A rare but not unknown side-effect of binge drinking can be potentially catastrophic: bladder rupture.

ABC News reported Nov. 8 that researchers in the U.K. recently reported three cases of bladder rupture among female binge drinkers; previously, doctors had only seen the condition among men. "Alcohol consumption increases the volume of urine held within the bladder and dulls the senses such that the patient has a reduced urge to void despite the increased bladder volume," the study researchers noted.

"We suggest that with the increase in alcohol consumption in women today, the complications previously seen only in men should now also be considered," the researchers wrote. "Early recognition of this condition is crucial, as it does have considerable implications for survival as well as morbidity."

The British women survived, but a burst bladder can lead to potentially fatal infections if urine leaks out of the bladder. Chronic drinkers also may have thinner bladder walls, raising the risk of rupture, experts said.

The study was reported in the Nov. 10, 2007 issue of the British Medical Journal.