Voiding Improvement Clinic

Voiding Improvement Clinic at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital: A Collaborative Approach to Pediatric Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction

Bowel and bladder dysfunction in children is very common. Symptoms of such dysfunction may be constipation, stool accidents, daytime wetting, recurrent urinary tract infections and/or nighttime wetting. In some children, there may be an underlying psychological condition leading to their bowel or bladder issues. In other children their bowel and bladder issues may lead to significant emotional problems. 

The Voiding Improvement Clinic (VIP) is a partnership between our pediatric urology and child psychology providers, devoted to helping treat and cure pediatric bladder and bowel issues using a collaborative, individualized approach.

Toilet-trained children with behavioral issues, anxiety, and/or stress due to bladder and bowel issues - such as bedwetting and daytime accidents - can benefit from this tailored clinical partnership. There are many different reasons why a child may have daytime urinary accidents, recurrent urinary tract infections, bedwetting, constipation, and/or stool incontinence.

Some children may also have underlying psychological issues that can result in bladder and bowel problems. These problems can take an emotional toll on the patient and family. We provide psychological/emotional support and work with patients and families to develop structure, routines, and coping mechanisms to deal with and overcome toileting issues.

This type of specialized, collaborative pediatric bladder and bowel dysfunction clinic is the only clinic of its kind in the Midwest.