Understanding Common Urological Conditions and Their Treatments

Understanding Common Urological Conditions and Their Treatments

Our urinary tract and male reproductive system play an important role in our overall health. Any disruptions to these systems can impact our quality of life significantly.

When these issues arise, it’s best to consult a Melbourne Urologist. They are specializing in treating urological diseases, provides expert care tailored to your needs

Urinary Tract Infections

The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for wastes and extra water. It consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder and a urethra. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body and can affect people of all ages and sex.

A UTI happens when bacteria enters the urethra, bladder or both. This can cause pain or burning when you pee. Other symptoms include feeling like you need to urinate more often, or having trouble urinating. You may also have blood in your urine (hematuria).

Infections of the bladder can be called cystitis or urethritis. Women are more likely to get a UTI than men because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria in the stool to get into the urethra. Sexually transmitted infections can also put you at higher risk for a UTI.

Treatment for a UTI usually involves antibiotics. Which one your doctor prescribes depends on where in the urinary tract the infection is. To reduce your chances of getting an infection again, it’s important to finish your entire course of antibiotics. If you’re diagnosed with a viral UTI, your doctor may recommend a different medication. Taking a urine culture before starting antibiotics can help your doctor choose the right antibiotic for you.

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Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like objects made from minerals and salts that can form in the kidneys. They are also called renal calculi or urolithiasis and can be any color or shape. Kidney stones often cause pain and a burning sensation when you urinate, and may require surgery to remove them.

There are four types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate, which forms when your body keeps too much calcium and it combines with other substances like oxalate in the urine; uric acid, which occurs when you lose too much fluid by sweating or diarrhoea; cystine, which is due to a hereditary condition that causes the kidneys to reabsorb more than they should; and struvite, which results from a urinary tract infection. Your doctor can diagnose kidney stones by doing blood and urine tests, a CT or ultrasound, and a urologic exam.

Your doctor can treat most kinds of kidney stones with a procedure called ureteroscopy, in which they pass a thin tube through your bladder and ureters to find and break up the stone, then remove it. They do not make any cuts in your skin with this technique, and you are asleep during the operation. They might also do extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, in which sound waves blast the stones into smaller pieces that are more easily passed in your urine.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence affects people of all ages. However, it’s most common in older adults. It happens when weak pelvic muscles allow urine to leak from the bladder. This is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It can happen because of coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising. It can also happen because of conditions like spinal cord injury or diabetes. It can be triggered by medications.

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Symptoms of SUI include the sudden, intense urge to urinate and the involuntary loss of urine during or just after that. People with this type of incontinence often find it difficult to get to a toilet in time. In some cases, the leaking urine may be so small that it doesn’t even leave the body. This is called overflow incontinence.

A urologist will take a detailed history and perform a physical exam to check for signs of infection or other issues. They may also do a urinalysis, which involves collecting a sample of urine for analysis. They can also examine the inside of your bladder with a cystoscope. A urologist might also ask you to keep a bladder diary, in which you record how much you drink, when you urinate and whether you experience urine leaks.

There are several treatment options for urinary incontinence, including physical therapy, medication and surgery. Your doctor may also suggest that you eat more fiber and avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods, which can worsen the condition. They might also recommend kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

Erectile Dysfunction

Having the right medical team in place is important to help diagnose and treat your health conditions. When it comes to your urinary tract and male sex organs, you may need to see specialists known as urologists.

Urology diseases can impact people of all ages. When your body’s systems fail to work together correctly, it can lead to mild discomfort to serious illness.

If you have a urinary condition that needs specialized care, your primary care physician may refer you to a urologist. The urologist will be able to provide care to address the issue and help restore proper function.

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Some common urological conditions include UTIs, kidney stones and incontinence issues. A urologist can also assist with prostate problems and erectile dysfunction.

Inability to get or keep a firm erection during sexual intercourse is called erectile dysfunction (ED). While it’s normal for men to have a difficult time getting an erection from time to time, if this occurs regularly and interferes with your relationship, talk to your doctor. A urologist will be able to determine the cause of your ED and prescribe medication or other treatment options. In some cases, a urologist will use a reversible procedure to increase blood flow to the penis. This can be done with a laser or a suppository of alprostadil (PGE1) that is placed in the urethra.

Perera Urology
Suite 118/55 Flemington Rd,
North Melbourne VIC 3051
1300 884 673
www.pereraurology.com

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