Stimulation of the bladder to empty can be accomplished through a few different mechanisms.
Firstly, a stretch receptor in the bladder wall responds to increases in bladder volume, and fires off signals via the thoracolumbar sympathetic outflow, sending signals through peripheral nerves to the bladder.
These signals activate action potentials and initiate the process of detrusor contraction, causing the bladder to empty.
In addition, the activity of the CNS can also trigger bladder emptying; when we are concentrating or have to pee really badly, this is due to signals sent by the brain to the bladder to initiate emptying.
Finally, parasympathetic and sympathetic outflow is also responsible for the contraction of the urethra, allowing the bladder contents to be released. In addition, the musculature of the pelvic floor, which can be voluntarily contracted, may be used to help provide voluntary control over bladder emptying.
Overall, there are a variety of ways that bladder emptying can be triggered, including through stretch receptors in the bladder wall, signals sent by the brain, and intentional contractions of the pelvic floor.
Each of these pathways works together to ensure bladder emptying.
What triggers the emptying of the bladder?
The emptying of the bladder is triggered by complex spinal and brain mechanisms. All of these systems are part of a feedback loop—messages sent between the bladder and the brain—in which sensation of bladder fullness initiates the message to the brain that it’s time to void.
This message then triggers the micturition reflex, a complex series of muscular contractions, both voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary muscles contract the abdominal and pelvic muscles, squeezing the bladder and pushing the urine downward and out of the bladder.
Involuntary muscles, known as the detrusor, surround the bladder and relax, allowing the bladder to stretch and fill with urine. As the bladder continues to fill, the pressure of the urine increases and the message to the brain increases, making it harder to hold the urine in.
When the urge to urinate is strong enough, the individual will voluntarily activate the muscles and urinate.
What triggers the bladder to urinate?
The bladder is triggered to urinate when it senses that it is full or close to being full. This is caused by the stretching of the bladder wall receptors, which in turn activates the pelvic nerve fibers.
These nerve fibers send signals to the brain that the bladder is full and needs to be emptied. As the bladder continues to fill, the brain will send signals to the bladder muscle to contract, which increases the pressure in the bladder and in turn stimulates the urge to urinate.
When the bladder is empty, the relaxation of the bladder wall receptors signals back to the brain, so that the person can stop urinating.
How do you fix an incomplete bladder emptying?
In order to fix an incomplete bladder emptying, it is important to determine the underlying cause. In some cases, this can be as simple as drinking more fluids, as a lack of hydration can lead to an incomplete bladder emptying, in which urine is left in the bladder after voiding.
Additionally, certain medications may be contributing to the incomplete bladder emptying, so it is important to review any current medications to ensure that interactions are not occurring. Certain lifestyle changes, such as increasing daily physical activity, can also be beneficial in helping to improve the bladder emptying process.
Other possible treatments for incomplete bladder emptying include behavioral therapy, bladder retraining, and pelvic muscle strengthening. Behavioral therapy can include strategies to help control urges and improve toilet timing, while bladder retraining can help to establish and maintain a regular schedule of voiding.
Pelvic muscle exercises and electrical stimulation treatments may also be beneficial in helping to improve bladder emptying. In some cases, medications, surgery, or other treatments may be necessary in order to correct any underlying issues causing the incomplete bladder emptying.
It is important to note that if an individual is experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections, incontinence, or any other symptoms in regards to the incomplete bladder emptying, it is necessary to follow up with a healthcare professional for an evaluation and advice on treatment options.
What can you do if your bladder doesn’t empty completely?
If your bladder does not empty completely when you urinate, it is important to consult a health care provider to find out what is causing the issue. Possible causes may be a urinary tract infection, enlarged prostate, nerve damage, or a blockage.
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or, in rare cases, surgery.
To reduce discomfort, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder as often as possible throughout the day. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can make the problem worse.
Performing bladder training exercises, such as timed voiding, can help to improve bladder function and reduce any symptoms of an incompletely emptied bladder. Finally, you should exercise regularly and abstain from smoking, as both of these can contribute to the problem.
What is the most common cause of urinary retention?
The most common cause of urinary retention is a disorder known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This disorder is caused by an enlarged prostate that is pushing against the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
BPH is incredibly common in men older than 50 and can cause a variety of urinary problems, including difficulty passing urine, a weak urine stream, a feeling that you’re unable to completely empty your bladder, and urinary retention.
Other causes of urinary retention include medications, nerve diseases, and obstruction of the bladder. All of these causes can worsen if they are not treated, making it essential to see a doctor if you have symptoms related to urinary retention.
Why do I still feel like I have to pee after peeing?
Typically, we feel like we have to pee again shortly after peeing because our bladder’s nerve signals to the brain can take a few moments to settle down. This is why, although you may feel like you have emptied your bladder, the sensation may come back shortly after.
Additionally, the sensation can be exaggerated when you have a full or distended bladder or if your bladder is irritated. If this sensation persists for an extended time after you have emptied your bladder, it could be a sign of interstitial cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder’s lining that typically causes urinary urgency and frequency.
