Voiding Dysfunction

The urinary system is comprised of numerous smaller systems that must all work properly for the urinary system to function like it should. When one of these smaller systems stop working, it’s possible for urination issues like voiding dysfunction to occur.

If you believe that you may be suffering from voiding dysfunction, there are some early symptoms and treatments available.

What Does Voiding Dysfunction Entail?

In order for a person to urinate properly, the urethra and bladder will need to work together without issue. While this should almost always be the case, it’s possible for these two systems to stop working together, which is what causes a person to experience voiding dysfunction. The symptoms relating to this condition can range from mild to severe, but treatment options can help.

Primary Causes & Signs of Voiding Dysfunction

Since voiding dysfunction is somewhat of a broad term, there are a wide range of causes for this condition. The main cause is when your pelvic floor muscles are overactive. It’s also possible that nerve issues in the area have caused blockages in the urethra, which can lead to the development of this condition. Some other causes of voiding dysfunction that might explain why you’re suffering from it include tumors, bladder stones, interstitial cystitis, and urinary incontinence.

How Voiding Dysfunction is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination. The urologist who performs this exam will thoroughly check your urination patterns while also administering a urinalysis. An ultrasound of the bladder may also be taken to determine if some urine still remains after you’ve gone to the bathroom. Any leftover urine is taken and tested to better determine if you’re suffering from this condition.

Possible Treatments

In the event that the symptoms you’re going through are mild or moderate in severity, you might only need to practice some pelvic floor exercises to strengthen these muscles and put a stop to the voiding dysfunction. If the issue is being caused by an overactive bladder, medications like muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relax the muscles in your bladder. If the symptoms are minor enough, there are times when the condition will dissipate without requiring you to take any medications or obtain surgery. However, minimally invasive surgery may need to be performed to correct the dysfunction.