New Delhi: Urological problems in women are often related to the bladder, kidneys, and urethra, and some issues may arise due to pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. Many issues are temporary and some can be managed by lifestyle changes but not all. Here are seven common urological concerns in women that should be addressed immediately.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Asha Dalal, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, spoke about the most common urological disorders reported in women apart from UTIs and kidney stones.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are extremely common in women, with over 50% of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to symptoms such as frequent and painful urination, a burning sensation, and cloudy or bloody urine. If left untreated, UTIs can progress to kidney infections, which can be more severe and lead to complications like sepsis.
Because of the anatomical structure of the female urethra, which is shorter and closer to the anus, women are more susceptible to UTIs than men. Women should seek prompt treatment at the first sign of infection to prevent complications. Treatment typically involves antibiotics. Usually, a short course is given. You may be given a pain reliever to ease the burning while passing urine.
For frequent infections, you may have to continue low-dose antibiotics for a long time maybe as long as 6 months.
If you are menopausal vaginal oestrogen will help. You may be required to do an Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis, sometimes a CT scan or MRI may be needed. Sometimes a scope may be passed into the bladder and a cystoscopy may be required. Other measures include staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and urinating after sexual activity to flush out bacteria. Many people believe cranberry juice helps.
Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterised by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, often resulting in frequent trips to the bathroom, even during the night. Women with OAB may also experience urinary incontinence, leading to involuntary leakage. The exact cause of OAB is unknown, but factors such as aging, hormonal changes, and nerve damage from childbirth can contribute to its development. OAB can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, leading to embarrassment, social isolation, and anxiety. For the diagnosis, a detailed history is taken. You may be asked to do certain tests that include:
Urinalysis
Urodynamic testing
Ultrasound
CT scan
Cystoscopy
Management
Diet modification: Stop foods that cause bladder irritation. These include:
Tea
Coffee
Alcohol
Caffeinated soft drinks
Fruits and fruit juices
Chocolate
Tomatoes and tomato-based products
Spicy and acidic foods and drinks
Foods and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners, such as diet soft drinks and some chewing gums
Manage your weight
Bladder training to increase the interval between voiding
Keigels exercises
Medications
You will be given medication that allows your bladder to regulate muscle spasms and make the detrusor muscles relax. Nerve stimulation may also be recommended along with botox.
Botox is also an option.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
Unlike UTIs, IC does not result from an infection, and antibiotics are not effective. The symptoms of IC can vary but often include a persistent urge to urinate, pain in the bladder and pelvis, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Things that can make your symptoms worse include some foods, mental or physical stress, and your period.
To make a diagnosis you need to rule out other conditions so you will be asked to do urinalysis with culture, Ultrasound with post-void residual urine, cystoscopy with bladder and urethra biopsy, and cystoscopy with
Treatment options for IC may include dietary changes to avoid triggers and help ease symptoms, bladder instillations, medications, and physical therapy to relax pelvic floor muscles to relieve pain and reduce symptoms.
Bladder stretching and Botox injections are also used. Sometimes Steroids and immunosuppressants can be offered.
It’s essential to address IC promptly as it can worsen over time and severely affect daily life.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine, is a common urological concern in women, especially after childbirth or menopause. There are several types of incontinence, including stress incontinence (leakage during physical activities like coughing or sneezing) and urge incontinence (sudden, intense urges to urinate). An overactive bladder can cause urge incontinence. There can also be an overflow incontinence which usually occurs if there is a urethral problem or some nerve damage. Many times there is a mixed incontinence. Incontinence can result from weakened pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, or nerve damage. While it is often thought of as a normal part of aging, incontinence is treatable, and women should seek medical help rather than suffer in silence.
UTIs, pregnancy, certain medications, and some drugs May cause temporary incontinence. Diagnosis may require examination, urinalysis, stress test, urodynamic testing, etc. Treatments range from pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and bladder training to medications botox injections, neuromodulation, artificial urethral sphincters, and surgical options for more severe cases.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are solid masses of minerals that form in the kidneys and can cause intense pain as they move through the urinary tract. While kidney stones are often associated with men, women are also at risk, especially during pregnancy. Symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or side, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. To diagnose a kidney stone, a urinalysis, An Ultrasound or a CT scan may be required. Smaller stones may pass naturally with increased fluid intake, but larger stones may require medical intervention, such as shock wave therapy (lithotripsy) or surgery. If left untreated, kidney stones can block the urinary tract and lead to infections or kidney damage, so immediate treatment is essential.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) weaken, causing one or more organs to drop or press against the vaginal wall. This condition is common in women who have given birth vaginally or are post-menopausal, as the loss of estrogen can weaken pelvic tissues. Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, difficulty urinating, and discomfort during sex. In severe cases, the prolapsed organ may protrude outside the body. Treatment options include pelvic floor exercises, pessaries (devices inserted into the vagina for support), or surgery in more advanced cases and when the prolapse is causing discomfort to the patient.
Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)
Blood in the urine (hematuria) can be alarming and may indicate a serious urological problem. While hematuria can sometimes result from non-serious causes, such as vigorous exercise or certain medications, it can also be a symptom of more severe conditions like bladder or kidney infections, kidney stones, or even bladder cancer.
Women who notice blood in their urine should seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis is crucial for preventing more serious complications. A thorough evaluation, including urinalysis, imaging tests like Ultrasound, CT scan MRI, and possibly a cystoscopy (examining the bladder with a camera), may be required to determine the underlying cause. Besides antibiotics and plenty of oral fluids management will depend on the cause.
Conclusion
Urological health is a vital aspect of women’s overall well-being, and many common urological concerns require prompt attention to prevent complications. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early and seeking medical help is essential for proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Women should also practice preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and performing pelvic floor exercises, to promote urological health.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are extremely common in women, with over 50% of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to symptoms such as frequent and painful urination, a burning sensation, and cloudy or bloody urine. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
