# Can one expand one's bladder?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-expand-ones-bladder/45257
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [December 12, 2000, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-expand-ones-bladder/45257 "2000-12-12T23:48:29Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Nurlman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nurlman)
#### Post date: [December 12, 2000, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-expand-ones-bladder/45257/1 "2000-12-12T23:48:29Z")
Is it possible, through exercise, training, or some other non-surgical means, to expand one’s bladder capacity? How would one go about doing it?
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### Author:  [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)
#### Post date: [December 13, 2000, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-expand-ones-bladder/45257/2 "2000-12-13T00:11:23Z")
The question might be, why would anyone want to?
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### Author:  [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)
#### Post date: [December 13, 2000, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-expand-ones-bladder/45257/3 "2000-12-13T00:23:36Z")
Just drink increasingly larger quantities of fluids on a regular schedule. When the urge to urinate strikes, consistently put off relieving yourself for at least a quarter of an hour and you will notice a gradual increase in the capacity of your bladder. Although I knew one inveterate beer drinker with a teacup bladder, I’m confident that most career beer drinkers will confirm my recommendations.
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### Author:  [@Cabbage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabbage)
#### Post date: [December 13, 2000, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-expand-ones-bladder/45257/4 "2000-12-13T00:33:07Z")
Just felt I should put in this disclaimer:
I always thought, particularly with older people, holding it in can for excessive periods of time can lead to bad things. It can lead to a stretching of the bladder, which can lead to trouble with fully emptying the bladder, which can lead to infection.
I don’t know how common this is, but kids, don’t try this at home!
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### Author:  [@dragonlady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragonlady)
#### Post date: [December 13, 2000, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-expand-ones-bladder/45257/5 "2000-12-13T01:36:55Z")
My brother had a bed wetting problem way past normal age, I’m thinking he was at least 8 when Mom had had enough.
The urologist, along with restricting fluids in the evenings and some sort of meds, recommended waiting as long as possible before urinating. He kept a record of the amounts he “went”. Over time, he DID stretch his bladder some. At least, he doesn’t wet the bed any more.
As far as I know.
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### Author:  [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)
#### Post date: [December 13, 2000, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-expand-ones-bladder/45257/6 "2000-12-13T16:58:51Z")
In order to keep more pee, a guy has to do those boring kegal exercises.
Also, holding urine can lead to bladder infections.
Drinking caffeine, soda & citrus drinks makes one pee more.