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Urethral Syndrome

This is the name given to a condition whereby the patient feels the need to pass water again, immediately after passing water. We are not sure of the exact cause. The condition is more common in women than men.

Investigations such as a bladder check and scan are usually normal. Voiding diaries (where the patient keeps a record of urine passed during the day) show small volumes passed at each occasion and only a few drops at the second void.

Although no-one is sure of the cause, theories abound. The condition is possibly a learned behaviour, whereby the patient voids more and more frequently. Our bladder tells us that we need to pass urine before it reaches its full capacity, in some people this leads to smaller and smaller volumes being passed. In some individuals this seems to result in a degree of bladder spasm, this is overactive contraction of the bladder. Spasm is is a form of cramp and the discomfort of this cramp is interpreted by the brain that the bladder needs to be emptied.

Treatment is not based on scientific studies but simply on what seems to work. Often a bladder inspection (cystoscopy) and slight stretching of the water pipe is enough to improve things, this can then be maintained by attempting to increase the duration between trips to the lavatory.

 

 

Infections

Interstitial Cystitis

Urethral Syndrome