Bladder Neck Obstruction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Bladder neck obstruction, a blockage that hinders urine flow, affects both men and women. It's more common in men over 50, but can occur at any age. Symptoms include difficulty starting urination, weak stream, incomplete emptying, increased frequency, and urinary retention. An enlarged prostate is a common cause in men, while in women, it can be due to a dropped bladder. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
Video urodynamics and cystoscopy are used to diagnose this condition. Treatment options range from medication like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to self-catheterization and surgery, such as TURP, laser removal, UroLift, or aquablation. Once treated, symptoms typically subside, and the long-term outlook is generally positive. However, untreated obstruction can weaken the bladder and lead to complications like urinary tract infections, kidney damage, bladder diverticula, and long-term incontinence. The bladder neck, a group of muscles connecting the bladder to the urethra, controls urine flow. Irregular urine output, incomplete emptying, increased frequency and urgency, inability to control urination, and pelvic pain are also common symptoms.
Bladder neck obstruction, while more common in older men, can affect anyone. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications. With treatment, symptoms usually improve, and the outlook is generally favourable.
