Voiding dysfunction is a general term to describe the condition in which there is a lack of coordination between the bladder muscle (detrusor) and the urethra.
During normal urination, the urethra relaxes and opens when the bladder muscle contracts, allowing urine to pass out of the body freely. In those with voiding dysfunction, the urethra does not relax when the bladder muscle contracts, making it difficult for urine to pass.
Risks & Causes
Voiding dysfunction may be caused by nerve dysfunction, non-relaxing pelvic floor muscles, or both. If the problem stems from a neurological disorder or spinal injury, it is referred to as "detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia."
Symptoms & Evaluation
Symptoms of voiding dysfunction include difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary hesitancy, slow or weak urine stream, urinary urgency, urinary frequency and dribbling urine after urination is complete.
Treatment Options
Pelvic floor therapy:
Pelvic floor therapy consists of visits to a physical therapist with specialized training in pelvic floor disorders. To treat voiding dysfunction, these specialized physical therapists utilize a combination of various techniques to re-educate the nerves and muscles that control the urethra.
Intermittent self-catheterization:
Intermittent self-catheterization involves regularly inserting a catheter into your urethra in order to empty the bladder more completely. This is an option if urinary retention is present.
Medications:
Muscle relaxants be used temporarily if urinary retention is severe.
Sacral nerve modulation:
Sacral nerve modulation is an FDA-approved treatment for urinary urgency, frequency, urge incontinence, and retention. Sacral nerve modulation uses a small device that is implanted under the skin of one of the upper buttocks. It works by gently stimulating the sacral nerves to help the bladder function more normally. This is available if other treatment options are ineffective.
Would you like an appointment?
To request an appointment, please call our office at (646) 962-9600. Our phone staff are available to help you Monday-Friday, from 9AM-5PM (EST).
If you'd like to learn more about our providers that specialize in Voiding Dysfunction, please visit the "Our Care Team" page.