The urinary tract system is made up of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Together they are responsible for filtering out toxins from the body in the form of urine and purifying the blood this way. Women are often known to face more urological problems than most men. This is because of some anatomical factors, hormonal changes, as well as pregnancy and the changes the body undergoes because of it.
Females usually find it embarrassing to talk about these problems. Therefore, we have come up with common urological problems along with important treatment options that most women face, as per a urologist in Lahore. Let’s have a detailed look at those.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
The accumulation of bacteria anywhere in the urinary tract may lead to a UTI. A common source of this bacteria in the urinary tract is through the urethra which frequently occurs when females wipe from back to front while using the toilet. UTIs are very common but can be very painful as well. A UTI is considered to be recurrent when the patient experiences the infection more than twice in six months.
Symptoms may include pain or burning sensation while urinating. The urge and frequency to urinate also increase. Sometimes, blood may be found in the urine as well, a condition which is called hematuria. A UTI caused by bacteria in the kidney may cause fever, pain on one or both sides of the body, and nausea.
UTIs are commonly treated with a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The course usually lasts two weeks. Cranberry juice is recommended along with probiotics to increase healthy gut flora. Appropriate hygienic measures need to be adopted and hydration needs to be increased to flush out harmful toxins. Going too long without treatment for a UTI may cause serious kidney problems and sepsis.
Urinary Incontinence
Unintentional leakage of urine is caused by the loss of bladder control which is known as urinary incontinence. Women are more affected by this, possibly due to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. It is not a normal part of aging. It occurs more in older women.
Sometimes the urge to urinate is so strong that you cannot make it to the washroom in time. Coughing, sneezing, or laughing may cause leakage as well. This is why physical activity puts pressure on the bladder.
This can often be treated with medications and minor lifestyle modifications. There may be an underlying cause to this as well, so it is better to consult a healthcare provider to rule out problems. Lifestyle modifications may include weight control. Cessation of smoking is necessary. Limiting the intake of caffeine-rich drinks such as tea and coffee will stop the frequent urge to urinate. Pelvic floor exercises will help to strengthen the muscles of the bladder as well.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
The bladder, uterus, and rectum are held at their respective places in the abdomen by the pelvic muscles and ligaments. Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a condition in which these muscles and ligaments weaken and cause the organ to drop down from its normal position. This prolapse may be due to childbirth, menopause, or increased pressure on the pelvic muscles.
Symptoms of prolapse may include pressure or bulge in the vaginal area. Lower back pain is common along with difficulty in bowel movements and urination.
Treatment options include tightening the muscles of the pelvic floor. This may be done by exercises, preferably kegel exercises. Lifestyle changes, insertion of pessary, hormonal therapy, or surgery are viable treatment options. If you are obese, weight loss is very important for this. Intake of appropriate fiber intake can help ease symptoms of bowel movement restrictions.
Overactive Bladder
If you have an overactive bladder, you may have a sudden urge to urinate. This sudden urination may occur at any time of the day. Women are more likely to have this condition. An overactive bladder may affect your lifestyle and emotional well-being. The main cause of this condition is a malfunction of the detrusor muscles. Bladder stones, nerve damage, or trauma are possible causative agents for this.
Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as limiting fluid intake in the first place. Dr. Zubair Ahmad Cheema recommends drinking less fluids after dinner to help stop frequent urination at night. Avoiding coffee, tea, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and spicy, and acidic foods will help avoid triggers. Medical interventions include bladder botox injections and nerve stimulation.
Final Thoughts
Urological problems amongst women are common but they can be devastating. Harming their overall health as well as their life routines, these should be treated timely to avoid aggravations leading to serious complications.
