What does suboptimally distended urinary bladder mean?
A suboptimally distended urinary bladder is a bladder that is not filled to its normal capacity with urine. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:
* Urinary retention: This is a condition in which the bladder is unable to empty completely. Urinary retention can be caused by a number of factors, including prostate enlargement, nerve damage, and certain medications.
* Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough fluids. Dehydration can cause the bladder to become suboptimally distended because there is not enough urine to fill it.
* Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, can also cause the bladder to become suboptimally distended.
A suboptimally distended urinary bladder can lead to a number of problems, including:
* Increased risk of urinary tract infections: A suboptimally distended bladder provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
* Bladder stones: Bladder stones can form when the urine becomes concentrated due to a suboptimally distended bladder.
* Kidney damage: A suboptimally distended bladder can put pressure on the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage.
If you have a suboptimally distended urinary bladder, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and to receive treatment. Treatment may include:
* Treating the underlying cause: If the suboptimally distended bladder is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as prostate enlargement or diabetes, treating the condition may be enough to resolve the problem.
* Bladder retraining: Bladder retraining involves learning to empty the bladder completely each time you urinate. Bladder retraining can be helpful for people with urinary retention.
* Medication: Medication may be used to treat underlying medical conditions that contribute to a suboptimally distended bladder.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a suboptimally distended urinary bladder.