The bladder is a hollow organ that is part of the body's excretory, or urinary, system. The bladder is located in the lower abdomen and is responsible for storing urine until it is eliminated from the body. Bladder disorders most commonly result in improper emptying of the bladder and lower abdominal pain, and are usually treatable with medications or surgery.
Cystitis
Cystitis is a disorder characterized by inflammation of the bladder. The inflammation is usually caused by bacteria that enter the body through the urinary tract. Other less common causes of cystitis include certain medications, radiation and chemical irritants found in feminine hygiene products, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of cystitis include a frequent urge to urinate, burning during urination, blood in the urine and pelvic discomfort and pressure. Cystitis that is caused by a bacterial infection is treated with a series of antibiotics. Treatment for other types of cystitis include anti-inflammatory medications and in some cases, bladder surgery.
Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder is a neurological condition in which the nerves that normally control the muscles of the bladder are damaged due to illness or injury. Nerve damage is most commonly caused by Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, or a tumor located in the nervous system, according to MedlinePlus. When the nerves are damaged, the bladder cannot contract or relax properly, which leads to improper emptying that presents as overactive or underactive bladder. If the bladder is overactive, symptoms include frequent passing of small amounts of urine and incomplete emptying of the bladder. If the bladder is underactive, symptoms include full bladder, urine leakage, inability to determine when the bladder is full and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Treatment for neurogenic bladder usually includes medications combined with physical therapy to strengthen the bladder muscles. In severe cases, a permanent catheter or surgery may be needed.
Cystocele
A cystocele, also known as a fallen bladder, occurs when the bladder drops into a woman's vagina due to a weakening in the wall between the bladder and the vagina. A cystocele usually occurs as a result of muscle strain during child delivery, but can also occur as a result of repeated heavy lifting or straining, and menopause. Symptoms of a cystocele include abdominal discomfort, improper bladder emptying and urine leakage. There are mild, severe and advanced stages of a cystocele, and treatment depends on the stage. A mild cystocele usually requires no treatment. A severe cystocele requires the insertion of a pessary, which is a device that is inserted in the vagina to support the bladder by pushing it up and back into place, according to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse. An advanced cystocele usually requires surgery to put the bladder back into place.
