Voiding Dysfunction Specialist
-
- Tweet
South Jersey Urology Consultants
Christopher Lee, MD
Urology located in Vineland, NJ
Voiding dysfunctions refer to a variety of disorders related to urination and the urinary tract, affecting individuals young and old alike. Given the large number of types of voiding dysfunctions and the equally large number of possible causes, diagnosing and treating these dysfunctions requires special care. At South Jersey Urology Consultants in Vineland, New Jersey, Christopher Lee, MD, has extensive knowledge of treatment options that can help patients no matter the cause of their symptoms. To learn more, call to schedule your consultation or book online.
Voiding Dysfunction Q & A
What is voiding dysfunction?
Broadly speaking, voiding dysfunction refers to any condition that affects your ability to empty your bladder.
This can include various types of incontinence, such as stress, urge, or overflow, as well as related conditions such as an overactive bladder, urinary retention, and mechanical obstructions.
What causes voiding dysfunction?
The exact cause of voiding dysfunctions greatly depends on the type of dysfunction and any other health or medical conditions you might have. Some of the most common causes of voiding dysfunction include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Childbirth
- Menopause
- Prostate issues
- Certain types of cancer
- Urinary tract obstructions
- Certain neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Other risk factors are conditions that generally affect your pelvic muscles. This can include old age, being a woman, being overweight or obese, or having diabetes.
How is voiding dysfunction treated?
Similar to how the cause of your voiding dysfunction depends on the type of condition you’re experiencing, how Dr. Lee treats voiding dysfunction greatly depends on your exact symptoms and the underlying cause.
A few of Dr. Lee’s most common approaches to treating your voiding issues may include one or several of the following:
A voiding diary
Regularly writing down your urinary habits, such as how much you’ve had to drink, how often you’ve urinated, and any issues you might have can help Dr. Lee get to the cause of your issues.
Behavioral techniques
Some cases of voiding issues are treatable with some simple modifications to urinary habits. Dr. Lee might recommend scheduling your toilet breaks, cutting back on fluids, or making a second trip to the bathroom a few minutes after the first.
Botox®
Regular injections of Botox can help treat overactive bladders by relaxing the pelvic muscles and reducing contractions.
Hormone therapy
Women suffering from menopause-related incontinence may find relief from their symptoms with hormone therapy, which can restore vaginal elasticity and improve pelvic muscle strength.
Medical devices
Some specific cases of voiding dysfunction might require additional medical devices for relief. Male slings, for example, help reinforce and support the sphincter muscle, and pessaries can help support pelvic prolapse in women. In more extreme cases, Dr. Lee might recommend a short or long-term catheter to help your symptoms.
No matter the type or cause of your voiding dysfunction, the experts at South Jersey Urology Consultants can help. Call to schedule your consultation or book online.