The pain is felt in the middle of the pelvis or lower abdomen, where thebladderis situated.
This article describes the symptoms and causes of bladder pain, including how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
It functions as a reservoir for urine.
hsyncoban / Getty Images
Thekidneyspass urine to the bladder through narrow tubes (ureters).
The bladder is flexible and expands and contracts as it is filled and emptied.
These nerves also signal pain when the bladder is irritated or injured by infection or disease.
Causes of Bladder Pain
Bladder pain can sometimes be linked to a specific disease or infection.
At other times, the cause may be ambiguous oridiopathic(meaning of unknown origin).
When the bladder is affected, it is known ascystitis.
Cystitis is almost always triggered by bacteriathat migrate from the urethra to the bladder.
The vast majority of cases in younger females are related to sexual intercourse.
IC may be diagnosed if a cause cannot be found and symptoms persist.
For unclear reasons, females are more affected by IC than males.
Many go on to live for years longer.
This is true whether a UTI, IC, or cancer is involved.
It carries a high risk of death due toshockand multiple-organ failure.
Studies suggest that the mortality (death) rate for severe urosepsis is between 20% and 42%.
These changes can further perpetuate IC symptoms.
If bladder pain is triggered by cancer, the more serious concern is the risk of metastasis.
If bladder cancer metastasizes, the five-year survival rate drops from 77.1% to 7.7%.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Bladder Pain?
A stethoscope may be used to listen forbowel sounds.
Apelvic examor adigital rectal exam (DRE)might also be involved in the initial workup.
The condition, known as acute urinary retention, can also cause severe bladder pain and lower abdominal swelling.
It might even cause the bladder to rupture, a potentially life-threatening event.
Cox A.Management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.Can Urol Assoc J.2018;12(6 Suppl 3):S157S160.
American Cancer Society.Bladder cancer signs and symptoms.
American Cancer Society.Bladder cancer risk factors.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic prescribing use: adult outpatient treatment recommendations.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for interstitial cystitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for interstitial cystitis.
MedlinePlus.Relaxation techniques for stress.
