The bladder is a muscular organ that is responsible for storing and excreting urine. Sometimes, the bladder can form different anatomical structures. In some instances, the bladder muscles can become weakened and people can no longer hold in their urine. Fortunately, the diseases of the bladder can be treated effectively.
Bladder Diverticulum
According to UrologyHealth.org of the American Urological Association Foundation, the bladder diverticula refer to pouches in the bladder that can form at birth or later in life. Two types of bladder diverticulum exist: congenital and acquired. Congenital diverticula typically are found during childhood while acquired diverticulum can occur as a result of a large prostate, a nerve injury or bladder surgery.
Specific symptoms of a bladder diverticulum include frequent urinary tract infections, stomach fullness and trouble emptying the bladder. Sometimes, bladder diverticulum have no specific symptoms.
Typically, a bladder diverticulum requires no treatment. Sometimes, surgery may be used to remove the diverticulum if the symptoms are severe enough.
Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder refers to a condition in which the bladder no longer functions normally due to nerve damage. UrologyHealth.org says that neurogenic bladder can be underactive or overactive. An underactive bladder is not able to contract properly while an overactive bladder contracts frequently or rapidly.
Symptoms of neurogenic bladder include dribbling urine, trouble urinating, painful urination and urinary retention. Other symptoms of neurogenic bladder include a fever.
Risk factors for developing neurogenic bladder include having spinal cord abnormalities or spina bifida. Tumors in the pelvis or spinal cord can also put people at risk for neurogenic bladder. In some cases, a traumatic spinal cord injury can also lead to a neurogenic bladder.
Antibiotic medications, catheterization (placing a tube into the urethra to drain the bladder) and surgery are some treatment options for neurogenic bladder. Sometimes, the bladder size can be increased or a stent can be placed into the bladder to help carry the urine out the body.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence refers to a lack of bladder control. In fact, FamilyDoctor.org says that urinary incontinence strikes millions of people in the United States annually. Typically, it affects women who are at least 50 years old.
Many types of urinary incontinence exist. Stress urinary incontinence refers to leaking urine when laughing, coughing, exercising or lifting something. Urge incontinence means having a sudden need to urinate. Overflow incontinence describes the leakage a small amount of urine while functional incontinence refers to not being able to make it to the bathroom in time. Mixed incontinence refers to a combination of any of the types of urinary incontinence.
Some causes of urinary incontinence include urinary tract infections, childbirth, medications, vascular diseases and an enlarged prostate.
Treating urinary incontinence involves doing pelvic exercises, training the bladder with relaxation techniques and taking prescription medications. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to strengthen the bladder muscles.
