I'm a guy in my late 20s, in excellent health, but have always had a small bladder. I have to urinate a LOT -- often like once an hour during the day or even more, depending on how much i have to drink. I don't have any problems urinating or even any real sudden urgency to urinate -- i just can't hold much, and it's annoying how often i have to go, especially at night. When i was a kid i used to wet my bed every night because of this; now i *usually* can get up in the middle of the night to go, which is better but still annoying, especially when it's freezing cold out!
Is it possible by forcing myself to hold it in for a long time to stretch out my bladder so that it can hold more? Or will trying to stretch it out like that just cause more problems for my bladder in the long term? If holding it doesn't work, is there a surgery or some other treatment that could enable my bladder to hold more?
Anyone else had any experience with this? Any input would be much appreciated!
2007-01-24 13:14:02 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I actually was diagnosed by a doctor with a small bladder but that was about 10 years ago, when i was a teenager, and the doc didn't suggest much in the way of things that could be done about it.. i have had physicals since then and no sign of prostate trouble, so i'm assuming that it's just that my bladder is still small.
I've read about stretching it as a way of making it larger and actually tried it a bit when i was like 11... i think it might have helped me some at least in stopping wetting the bed every night, but maybe that was just because my body was still growing then anyway... i just don't know whether it could still work as an adult?
2007-01-24 13:28:31 · update #1
My son is taking medication to stretch his bladder. He's 11 years old and was still wetting the bed. The doctor said his capacity was half that of my 6 year old. The medication has been working great. See a urologist, they can probably help.
2007-01-24 13:18:03 · answer #1 · answered by Brooke22365 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is possible to do bladder retraining.
When you first feel the urge to go, hold off for 5 minutes. Then go. Do this for several days, then try to increase the time to 10 minutes for several days...etc. Until your urinating less frequently.
Also, has your doctor diagnosed you with a small bladder? Or is this a conclusion you've come to? Maybe you're having bladder spasms - thus, the reason you feel you have to go all the time. Or, maybe you're constantly diuresing (losing fluids). If the latter is the case, you need to be evaluated by a physician. Do you also drink alot during the day and feel thirsty all the time? This could be a sign of Diabetes.
2007-01-24 21:20:30 · answer #2 · answered by S. W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A physician can probably prescribe some drugs that will help increase the size/retention abilities of your bladder. Surgery really shouldn't be necessary.
That said, be very careful if you're just trying to hold it in to "stretch" your bladder. It's a good way to end up with some infections (think about it, you're intentionally keeping your body's waste within your body).
2007-01-24 21:22:52 · answer #3 · answered by Target Acquired 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try googling bladder exercises. Be careful not to strain the muscles though, this will only make the problem work. Sometimes its not good to hold it if you need to go because this can strain the muscles. See a doctor if you continue to have trouble.
2007-01-24 21:19:11 · answer #4 · answered by helplessromatic2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No do not hold it in that is bad for your kidneys .
You can not stretch your bladder .
You do need to have your prostate checked at a urologist .
If you have bladder spasms he will give you meds to stop them .
Hope this helps .
2007-01-24 21:21:56 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine814 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
holding it in too long or too often can cause a serious infection. maybe you have a prostate or other problem, you should really consult your doctor. you're young but it's possible, and there are treatments for the common causes of male urinary problems.
2007-01-24 21:18:46 · answer #6 · answered by Bored Enough To Be Here 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't try anything of the such if you are a male. I heard that "holding it " is very bad for you also.
Read up on prostate cancers and you'll understand why.
www.webmd.com
2007-01-24 21:20:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Especially when it's freezing cold out!,,,, Do you pee outside?
I think its not a good idea to hold your pee. I am pretty sure that can cause bladder and kidney infection.
2007-01-24 21:21:08 · answer #8 · answered by Yepimcute 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Frequent urination as you describe could be signs of a medical problem. See your doctor.
{Seems I've heard that on TV before......I know I have]
2007-01-24 21:22:04 · answer #9 · answered by J T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the complaint here? You drink enough fluids, you get frequent urges - it is all good for your kidneys and the proper hydration level is good overall. Why complain? Enjoy your good habit!! Cut out on diuretics if you can.
2007-01-24 21:18:25 · answer #10 · answered by RS 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