Cindy O’Connor suffered from lifelong bladder control issues, experiencing frequent accidents from childhood, which remained undiagnosed for decades until doctors identified the underlying problem.
The study investigates how sex and smoking influence somatic mutations and clonal expansion in normal human bladder tissue, revealing sex-specific differences in mutation selection and a link between smoking and TERT promoter mutations, which may contribute to bladder cancer risk.
The urge to urinate is a complex process involving intricate brain functions, not just a simple reflex. As people age, this system can become more delicate, leading to conditions like overactive bladder syndrome. New research is exploring the brain's role in bladder control, offering hope for better treatments beyond traditional bladder-focused therapies.
Duke Health researchers have discovered that an overgrowth of nerve cells in the bladder is likely the cause of persistent pain and urinary frequency experienced by individuals with recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), even after antibiotics have cleared the bacteria. The study, published in Science Immunology, suggests that the overgrowth of sensory nerves, prompted by unique conditions in the bladder during infections, leads to chronic pelvic pain and urinary urgency. The findings provide a potential new approach to managing symptoms of recurrent UTIs and reducing unnecessary antibiotic usage by targeting the underlying cause of the lingering symptoms.
The phenomenon known as "latchkey incontinence" explains why many people feel the urge to pee when they get close to home. This situational cue triggers the need to urinate, especially for those with overactive bladder or urgency urinary incontinence. The brain and bladder communicate to regulate urination, with the brain sending signals to the bladder about when to contract. As one approaches a bathroom, the brain reduces inhibitory signals, making the urge to urinate stronger. The association between arriving home and needing to pee can become stronger over time. Home provides comfort and safety, making people more comfortable using the bathroom there compared to public restrooms. Cognitive behavioral therapy and distraction techniques can help manage latchkey incontinence if it affects one's quality of life.