Bladder Diseases

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Many conditions can affect bladder function. Some common ones are

• Infection - a urinary tract infection in the bladder is also known as cystitis
• Urinary incontinence - loss of bladder control
• Interstitial cystitis - a chronic problem in which the bladder wall can become inflamed and irritated, leading to frequent, painful urination
• Bladder cancer - the sixth most common cancer in the United States

Doctors diagnose bladder diseases using different tests. These include urine tests, x-rays and examination of the bladder wall with a scope called a cystoscope. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the problem. It may include medicines and, in severe cases, surgery.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

External Resources

Woman's Wellbeing - Products for the treatment of menopause syptoms, urinary tract and bladder infections. A discussion about these problems and diseases as well as some press releases.

Cancer News: Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Cancer - Article on this disease by Dr. Robert Badalament.

UrologyChannel: Bladder Cancer - Provides information regarding diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

About.com: Bladder Cancer - General information about the disease.

Rhode Island Cancer Council: Bladder Cancer - Information presented in a fact sheet format describing this disease including methods of its detection.

Gall Bladder Disease - Information on cholelithiasis, cholecystitis and cholecystectomy from the University of Pennsylvania.

American Foundation for Urologic Disease - Non-profit corporation for the prevention and cure of urologic disease, through the expansion of patient education, public awareness, research and advocacy. Includes prostate, kidney, impotence, bladder, infertility, and pediatric urology.

Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community (ABC) - Offers information about the organization and the disease. Includes FAQs, a glossary, support groups, a bulletin board and resources.

Your Body's Design for Bladder Control - From the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, an article with images to help understand how the whole system works.

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse - A description of cystocele, also known as fallen bladder, how this could occur, diagnosis, treatment and where to get further information.

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