Irritative voiding symptoms: Identifying the cause

Most cases of irritative voiding are caused by urinary tract infections ass ociated with common, community-acquired pathogens such as Escherichia coli. But when symptoms persist in the absence of infection, less common diagnos es must be considered. Appropriate cultures and urodynamic studies will rul e out obstruction and identify detrusor hyperactivity. Definitive diagnosis of interstitial cystitis requires cystoscopy and hydrodistention.