It is important to make an appointment with your doctor if you feel like you have to pee again soon after you have emptied your bladder, as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Is incomplete bladder emptying serious?
Yes, incomplete bladder emptying is a serious condition. It can lead to a wide range of health problems, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, bladder cancer, and kidney damage. The inability to completely empty the bladder can also cause the bladder to not function properly and the risk for kidney damage increases if the bladder cannot be emptied fully.
Symptoms of incomplete bladder emptying may include frequent urination, needing to strain to urinate, and having a weak stream of urine. In addition, feeling discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or having blood in the urine can be signs of a problem.
It is important to be evaluated by your doctor to determine the cause of incomplete bladder emptying and to develop a treatment plan. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications such as limiting caffeine and alcohol, dietary changes, pelvic floor muscle exercises, medications, or surgery.
How come after I pee I feel like I have to go again?
After you urinate, you may experience a sensation of “urge incontinence” which feels like you need to pee again immediately after finishing. This feeling may be caused by a variety of factors including:
• Urinary tract infections,
• Weak bladder muscles,
• Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome,
• Certain medications, or
• Bladder stones or tumors.
If you experience this feeling regularly, it is important to discuss it with your doctor. They can assess your medical history, perform tests and exams to check for any underlying causes, and determine the best treatment plan for you.
Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, bladder retraining, and physical therapy.
Is it normal to pee every 2 hours?
It is normal to pee every 2 hours when your body is adequately hydrated. It is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day, so that your bodily systems are able to properly regulate its intake and output of fluid.
If you are regularly peeing every 2 hours, it could be a sign that you are drinking too much water, or that your body is not able to maintain homeostatic balance. If this is the case, speak to your physician or a healthcare professional to ensure that you are properly hydrated and that your fluid intake and output is balanced.
How do you tell if your bladder is not emptying fully?
To tell if your bladder is not emptying fully, it is important to be attuned to your body and any changes in your urinary habits. Common signs that your bladder isn’t emptying fully include a frequent urge to urinate, but with only a small amount of urine being voided each time.
You may also experience pain, discomfort, or burning while urinating. Additionally, there may be a feeling of incomplete emptying, along with an inability to delay urination. Other signs may include wetting accidents after having the urge to urinate, waking up several times during the night to urinate, incontinence, and/or pain in your lower abdomen.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis, as there are various underlying medical conditions that may be responsible.
Is there medication to help empty bladder?
Yes, there is medication to help empty bladder. These medications are primarily used to treat urinary retention—the inability to empty the bladder completely. Depending on the underlying cause, the medications used to treat urinary retention may work in different ways.
Some medications can relax the sphincter muscle to help the bladder empty, while others can help reduce the amount of urineproduced in the first place. Depending on the patient’s needs and other health and lifestyle factors, medications such as alpha-blockers, anticholinergic medications, and diuretics may be used.
These medications should always be taken as directed by a doctor, and patients should be sure to speak to their doctor about any potential side effects or drug interactions. Additionally, in cases of frequent and severe urinary retention, surgery or catheterization may be necessary.
What does incomplete emptying feel like?
Incomplete emptying can feel like a range of sensations, from a mild discomfort, to a feeling of pressure, to a sharp, stabbing pain. Many people testify to feeling a sensation of either wanting to go to the bathroom again soon after just having a bowel movement, or to feeling like they didn’t completely empty their bowels.
The pain or sense of discomfort is often due to stools that back up in the rectum and can only be relieved by having an additional bowel movement. Other symptoms include a feeling of urgency or need to defecate, difficulty controlling bowels, inability to completely pass gas, or the feeling that you need to strain or bear down in order to complete the process.
Additionally, you could also experience bloating, abdominal cramping, and general fatigue. It is best to speak to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
What are the symptoms of not emptying your bladder?
The symptoms of not fully emptying the bladder can vary in severity depending on how long it has been happening. Some common symptoms include:
– A frequent need to urinate, with a very small amount of actual urine being passed
– A feeling of pressure above the pubic area
– Difficulty initiating urination
– Painful urination
– Cloudy urine
– An increase in urinary tract infections
– Pain in the lower abdomen or back
These are all signs that you should visit your doctor for evaluation. Complications from not fully emptying the bladder can range from it becoming overstretched and leading to urinary incontinence to infection in the urinary tract and even renal failure in severe cases.
Looking out for these symptoms and getting a diagnosis early can be key to a successful treatment.
What medication is taken to help with bladder emptying?
Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin (Flomax) and alfuzosin (Uroxatral/) are commonly prescribed for men with bladder emptying issues. Alpha-blockers relax the muscles of the bladder neck and the prostate, making it easier to urinate.
Other medications that may be prescribed include anticholinergics, which can block bladder contractions, or a combination of an alpha-blocker and anticholinergic to improve symptoms. Some people may also find relief through lifestyle changes, such as increasing fluids, avoiding caffeine and sugar and scheduling bathroom visits.
Lastly, those with severe bladder emptying issues may need to consider surgery.