My doctor says I might have bladder outlet obstruction. What does that mean?

Answer From Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D.

Bladder outlet obstruction in men is a blockage that slows or stops urine flow out of the bladder. Bladder outlet obstruction can cause urine to back up in your system, leading to difficulty urinating and other uncomfortable urinary symptoms.

Possible causes of bladder outlet obstruction might include:

  • Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — this is the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in men
  • Scarring of the urinary channel (urethra) or bladder neck, as a result of injury or surgery
  • Use of certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants or drugs to treat overactive bladder
  • Prostate cancer

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of bladder outlet obstruction is important to prevent serious problems caused by urine backing up into your system.

If you can't pass urine, emergency treatment includes insertion of a tube (catheter) through the tip of your penis and into your bladder. This tube helps urine drain from your bladder.

If your condition doesn't require urgent care, your doctor might order tests to determine the underlying cause of your bladder outlet obstruction. Tests include imaging the bladder with sound waves (ultrasound) and viewing the bladder with a camera (cystoscopy).

Treatment might include medications or surgery.

With

Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D.

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May 20, 2023 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Ablation therapy
  2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  3. Bladder stones
  4. Computerized tomography (CT) urogram
  5. Cystoscopy
  6. Digital rectal exam
  7. Enlarged prostate: Does diet play a role?
  8. Frequent urination
  9. Holmium laser prostate surgery
  10. Intravenous pyelogram
  11. Laser PVP surgery
  12. Minimally invasive surgery
  13. Prostate biopsy
  14. Prostate cancer screening
  15. Prostate laser surgery
  16. Increased PSA levels
  17. PSA test
  18. PSA: To Test or Not To Test
  19. Mayo Clinic Minute: Steam treatment for enlarged prostate
  20. Symptom Checker
  21. TUIP
  22. TUMT
  23. TURP
  24. Urinalysis
  25. Urinary tract infection (UTI)