What disorders affect the urinary bladder?

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine until it is released through the urethra. Several disorders can affect the urinary bladder, including:

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are bacterial infections that can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder. Symptoms of UTIs include frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain.

2. Bladder stones (urolithiasis): Bladder stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the bladder. They can cause pain, discomfort, and urinary tract obstruction.

3. Overactive bladder (OAB): OAB is a condition in which the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, causing frequent urination, urgency, and incontinence.

4. Neurogenic bladder: Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which nerve damage affects the bladder's ability to function properly. This can lead to incontinence, urinary retention, and other problems.

5. Bladder prolapse: Bladder prolapse occurs when the bladder descends from its normal position and bulges into the vagina. It can cause urinary incontinence, pain, and discomfort.

6. Bladder cancer: Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder. Symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and lower abdominal pain.

7. Interstitial cystitis (IC): IC is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder. It can cause pain, discomfort, and urinary frequency.

8. Ureterovesical junction obstruction (UUO): UUO is a condition in which the junction between the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) and the bladder is obstructed. This can lead to hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney) and kidney damage.

9. Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO): BOO is a condition in which the outlet of the bladder is obstructed, preventing urine from flowing freely out of the bladder. This can lead to urinary retention, pain, and discomfort.