People find urological health a sensitive topic, which is why many common urological problems in men and women remain undiagnosed. In women, the urological system consists of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. In men, urological health includes the urinary tract and reproductive organs.
The main role of our urinary tract is to remove waste from the body. In this post, we’ll take a look at the common urological issues in men and women, the best treatment options, and when medical care is important.
Urological Issues in Men and Women
Urinary Tract Infection
A Urinary Tract Infection occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract and start multiplying, leading to inflammation. Although it commonly affects women, men can develop it too.
Symptoms and Causes
- A burning sensation when urinating
- A sudden urge to pass urine
- Cloudy urine with foul smell
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Fever (if the infection spreads to the kidneys)
People with poor hygiene or those who hold urine are at an increased risk of UTI.
Treatment
UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor will advise you to stay hydrated and prescribe painkillers if you have abdominal pain.
Kidney Stones
Salts and certain types of minerals can form pebble-like deposits in your kidneys, causing kidney stones. Their sizes can vary. These stones can pass naturally through your urine (if they are small) or might cause extreme pain when passing through the urinary tract.
Causes and Symptoms
A diet rich in salt, sugar, and animal protein can cause kidney stones. The most common cause is dehydration. When you don’t drink enough fluids, you may not pass enough urine, and there’s a high chance the minerals might stick together. Symptoms include:
- Intense, throbbing pain in the back or sides
- A burning sensation when passing urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hematuria
- An urge to pass urine frequently
Treatment
Small kidney stones can pass without medical intervention, but larger ones might require treatments, like lithotripsy, laser removal, or open surgery.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is another urological problem, in which a person loses their ability to hold urine. In other words, they experience urine leakage.
Causes and Symptoms
Urinary incontinence occurs due to nerve damage, after pregnancy and childbirth, or after prostate surgery in men.
Treatment
A urologist in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, may recommend pelvic floor strengthening exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, along with medication to relax bladder muscles.
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Benign prostate hyperplasia is a common urological condition in older men. As men age, their prostate enlarges, causing urinary issues.
Causes and Symptoms
The exact causes of BPH are not known, although the condition is commonly linked to older men. Symptoms of BPH include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- An urge to urinate frequently at night
- A feeling that the bladder doesn’t empty fully
- Weak urine stream
Treatments
Your doctor may recommend medication to restore your prostate size to normal. In some cases, a surgical removal of the enlarged prostate may be necessary.
Conclusion
Urological issues might seem difficult to talk about, but they can affect your quality of life. Early treatment can relieve your symptoms and help you live comfortably. Drink enough water, listen to your body, and see a urologist if the problem persists.
