Blæretrykket

Blæretrykket refers to the pressure within the urinary bladder. This pressure is a key factor in bladder function and is influenced by several physiological processes. During bladder filling, as urine accumulates, the bladder wall stretches, causing a gradual increase in intravesical pressure. This increase is normally controlled by the detrusor muscle, the smooth muscle of the bladder wall, which relaxes to accommodate increasing volumes without a significant rise in pressure.

Once the bladder reaches a certain volume and pressure, sensory receptors signal the brain, initiating the sensation of needing to urinate. This sensation prompts voluntary relaxation of the external urethral sphincter and contraction of the detrusor muscle, leading to the expulsion of urine. Bladder pressure also plays a role in preventing the reflux of urine back into the ureters and kidneys.

Abnormal blæretrykket can manifest in various ways. Low bladder pressure may indicate poor detrusor muscle contractility, leading to incomplete emptying and potential urinary retention. Conversely, high bladder pressure, often seen in conditions like an overactive bladder or urinary obstruction, can lead to symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and even damage to the upper urinary tract if sustained. Measurement of blæretrykket is an important diagnostic tool in urology, often performed during urodynamic studies to assess bladder function and diagnose underlying conditions.