This produces symptoms, including diminished urine flow, pelvic pain, and bladder discomfort.
Though the condition can affect males and females, bladder outlet obstruction occurs most often in older males.
Rarely, it’s due to a birth defect.
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Often, diagnostic testing is necessary to identify the cause of BOO.
Medical or surgical treatments can be used to relieve the obstruction depending on the cause.
This article explains the symptoms and causes of bladder outlet obstruction.
It also covers how bladder outlet obstruction is diagnosed and treated, including medications used.
In fact, neglecting early symptoms may lead to irreversible complications.
Bladder Outlet Obstruction Causes
Thebladderis a muscular cavity that holds urine.
It expands as it fills with urine and contracts when it’s time to empty.
It is located in the lower abdomen behind the pelvic bone.
Theurethrais a thin muscular tube through which urine travels from the bladder to the outside of the body.
In males, the urethra is inside the penis.
In females, the urethra is shorter and the opening is near the vagina.
This defect affects about one in every 4,000 to 5,000 newborns and is more common in males.
A number of conditions can lead to bladder outlet obstruction.
BOO can develop as a result of:
How Is Bladder Outlet Obstruction Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will start by taking a medical history.
This will involve asking questions about your urinary symptoms and other health issues.
A male with symptoms of BOO may also need to have adigital rectal examination.
Diagnostic tests can help distinguish between these causes.
Treatments are generally geared towards what your healthcare provider feels is the main cause of the BOO.
Medical procedures and medications can both be used to treat BOO.
Medications for Bladder Outlet Obstruction
There are medications that can be used to help control urine flow.
In males, the most common cause is an enlarged prostate.
This condition could be treated withmedicationsthat relax or shrink the prostate.
These include alpha blockers like Flomax, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, andalpha-reductase inhibitors.
Additional procedures or interventions may be needed for the bladder tumors.
In severe cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a full reconstruction of the urethra.
Healthcare providers have a go at avoid the need for chronic catheterization by catching and treating BOO early.
Summary
Bladder outlet obstruction is a serious issue that should not be ignored.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice unusual changes in urination or other symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction.
Bladder problems can worsen if not treated.
Your provider will want to take your medical history and may run diagnostic tests.
Treatment will be based on the underlying cause of bladder outlet obstruction.
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