Blog

Treating Voiding Dysfunction in Women

Voiding dysfunction is a problem that affects women in increasing numbers, and it can be an embarrassing condition that curtails daily activities. Voiding dysfunction can take several forms, including urinary incontinence, painful urination and interstitial cystitis. Women over 40 are especially susceptible and it can be uncomfortable subject to bring up in conversations with doctors.

Preliminary Diagnosis

Although your primary care doctor can perform simple testing for a urinary tract infection, you may save time and discomfort by seeing a qualified urologist first. Some urological procedures for diagnosis include:

  1. Urinalysis
  2. Uroflow electromyogram (EMG)
  3. Abdominal X rays (KUB)
  4. Cystoscopy
  5. Uroflowmetry

Initial Care for Voiding Dysfunction

Your primary care doctor may recommend dietary changes such as reducing the amount of alcohol and caffeine you consume. Your doctor may even warn you about the use of tobacco if you are a smoker.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are often effective at improving voiding dysfunction in the form of bladder leakage in women. Kegel exercises (or Kegels) simply increase the strength of the pelvic floor, and can be done in bed or while emptying the bladder. However, there are instances when the woman’s pelvic floor is too tight and Kegels are not recommended. A urologist can diagnose and recommend the appropriate treatment for the various types of voiding dysfunction.

Additional treatments for voiding dysfunction include muscle relaxants, pelvic floor therapy, self-catheterization and insertion of a neuromodulation device.

Painful Urination and Treatment

Besides being unable to control bladder flow, painful urination is another dysfunction associated with voiding. You may be diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. Some refer to the condition as BPS (bladder pain syndrome). Interstitial cystitis is associated with bladder pain, overactive bladder, bladder distention and, at times, bladder stones.

Once your physician has isolated the source of the problem, he or she may recommend a medication that allows the bladder to relax.

Why Get Diagnosed and Treated for Voiding Dysfunction

Successful treatment of voiding dysfunction will allow you to enjoy life better, with:

  1. Fewer accidents
  2. More control over where and when you void your bladder
  3. Longer intervals between needing to urinate

For those who live in the St Petersburg, Tampa or Clearwater areas, St Pete Urology offers treatment and relief of this condition. Schedule a consultation today to learn how our experienced team offers the most advanced technology, minimally invasive surgery options and compassionate care.

Share Us
St Pete Urology

Dr. Reid Graves, Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis and Dr. Adam Oppenheim of St Pete Urology are board certified urologists in treating urological diseases with the use of the latest technology available. Contact us at our office in St Petersburg, Florida.

Recent Posts

Frequent Urination and Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Discover the connection between diabetes and urination problems, including frequent urination, incontinence, and UTIs. Expert…

5 days ago

Why Shift Workers Face Higher Kidney Stone Risk and What You Can Do

Shift workers have a 15-22% higher kidney stone risk. Learn the science behind this connection…

7 days ago

How the HoLEP Procedure Offers Lasting Relief from Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Discover how HoLEP procedure and modern BPH treatments offer lasting relief from enlarged prostate symptoms…

2 weeks ago

Understanding Urinary Leakage: Causes, Tests, and Treatments

Bladder leakage affects millions. Learn about causes from stress incontinence to overactive bladder, diagnostic tests,…

2 weeks ago

Managing Urinary Incontinence: Lifestyle and Treatments

Discover proven urinary incontinence treatment options and lifestyle changes. From pelvic exercises to surgical solutions,…

3 weeks ago

Understanding Urinary Incontinence in Women

Learn about urinary incontinence in women, affecting 60% of adult females. Discover causes, types, and…

3 weeks ago

Follow Us On:

This website uses cookies.