OBJECTIVETo compare the urodynamic diagnostic types of dysuria in female patients of different age groups.

METHODSSix hundred and sixteen female patients with dysuria were evaluated from March 1997 to July 2008. No patients had history of nervous system disease and history of lower urinary tract operations. They had detrusor pressure-flow studies and uroflowmetry. The urodynamic diagnostic types were analyzed in 3 different age groups.

RESULTSIn 3 groups of 18 - 40 years, 40 - 60 years and > or = 60 years, the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) had the highest proportion (54.8%, 59.1% and 45.0% respectively). The distribution of detrusor overactivity, detrusor under-activity and normal function had no significant difference between 3 groups. The distribution of BOO and acontractile detrusor had significantly difference between 3 groups. When groups of 18 - 40 years and 40 - 60 years were combined into 18 - 60 years group and compared with the older group, the proportion of BOO, acontractile detrusor and detrusor under-activity showed significantly difference. The proportions of BOO in the two groups were 57.3% and 45.0%, acontractile detrusor 15.6% and 23.9%, detrusor under-activity 17.4% and 25.0%, respectively. The proportion of reduced bladder sensation among detrusor under-activity patients in the older group was significantly higher.

CONCLUSIONSIn the urodynamic diagnoses of voiding difficulty in female patients, bladder outlet obstruction has the highest proportion. This proportion decreases in the older patients. The proportion of acontractile detrusor and detrusor under-activity increases in the older group.