Voiding dysfunction often happens in older adults. In men, it might be called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).  In women, it is often called pelvic floor disorders. 

What are the symptoms of voiding dysfunction?

In both sexes, voiding dysfunction can include symptoms like:

• Feeling an urgent need to go to the restroom
• Leaking urine (incontinence)
• Trouble emptying your bladder completely
• Urinating frequently

Treatments

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
This type of physical therapy strengthens your pelvic floor to help stop incontinence.

Medicines
Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help you better control symptoms of urinary or fecal incontinence.

Vaginal Pessary
A pessary is a special device inserted into your vagina to help keep your pelvic organs in place.

Sling Surgery
Your gynecologist can insert a mesh sling around your urethra (opening where urine comes out) or bladder to lift and hold them into place. 

Prolapse Surgery
During prolapse surgery, your surgeon will move your pelvic organs back into position and insert slings to hold them there.

Lifestyle Changes
You may need to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, stop smoking, or change your drinking habits to control voiding problems.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
If a severely enlarged prostate causes voiding dysfunction, your doctor may perform surgery to remove part of the prostate and relieve pressure on the bladder and urethra. In this minimally invasive procedure, your doctor will insert a specialized camera and surgical tool through your urethra. This tool allows them to remove sections of the prostate. You won’t have any scars, but may spend one to two days in the hospital.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
During this technique, your urologist uses a laser to remove parts of the prostate blocking urine flow. They also use a specialized tool to cut away parts of the prostate. Like TURP, you’ll have no scars and have a fast recovery with just a day or two in the hospital.

Tests

Pelvic Exam
Your doctor may examine your vagina and pelvis to identify vaginal prolapse.

Pelvic Floor Strength Tests
During these tests, your doctor tests the strength of your pelvic muscles. These muscles help control urination and bowel movements and support your uterus, bladder, and bowel.

Bladder Function Test
During bladder function tests, your doctor tests how well your bladder can store urine, how much urine it can store, and how well you can dispose of urine.

Why Choose UHealth?

Innovative, expert urology care at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. Our team of urology experts delivers advanced care for all urologic conditions. We use the latest research and the least invasive procedures to help you feel better and recover more quickly. Our experienced urologists design a personalized treatment plan to give you the best possible results.

Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. We have some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons for urologic procedures. In fact, doctors come from all over the world to learn at our Urology Robotic Program — the #1 ranked program in South Florida. The University of Miami Health System was the first academic medical center in the world to get the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and has completed more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.

Multidisciplinary approach to care. Your doctor works closely with specialists in radiology, behavioral health, and surgery to offer comprehensive treatment. You have a team of experts on your side.