly or if your incontinence persists, you should contact your doctor 4.
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References
- The Mayo Clinic: Incontinence
- UT Southwestern Medical Center: Bladder Spasms
- Total Health Magazine: Urinary Incontinence
- Medline Plus: Kegel Exercises
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The urinary tract & how it works. June 2020.
- Urology Care Foundation, American Urological Society. What is stress urinary incontinence? Updated September 2020.
- McIntosh L, Andersen E, Reekie M. Conservative treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: A 10-year (2004-2013) scoping review of the literature. Urol Nurs. 2015;35:179-203.
- Urology Care Foundation, American Urological Association. It's time to talk about OAB.
- Hersh L, Salzman B. Clinical management of urinary incontinence in women. Am Fam Physician. 2013;87:634-640.
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan. Overflow incontinence. Updated August 21, 2019.
- Harvard Men's Health Watch. Try these techniques to relieve common urinary symptoms without medication. Updated September 19, 2019.
- Urology Care Foundation, American Urological Society. What is urinary incontinence? Updated April 2020.
- Wakamatsu M. 4 behavioral changes to tame urinary incontinence. Harvard Health Publishing. July 10, 2019.
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Writer Bio
Jennifer Byrne is a freelance writer and editor specializing in topics related to health care, fitness, science and more. She attended Rutgers University. Her writing has been published by KidsHealth.org, DietBlogTalk.com, Primary Care Optometry News, and EyeWorld Magazine. She was awarded the Gold Award from the American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors (ASHPE), 2007, and the Apex Award for Publication Excellence.