Male and Female Voiding Dysfunction
Voiding dysfunction refers to difficulties or abnormalities in the process of urinating. This can manifest in various ways for males and females.
Symptoms
Male Voiding Dysfunction:
In men, voiding dysfunction can happen due to problems with the prostate gland, urethra, or bladder. Conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate infections, or prostate cancer can cause obstruction or narrowing of the urethra, making it hard to pass urine.
Symptoms may include weak urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination, dribbling at the end of urination, frequent urination, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
Female Voiding Dysfunction:
In females, voiding dysfunction may result from problems with the bladder or pelvic floor muscles. Conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), pelvic organ prolapse, or weak pelvic floor muscles can interfere with normal urination. Symptoms can include frequent urination, urgency, hesitancy in starting urination, a weak urine stream, incomplete emptying of the bladder, or urinary incontinence (leakage of urine).
Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of voiding dysfunction depend on what is causing the problem. A healthcare provider, such as a urologist or urogynecologist, will evaluate the symptoms and may conduct tests like urinalysis, bladder ultrasound, urodynamic studies, or cystoscopy to identify the specific cause of the dysfunction and then offer individualized treatment options.