Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Women: Functional Causes

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women has received less focus in the past, as compared with BOO in men; however, more recently, studies have further examined BOO and voiding dysfunction in women to define the various etiologies, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. The differential diagnosis in women is broad and includes anatomic, neurologic, and functional etiologies. This review focuses on the functional etiologies, including dysfunctional voiding, Fowler’s syndrome, and primary bladder neck obstruction in adult women.