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Distended Bladder

The purpose of the human bladder is to store urine until voiding is possible. When a person is unable to urinate, his or her bladder will swell, a condition that can lead to pain and discomfort.

  1. Identification

    • The average person's bladder can hold roughly 350 to 550 ml of urine. However, most people feel the urge to urinate when the bladder capacity reaches approximately 200 ml. A distended bladder results from an individual's inability to excrete urine.

    Causes of a Distended Bladder

    • According to Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP, there are many causes for a distended bladder and urinary retention, including multiple sclerosis, neurological diseases, repetitive outbreaks of genital herpes and injury or trauma to the pelvic area.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Each person must be evaluated by a physician to find the exact cause of his or her symptoms, but according to Stephen Liroff, MD, Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield MI, clock voiding, that is urinating every two to three hours whether or not the urge is present, can be helpful to maintain an empty bladder.

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