Christmas Tree Bladder: The 'Gift' that Keeps You Going?

Far from festive, Christmas tree bladder is unfortunately a real - but rare - condition associated with neurogenic bladder. Let’s find out more:

What exactly is Christmas Tree Bladder?

Surprisingly, Christmas Tree Bladder isn’t related to this festive time of year, despite its name. In fact, It's a medical term that describes the distinctive appearance of the bladder on imaging scans. When viewed during certain tests, like a cystography, the bladder takes on an elongated, pointed shape with irregular outlines. This unique silhouette resembles a Christmas tree or pine cone (it can be known as ‘Pine Cone Bladder’ too), hence the name.

It’s not just a quirk though - the ‘Christmas tree’ appearance is actually a sign of a condition called neurogenic bladder. Neurogenic bladder is the term given when our bladder isn’t functioning as it should due to the nerves that control it, and there are various reasons this occurs. 

What causes Christmas Tree Bladder?

Typically, this condition occurs when there's been some damage to our nervous system that affects how our bladder functions. Think of it like a miscommunication between our brain and our bladder.

Christmas Tree Bladder is typically caused by neurological damage that disrupts the normal functioning of the bladder. This disruption often results from:

1. Spinal cord injuries

2. Multiple sclerosis

3. Myelodysplasia

4. Herniated discs

While this condition can affect both men and women, women may also experience additional complications due to age-related changes. In women, genitourinary syndrome of the menopause - also known as GSM - is common with aging, contributes to thinning and irritation of the urethra which exacerbates urgency symptoms.

Symptoms to look out for: 

The symptoms of Christmas tree bladder are common with many other issues, and it’s important to be assessed by your doctor if you think you have any of the signs related to this condition, or neurogenic bladder - especially if you are suffering from a related condition.

With various uncomfortable and difficult symptoms, this condition can significantly impact our daily lives and overall well-being. The main symptoms we might experience include:

Urinary frequency: We may find ourselves needing to visit the loo much more often than usual, which can be particularly inconvenient when we're out and about.

Urgency: A sudden, intense need to urinate can occur with little warning.

Urge incontinence: Sometimes, the urgency is so strong that we may leak urine before reaching the toilet.

Difficulty initiating urination: Despite feeling the need to go, we might struggle to start the flow.

Incomplete bladder emptying: Some of us may find it hard to fully empty our bladder, leading to a constant feeling of fullness.

Overflow incontinence: In some cases, our bladder may become so full that it involuntarily leaks urine.

How is Christmas tree bladder diagnosed and treated?

If we're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to chat with our GP or a urologist. They'll likely start with a thorough  discussion about your medical history and a physical exam.

Then, they might suggest some imaging tests. These could include a cystography or an ultrasound, which can show the shape and condition of our bladder.

They might also recommend urodynamic studies to see how well our bladder is functioning, or a cystoscopy to take a peek inside.

What options are available to treat Christmas Tree Bladder?

The good news is that there are several ways to manage Christmas Tree Bladder. Your doctor may suggest medications to help control our bladder's overactivity or improve its emptying.

Ultimately, as neurogenic bladder has lots of different causes each person must have personalised treatment which may involve treating your underlying condition and recommended lifestyle changes.

Although the cause of neurogenic bladder is related to nerves, you may be recommended pelvic floor exercises under the supervision of a pelvic floor physiotherapist. And in some cases, more advanced treatments such as botox (botulinum toxin) injections or sacral nerve stimulation may be considered..

Jude is here to support everyone with bladder concerns, however bear in mind the Jude supplement is not currently designed for those with neurogenic bladder. However, our range of leakproof pants, pads and liners may be helpful as well as our Facebook community, Jude and Friends, for support and peer advice.