Urinary problems
Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ
Urinary problems of any sort can cause a great deal of discomfort and embarrassment. One of the most common is urinary tract infection, which is most often seen in women. The second most common type of infection in the body, urinary tract infections may cause general discomfort as well as unusually frequent and painful urination.
Frequent urination is also a symptom of prostate enlargement, common in older men, and which may also cause a weak urine stream, urgency, or leakage. Incontinence, or involuntary loss of urine, is common among women, and can occur for a number of reasons.
Common symptoms of urinary problems are:
- Painful or burning sensation during urination
- Urge to urinate frequently (frequency)
- Urgent need to urinate (urgency)
- Feeling unable to completely empty the bladder (retention)
- Involuntary urine loss (incontinence)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Urinary problems causes
Infections
Urinary tract infections arise when bacteria, usually Escherichia coli (E. coli) from the digestive tract, gather at the opening of the urethra, multiply, and spread. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may also cause urinary tract infections.
Frequency
Urinary frequency may be a symptom of a urinary tract infection, or of irritation, infection, or cancer of the bladder. It may also be caused by pregnancy, diabetes, or prostate problems, by some medications, or by radiation therapy.
Urgent urination
Urgent urination can be caused by a blockage in the urinary system, by an infection of the urinary tract or bladder, or other bladder conditions. It can also be caused by intake of caffeine, alcohol and some artificial sweeteners.
Urinary retention
There are many possible causes for urinary retention, including blockages, narrowing of the urethra, prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. Problems with the nerves or muscles of the bladder may also cause urine to be retained.
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence may occur as a result of a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or weak pelvic muscles. In men, it is often caused by prostate enlargement. Women may experience incontinence due to weak pelvic muscles or to the physical changes that take place with pregnancy or with menopause.
Blood in urine
Blood may sometimes be seen in the urine due to viral infection, prostate enlargement, or as a reaction to some medications. More serious causes include trauma, infection or obstruction of the urinary tract, kidney stones, or cancer.
Urinary problems diagnosis
Analysis of a urine sample is an important diagnostic tool, revealing blood or bacteria that may indicate an infection, excess glucose that may be symptomatic of diabetes, or high protein levels that can signify disease of the kidneys, heart, or blood. You will also be asked questions about your symptoms.
Depending upon your symptoms, your doctor may perform a general physical examination, discuss your medical history, and possibly explore your family history for genetic factors. In some cases, you could be asked to keep a record of your urination patterns for a time. If urine retention is an issue, your doctor may insert a tiny flexible tube (catheter) into your urethra, through which the urine may be released. Additional lab tests may also be required, based on the results of your medical exam.
Urinary problems treatment
Treatment of urinary problems depends upon the underlying cause of your symptoms. Antibiotics are usually the initial treatment for urinary tract infection. Retained urine may be released by a catheter, or thin flexible tube, inserted into the urethra, and medication may be used to reduce obstruction and promote urination.
Urgency and incontinence may require medication or even surgery in some cases, but can often be treated with diet modification and changes in fluid intake. Behavioral changes may be used to retrain the bladder, and Kegel exercises can be added to strengthen the muscles that hold in urine.
Urinary problems FAQ
What are some of the risk factors for urinary problems?
Changes in the urinary system can occur with age, illness, or injury. Any of these may cause kidney function to decline, and muscles in the pelvis, bladder, urethra, and sphincter to weaken.
What steps can I take to keep my urinary system healthy?
- Avoid foods or liquids such as caffeine or alcohol that can irritate your bladder.
- Eat foods that are high in fiber.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Keep your weight at a healthy level.
- Use Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles.
- Don’t smoke.
- Maintain a moderate level of physical activity.
When should I talk to my doctor about urinary problems?
In addition to their effect on your comfort, many urinary problems can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Therefore, it’s wise to see your doctor as soon as possible.
