Bladder outlet obstruction in women: prevalence, recognition, and management

Bladder outlet obstruction in women is an infrequently diagnosed urological condition. Its prevalence has been estimated to be between 2.7% and 29%. The large variation in prevalence is likely a result of the lack of standard diagnostic definition for the evaluation of female bladder outlet obstruction. A combination of history taking; physical examination; and diagnostic tests, including simple pressure void studies, radiographic imaging, endoscopic visualization, and multichannel videourodynamics provides a consistent way to accurately recognize and diagnose bladder outlet obstruction. Causes of obstruction are varied and numerous but generally fall within two broad categories: functional and anatomic. Treatment options are tailored to individual causes of obstruction and range from conservative pharmacologic and behavioral options to more-invasive surgical procedures.