Voiding Dysfunction (Bladder Dysfunction) in Children

Voiding Dysfunction Clinic

Children who are experiencing an interrupted or intermittent flow of urine might be suffering from voiding dysfunction. At the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, or specialists offer comprehensive evaluation of voiding dysfunction, using state-of the art technology and the latest treatment options such as urodynamic testing and biofeedback therapy. With the help of our pediatric urologist and dedicated nurse specialist, we are committed to identifying any voiding dysfunction issues your child may have and working with your to best manage their condition.

Meet our pediatric urology team

Diagnosing Voiding Dysfunction in Children

If you or your child's physician thinks that he or she may have voiding dysfunction, our experts will use advanced diagnostic technology to assess any potential condition, but first, we will complete a detailed evaluation and physical exam.

In order to properly identify your child's specific treatment needs, we might need to perform additional imaging, such as an ultrasound or an x-ray, or in some cases, further testing which could include:

• Voiding cystourethogram (VCUG) is a minimally invasive test that enables your physician to see your child's urinary tract and bladder to better analyze any issues.
• Urodynamics are tests that can measure how well the bladder and sphincter are performing. Should your child need any of these additional tests, our team will thoroughly explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have.

Treatment Options for Children with Voiding Dysfunction

Our experienced team will work with your child to overcome voiding dysfunction and enable him/her to retrain their body to urinate properly.

Biofeedback Therapy for Children with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: What to Expect

Biofeedback therapy is ideal when your child has inadequate pelvic floor relaxation during urination, as it will teach him/her to voluntarily relax their muscles when urinating.

During an hour-long session, we will work with your child to practice relaxing their pelvic floor. By placing EMG electrodes on your child's abdomen and perineum, he or she can visualize their muscle activity and learn to control them by playing interactive computer games that require them to contract and relax their pelvic floor.

Typically, your child can learn proper muscle relaxation in six to eight sessions, with a standard schedule of once a week for the first three weeks and progressing to one session every other week after that.

What should we do at home?

In order to have the best results from the program, we will give your child exercises he/she should practice at home every day. As a parent, encouraging your son or daughter to complete all the components of their elimination plan, and keeping a symptom log will give them the best chance for success. At each session, our staff will check your symptom log, exercise progression and urination studies to evaluate your child's progress. 

What to Eat and Drink, What Not to Eat and Drink

• Have your child drink plenty of water during the day.
• Do not have caffeine, carbonation (soda pop), citrus, chocolate, and food coloring.
• Fiber supplements and laxatives may be needed to reach these goals.

Going to the Bathroom, Double Voiding and Helping Your Child Empty Their Bladder

• Have your child go to the bathroom when they first wake up in the morning.
  Practice timed-voiding every two hours during the day. Use the bathroom just before going to bed.
• Have your child practice double voiding. After your child has voided, have them count to 20 and try to void again.
• Make sure your child relaxes and does not rush when using the bathroom. This will help bladder emptying.

Managing Your Child's Constipation

• The goal is to have one or two soft and easy to pass bowel movements each day.
• Do not eat foods that can cause constipation such as milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and white bread or rice.
• Have plenty of fiber-rich food in your child’s diet. These include whole wheat bread and cereals, vegetables, and fruit.