The urinary bladder is a muscular, pouch-like organ that stores urine from the kidneys until passage from the body. Infections, structural abnormalities, nerve disorders and other medical conditions can cause bladder symptoms. The nature of the symptoms and diagnostic testing help doctors determine the underlying cause of bladder problems. The diagnosis determines the appropriate treatment plan to help alleviate symptoms.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections remain a leading cause of bladder symptoms in patients of all ages. Among females, most urinary tract infections occur due to inadvertent contamination of the urethra--the external opening of the urinary system--with bacteria-laden stool. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes that males with urinary tract infections often have risk factors such as prostate problems or structural abnormalities of the urinary tract. Bladder symptoms associated with urinary tract infections include a sense of urinary urgency, increased urinary frequency, burning or stinging pain with urination and possible urinary incontinence, especially among children.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common condition among older men. With advancing age, the gland slowly enlarges. The prostate gland encircles the bladder neck and the uppermost portion of the urethra. BPH can compress the urethra, leading to partial obstruction of urinary outflow from the bladder, explains the American Urological Association. Men with BPH commonly experience bladder symptoms--including difficulty initiating urine flow, a weak urine stream, increased urinary frequency, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary urgency and straining to force urine from the bladder. Men with severe BPH-related symptoms may experience urinary incontinence.
Cystocele
Weakness of the pelvic muscles and ligaments may cause a cystocele, a condition in which the urinary bladder drops from its usual position in the pelvis and shifts into the vaginal space. Pregnancy, childbirth, strenuous physical activity, menopause, chronic constipation and obesity may contribute to the development of a cystocele. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says women with a cystocele may experience bladder symptoms. These include urine leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing or heavy lifting; difficulty passing urine; and incomplete bladder emptying. The presence of a cystocele may also increase the risk for urinary tract infections.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is a condition in which sudden, strong contractions of the urinary bladder provoke an overwhelming urge to urinate. Other bladder-related symptoms of the disorder include increased urinary frequency and varying degrees of urinary incontinence. Overactive bladder affects at least 11 million to 16 million women in the United States, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. People with neurological disorders--such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, a spinal cord injury or Parkinson's disease--have an increased risk for overactive bladder.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infections
- American Urological Association: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment Choices
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Pelvic Support Problems
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Women
- MayoClinic.com: Overactive Bladder
