Voiding Dysfunction

It is estimated that as many as 25 million Americans suffer from bladder control problems. Voiding dysfunction is a general term to describe the condition where there is a lack of coordination between the bladder muscle (detrusor) and the urethra. With normal urination, the urethra relaxes and opens when the bladder muscle contracts allowing urine to freely pass out of the body. In those with voiding dysfunction, the nerves, bladder or urethra are not functioning properly and cause problems.

There are several different types of voiding dysfunction:

Over Active Bladder

This condition is characterized by urinary frequency, urgency, or urge incontinence. It can occur in both men and women, but women are affected with the condition more often. Typically, overactive bladder occurs later in life.

Nonobstructive Urinary Retention

This condition is characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder but without evidence of obstruction. Patients typically produce a weak or dribbling stream of urine and either have a difficult time emptying or can’t empty all the way.

Mechanical Obstructions

Specific conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), cancer, or urethral structures may interfere with the body’s ability to completely pass urine. This obstruction will eventually cause the bladder to thicken and hold less. Eventually the bladder may decompensate and quit working.

Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic Bladder (NGB) can be any urinary problem that is caused by neurological disorder. Disorders such as spinal cord injury, stroke or Parkinson’s disease can have huge ramifications on your urinary tract that range from incontinence to retention. In severe situations NGB can lead to urine back up into the kidneys and renal failure.

Getting Ready for the Doctor

Be prepared to tell the doctor what is bothering you. Bring in the answers to the following questions; this will help direct your care:

Do you leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or stand up?
Do you leak when you can’t make it to the bathroom on time?
How many times do you wake up at night to urinate?
How often do you go during the day (can you watch a movie)?
How much caffeine do you drink in a day (coffee, tea, soda)?
What else do you drink during a routine day?
Is there any blood in the urine or burning when you urinate?
Do you feel you completely empty?
Do you wear pads/liners etc and how many?

voiding dysfunction treatment Glendale AZ

So if you’re having a problem urinating, whether it’s too much or too little, too often or not often enough, Make An Appointment with a PeeDoc and get on the road to a happier and more “controlled” version of yourself.