Definition: An abnormality of the filling or emptying of the bladder. Bladder dysfunction encompasses: overactive bladder, incontinence, urinary tract obstruction and urination difficulty due to neurological conditions or spinal cord injury. Bladder dysfunction is also known as voiding dysfunction and has a serious impact the affected individual’s daily life.
Causes: Usually caused by inappropriate muscular activity in the muscles of the bladder wall, sphincter, and pelvic floor. Certain medical conditions and neurological impairment can also contribute to bladder dysfunction.
Symptoms:
- Sudden, strong urges to urinate during the day or night
- The need to urinate often
- Incontinence
- Difficulty during urination
- Decreased force of urine stream
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Diagnosis: Standard physical exam with medical history analysis
- (Women) Standard urological evaluation, including pelvic exam
- (Men) Rectal exam
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Ultrasound or computerized tomography of the upper urinary tract
- Neurological exam
- Video urodynamics
- Fluoroscopic imaging of the urinary tract
- Pelvic floor electromyography
Treatment: Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:
- Oral medication
- Electrical stimulation and neuromodulation
- Psychotherapy
- Injection therapy
- Surgical treatment
- Behavioral modification (timed bladder emptying, bladder training and biofeedback)