Bladder Voiding Dysfunction | Pathophysiology of Voiding Dysfunction
Bladder voiding dysfunction is a condition where the coordination between the urethra and the bladder muscles are disrupted. Ideally, when the bladder muscles contract, the urethra is supposed to open and allow the urine to pass out of the body. In a case of bladder voiding dysfunction, there is no relaxation of the urethra when the bladder muscles contract, which makes it difficult for the urine to get out.
This problem is common in people whose age is advanced, but it can also affect children and young adults; this may trigger health problems such as discomfort, urinary difficulties, and stress incontinence, which is one types of urine leakage caused by coughing, exertion, and, sneezing for example. There are different factors responsible for bladder voiding dysfunction in different ages. Depending upon its stage of severity treatment should be taken in time.
Causes of Bladder Voiding Dysfunction
There are several causes of this problem which stem from neurological and non-neurological disorders as well as injuries. When spinal injuries and neurological disorders are the cause, they are known as “Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.” When the problems are not of that nature they are called “Pseudodyssynergia.”
Causes include:
- Nerve dysfunction.
- Non-relaxing pelvic muscles.
- Non relaxing floor muscles.
- Neurogical disorders.
Bladder Voiding Dysfunction Symptoms
- Difficulties in emptying the bladder.
- Hesitancy in urinating.
- Weak or slow urine stream.
- Urinary urgency.
- Dribbling of urine even after you have finished urinating.
Bladder Voiding Dysfunction Treatment
- Re-educating the muscles/nerves which control the urethra.
- Insertion of a catheter in the urethra to empty the bladder incase of urinary retention.
- Use of muscle relaxants.
- Pacemaker therapy, the surgeons insert a pacemaker beneath the skin so as to assist the nerves which control the bladder and aid the urethra to function normally.
As a parent it is important to be on the lookout for the symptoms mentioned above. As early detection of the cause and timely management with treatment can be very crucial in yielding good results and recovery. In fact, cases which have been subjected to treatment and constant checkups have usually lead to a full recovery from the severe effects of the bladder voiding dysfunction problem. If you are a loved one have been diagnosed with a voiding dysfunction, it is advisable to seek medical intervention at the earliest time possible.