Defining female voiding dysfunction: ICI‐RS 2011

Whilst symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and post micturition symptoms are more commonly reported in men a significant number of women may also complain of voiding dysfunction. However, despite the recent advances in the standardisation of terminology of lower urinary tract dysfunction there remains a lack of consensus regarding a precise diagnosis and definition of voiding abnormalities in women. In addition voiding symptoms may co-exist with storage symptoms as well as those associated with urinary incontinence. Consequently many patients present with a spectrum of different urinary symptoms, related to both storage and voiding, which may be multifactorial in origin or be related to one another. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature in order to accurately define and classify female voiding dysfunction including causes and aetiology. In addition to reviewing the investigation and management of those women with voiding dysfunction recommendations are proposed for management in clinical practice as well as suggestions for future research.