Why does your bladder seem small
If bladders are all basically the same size, why do you have to pee frequently or at odd times? What is "normal" bladder function?? Under normal circumstances the bladder will: šHold up to half a liter of urine before it is stimulated to empty šFill for 2-4 hoursĀ before an urge šProduce a solid urine stream for 10 seconds or greater when voiding If this doesnāt sound like you, it might be because your bladder is trained to empty more frequently - AKA the bladder is "functionally small". When we go to the bathroom ājust in caseā or to relieve feelings of pressure and/or pain as the bladder fills, it confuses the urinary system. Typically the bladder sends a signal to the brain when it is almost full to trigger an urge so you go to the bathroom. If you consistently empty BEFORE the bladder is full it trains the bladder to send the āIām almost fullā signal SOONER, and before your bladder has reached its full capacity. You will feel like you have to go, but only a small amount of urine comes out! Sometimes there is also pain, leakage, or pressure associated with bladder urges. Super frustrating!! So what can you do about it?? Great news! Regardless of how your bladder got this way, a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist can help you get to the bottom of it, re-train your bladder to increase its filling capacity, and give your life back! spoiler alert: it is NOT all about kegels!š)Ā Ā Avoid the unexpected and stay protected!