Bladder Outlet Obstruction

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Diagnosis & Tests

If bladder outlet obstruction is suspected, your health care provider will take a thorough history of your problems and perform a physical exam. On physical exam, your health care provider may find one or more causes of bladder outlet obstruction which include:

• A distended bladder
• A large prostate (men)
• A cystocele (women)
• Abdominal mass

In addition to a physical exam your health care provider may order a variety of tests which may include:

• Serum chemistries to determine if kidney damage is being done
• Ultrasound to determine where the blockage of urine is, and how well you can empty your bladder
• IVP to determine where the blockage of urine is
• Urinalysis to determine if blood or infection is present
• Urine culture to determine if an infection is present
• Uroflow to determine how fast the urine flows out
• Urodynamic testing is a more sophisticated way of determining how well the bladder contracts and how blocked the flow of urine is