Bladder Dysfunction

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)