Underactive Bladder Versus Bladder Outlet Obstruction: Don't Get Tricked!

It is not possible to diagnose the cause of voiding difficulty on the basis of a history alone. Bladder underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction cause similar voiding symptoms and also can be associated with storage symptoms. In this mini-review, we consider the factors associated with making a symptomatic diagnosis of either underactive bladder or bladder outlet obstruction. PATIENT SUMMARY: There is overlapping of symptoms for different urinary problems. To differentiate between underactive bladder and bladder outlet obstruction as the underlying cause of lower urinary tract symptoms, an invasive urodynamic study of the bladder is often required.