Bladder

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity. Its size and shape vary from person to person. In women, the bladder is positioned beneath the uterus and in front. 

The bladder wall consists of several layers, from the inside out: the mucosa, the submucosa, and the muscularis (or detrusor muscle). The primary role of the detrusor muscle is to contract during urination to expel urine from the bladder through the urethra. When relaxed, it allows urine storage in the bladder.

The bladder can hold between 200 and 500 mL of fluid in adults. Its elastic wall allows for expansion. When empty, it is flattened, but when filled with urine, it becomes palpable.

Urine is first produced in the kidneys, which play a crucial role in the urinary system. They act as a filter, eliminating waste from the bloodstream. The urine is then transported through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until excretion.

When the bladder is full, contraction of its muscular wall triggers nerve impulses that signal the need to urinate. The sphincters then open, allowing urine to pass through the urethra for excretion.

A normal urination process is painless and complete.

The bladder can be affected by various conditions that disrupt its normal function, including :

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A bladder infection, or cystitis, is an inflammation of the bladder that primarily affects women. It is caused by bacteria (most commonly E. coli) and presents with symptoms such as frequent urges to urinate, pelvic pain, or a burning sensation during urination. Urinary tract infections usually require antibiotic treatment.

It is essential to differentiate between a simple UTI and a complicated UTI that carries risks of severe complications.

Due to the presence of the prostate and the longer length of the urethra, bladder infections are rare in men. Any urinary tract infection accompanied by fever and urinary symptoms should raise suspicion of bacterial prostatitis.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is characterized by the involuntary and uncontrollable loss of urine. This condition is more common in women. In men, it is often associated with prostate conditions.

There are different types of urinary incontinence, and treatment depends on the type and underlying cause.

Bladder Tumors

Bladder cancer ranks as the 7th most common cancer in France. It results from the uncontrolled growth of cells in the bladder’s inner lining, forming a malignant tumor. The primary symptom is blood in the urine (hematuria). Treatment options vary depending on the stage of the tumor.

Painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic inflammation of the bladder. It manifests as bladder pain and frequent urges to urinate.