Anorexia: Bladder problems.

I was wondering if anyone else has felt the side effects of anorexia through bladder weakness? I really can’t find any detailed explanations for why this occurs (apart from mere mentions of the connection between the disorder and the weakness - the reason being of internal organs being disrupted from a low weight etc).

When I regained my weight, I found that the weakness was far less intense, but while underweight and during recovery this problem really was a struggle.

oh my god yes ive had this for a while i wake up in the night alot with it and been in a real mess sometimes ive been out and struggled to make it to the bathroom why is this ? i dont think i drink an excessive amount

I was underweight and had anorexic tendencies for a short period of time. One day I was waiting on the elevator at my dorm and literally just started peeing my pants. I didn't even have any indication that I had to go. It obviously sent me to tears. But now I am at a healthy weight and although I haven't had such extreme instances of it I still have bladder control problems. Couldn't tell you why, but know you're not alone.

I'm not a doctor, but I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that being underweight and under-eating means that your body is lacking nutrients and the energy to keep your body functioning like it should.  Just like some girls lose their period, you might lose your ability to control your bladder.  Neither thing is a function that keeps you alive (like breathing or something), so energy is probably taken away from doing that work in order to sustain your lungs or your heart. 

As for why it might continue while still underweight yet trying to gain, it could be the muscle itself.  Your body may have metabolized some of the muscles that are involved in helping you hold your urine in the bladder, and thus it might take some time to get that muscle back. 

It's just a hypothesis, though.  I could be wrong. 

Recent threads on anorexia-related ailments should be bundled together somehow as a dire warning to anyone either on the slippery slope of an eating disorder or struggling to work out why they should recover.

I have no idea why you'd develop a weak bladder but suspect post #3 is quite close to the truth.  Chronic and severe malnutrition just means that bodily functions gradually shut down one by one....

I also have this problem! I was afraid I was the only one! There are definitely times when I only just make it...

I'm not sure why its happening, but I try and do pelvic floor exercises whenever I sit down at the computer in the attempt to try and tighten things up!

I definately have this problem too.  It feels like if my bladder even has like the tiniest little bit of fluid in it i feel like i'm about to pee myself.  I pee 20+ times a day, just not in quantity.  It makes it really hard to do social things because every 20 minutes i have to pee!  And I don't drink a ton either.    Its so embarassing.

But the best explanation I've gotten from a doctor is with anorexia or being underweight you muscles deteriorate or weaken.  You bladder is a muscle so i guess when it is nutrient deprived it weakens.  Cutting out caffeine (except for very occasionally) has definately helped (coffee especially makes you pee more)

Yes, agreed. I used to have a very weak bladder and was told by my doctor at the time that it was because my pelvic muscles and all the muscles surrounding my bladder had weakened so that my bladder was only capable of holding very small amounts of fluid.

Bowel incontinence is also not unheard of in anorexia sufferers - yet another reason not to go there!

I always thought it's because there was no food to absorb fluids. Like, you're bowels couldn't utilise it so you just peed it straight out. That sounds pretty dumb in hindsight. The body shutting down and prioritizing waht functions to give up first sounds more accurate.

Original Post by quirkyturkey:

I always thought it's because there was no food to absorb fluids. Like, you're bowels couldn't utilise it so you just peed it straight out. That sounds pretty dumb in hindsight. The body shutting down and prioritizing waht functions to give up first sounds more accurate.

Yeah it cant be the absorption thing as my bladder remained weak when i was on a weight gain diet etc. It was really only with weight restoration that my bladder became far more stable.

Its a shame because you always have to think ahead and watch how much you drink; if going into public places (for example shopping), you are conscious about where the loos are. Or if I have a class, I am constantly aware that if I drink an hour or so before hand I will be bursting to go during the class, which I often cannot leave. Its not even like I leave it that long, its just when my body needs to go, its just so hard to stop myself. As mentioned above, I guess its the muscles.

Thanks for all of your replies :), I am glad I’m not alone (as I found so little information on it I thought I may have messed up my bladder through anorexia, which maybe others hadn’t experienced).

Hi. I am new to this website..but I am not new to bladder problems. I have always been very thin...but now I am dangerously thin...so I found the site.I have had major bladder problems as my weight has gone down. Always up at least 3-5 times a night...always having to pee and not really emptying totally. Being aware to cut off my liquids at a certain time before bed. I have Interstial Cystitis and vulvodynia....plus a few other conditions but all are aggrivated by the weight loss and stress....I try to eat non-acidic foods which will irritate the bladder. I wish you all the best.....doing Kegal exercises also helps..I am convinced that once my weight goes up many of my illnesses will get regulated. Agaiin, I wish you a wonderful day!