Lower urinary tract disorders

Abstract

Lower urinary tract symptoms result from abnormalities of the bladder and urethra. In males, benign hyperplasia is most common and may present with urinary frequency, urgency, or retention. In females, obstruction is uncommon; however, incontinence due to relaxation of the pelvic floor musculature is seen more often. The bladder and urethra are vulnerable to trauma and should be evaluated when blood is seen at the urethral meatus during trauma. Infection and tumor also can produce lower urinary tract symptoms, and cystoscopy is often needed to exclude the latter. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2005.