The process of passing out urine is a cycle coordinated by various processes in the body involving the brain, kidneys, ureters, urethra and the bladder. This process involves signal transduction by nerves in the bladder, brain and spinal cord. Urine formation occurs in the kidneys from where it is transferred to the bladder via the ureters. Once the bladder is full, the brain is signaled to produce an urge to pass out urine via the urethra. Disruption of this cycle often leads to voiding dysfunction, a condition characterized by urine incontinence which occurs both in males and females. Voiding dysfunction can be caused by either nerve disruption or as a result of psychological and behavioral factors. Check this article to know its types, symptoms and treatment.
Symptoms of voiding dysfunction
•Frequent urination that occurs in short time intervals
•Urine leakage
•Difficulty to urinate a condition known as hesitancy
•Dribbling especially in females which occurs after voiding.
•Urination cycles that are not consistent
•Urgency to urinate
•A slow flow of urine than normal
•Staining during the voiding process
•Urinary tract infections
Types of voiding dysfunction
Dysfunctional voiding
This is caused by non-neurological processes that affect the pelvic muscles that control voiding. It is characterized by the urge to urinate but the bladder is unable to empty the urine or only empties a portion of the urine. 
Overactive bladder
This is caused by neurological and hormonal disruptions where there is an urge to void even the bladder is not full.
Underactive bladder
This is also caused by neurological and hormonal problems where the bladder becomes full with no urge to pass out urine and can lead to leaking and wetting.
Diagnosis of voiding dysfunction
The process involves carrying out a physical exam where the abdomen and genital area are examined to determine the cause of the problem.
It also involves carrying out various tests including urinalysis to test for urinary tract infections, imaging tests involving an ultrasound of the bladder and kidney, electromyograms to test for neurological problems and also an X-ray to check for constipation.
Voiding dysfunction treatment
Various treatments are available and these include;
•Use of medications such as oxybutynin for an overactive bladder that helps reduce the urgency and frequency of voiding. It also helps the bladder to hold more urine before urination.
•Exercises that help in correcting the pelvic muscles of the bladder. These include Kegels for strengthening pelvic muscles.
•Bladder training techniques that help in controlling the urination process.
