A distended bladder occurs when the muscular pouch designed to store urine becomes overstretched and cannot empty completely. This condition, also known as urinary retention, means the bladder retains urine even after an attempt to void. Imagine an overfilled balloon that has lost its ability to fully deflate; similarly, a distended bladder struggles to contract and release its contents. This state can lead to discomfort and interfere with normal urinary function.
Symptoms of a Distended Bladder
A person experiencing a distended bladder often feels a persistent sensation of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen, even after urinating. This discomfort can range from mild to significant pain. Individuals may notice a weak or intermittent urine stream, requiring them to strain to urinate. Despite frequent trips to the bathroom, there might be little urine output, or a continuous urge to urinate without much success.
The condition can manifest as acute urinary retention, a sudden and complete inability to urinate, often accompanied by severe pain. In contrast, chronic urinary retention develops over a longer period, where the bladder consistently fails to empty fully, leading to ongoing, less intense symptoms.
Common Causes in Females
Physical obstructions can prevent the bladder from emptying properly. One common cause in females is pelvic organ prolapse, such as a cystocele, where the bladder descends from its normal position and bulges into the vagina. This anatomical change can create a kink in the urethra, blocking the flow of urine. Other obstructions can include urinary stones or tumors within the urinary tract.
Nerve issues can also disrupt the communication between the brain and the bladder, hindering its ability to contract and release urine. Conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), or spinal cord injuries can damage the nerves controlling bladder function. Nerve disruption can also arise from childbirth or pelvic surgeries that inadvertently affect bladder nerves.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially severe ones, can lead to inflammation and swelling of the bladder lining. This inflammation makes it difficult for the bladder muscles to contract effectively, preventing proper emptying and causing urine to build up.
Certain medications are known to contribute to urinary retention by affecting bladder muscle function or nerve signals. These include anticholinergics, some antihistamines, opioids, and certain antidepressants.
Medical Evaluation and Management
When evaluating a distended bladder, a doctor will begin with a thorough physical examination, which may include a pelvic exam for females, and a detailed discussion of medical history and symptoms. Diagnostic tests are then used to assess bladder function. A post-void residual (PVR) measurement, often performed using an ultrasound, determines how much urine remains in the bladder immediately after urination.
Urodynamic studies may be conducted to evaluate how the bladder stores and releases urine. Management focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the distention. Immediate relief often involves temporary catheterization to drain the urine.
For long-term management, specific medications might be prescribed to help the bladder contract more effectively or to relax the urethra. Pelvic floor physical therapy can strengthen or relax the muscles supporting the bladder, improving its function. In cases of anatomical issues, such as pelvic organ prolapse, surgical correction may be recommended to restore normal bladder position and function.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience persistent symptoms of urinary retention, such as a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, a weak urine stream, or frequent urges to urinate with little output, consult a doctor. These symptoms suggest your bladder is not functioning optimally and warrant medical assessment.
A sudden and complete inability to urinate, especially if accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen, constitutes a medical emergency. This situation requires immediate attention at an emergency room. Untreated acute urinary retention can lead to serious complications, including potential kidney damage, as urine can back up into the kidneys.