Voiding dysfunction is a broad term, used to describe conditions where there is poor coordination between the bladder muscle and the urethra. This results in incomplete relaxation or overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles during voiding.
It can be caused by neurologic, anatomic, obstructive or infectious abnormalities of the urinary tract.
Symptoms of Voiding Dysfunction.
Voiding dysfunction can present as a wide range of symptoms, which can include
- Difficulty in emptying bladder
- Urinary hesitancy
- Slow or weak urine stream
- Urinary urgency
- Urinary frequency
- Dribbling of urine
Diagnosing Voiding dysfunction
The first step towards managing and treating voiding dysfunction is to have a complete continence assessment including:
Comprehensive urological and continence health history
Completion of urinary symptom questionnaires
Completion of a bladder diary
Urine test - midstream specimen of urine
Bladder scan -ultrasound of the bladder in order to assess how well you empty your bladder
Your Urologist may require you to have further urological investigations to assist with diagnosis and planning of treatment options.
When to seek help?
If you have been investigated by your GP and your symptoms are not improving you should seek specialist Urological advice. Voiding dysfunction can be a symptom of more serious underlying conditions. It can also greatly affect your quality of life, general health and wellbeing.
Diagnosis, care, management and treatments are available for all types of urinary symptoms.
Treatments provided by our practice
Conservative management
- Lifestyle and behavioural strategies,
- Continence and urological nursing support,
- Referral to allied health professionals where required.
Medication therapies
- Medications to assist with overactive bladder symptoms.
- Medications to assist with outflow obstruction.
- Medications to treat infectious causes.
Surgical treatment options
- Botox bladder injections, performed under Local Anaesthetic, or General Anaesthetic in individual situations for severe Overactive bladder.
- Surgery to rectify any obstructive symptoms for example enlarged prostate, stricture disease and prolapse surgery.