Women’s Urologic Problems: Common Conditions Many Women Face

This month, we wanted to spotlight women’s urologic health and look at women’s urologic problems that many women will face at sometime in their lives. Many of the conditions related to urology are more commonly thought of regarding men, notably prostate health. However, there are several urology conditions specific to women that are important to become aware of and knowledgeable about should these problems ever occur for you or a woman in your life. Let’s take a closer look.

What is the Urinary System?

The urinary system is compiled of the bladder, the kidneys, the urethra, and the ureters. The urinary system is in charge of producing, storing and eliminating urine. The urine is created by the kidneys and then this liquid waste is transferred through the tubes called ureters from the kidney to the bladder. When the bladder is full, the waste is urinated through the urethra. This system is complex and at times can be susceptible to diseases or problems which cause blockage or infections. Let’s take a closer look at common women’s urologic problems.

What are common urology problems among women?

These are the 4 most common women’s urologic problems that Dr. Tay treats in his practice. The good news is that there is almost always a course of treatment for each to help you resume your daily life and activities!

• Urinary Incontinence – There are three main categories of urinary incontinence which include urge incontinence, stress incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. This condition is most common in women for many reasons including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, nerve damage and more. Once a cause is determined, Tay works with clients individually to determine the best solution for their specific case since everyone’s body and symptoms are different.
• Overactive Bladder (OA) – Overactive Bladder is the name of a group of urinary symptoms. OA is usually also used to describe a condition that is not tied to a urinary disease but is tied to specific symptoms. Common symptoms are sudden urges to urinate with or without loss of urine, waking up more than once during the night to urinate and general urinary frequency.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – Urinary tract infections are infections that have to do with any part of the urinary system mentioned above. UTI systems include Dysuria (painful or difficult urination), frequent urination, backaches, fevers, pelvic pain and more. UTIs are commonly caused by sexual activity, shortened urethras, blockage in the ureters, urinary incontinence and more. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics but those with more common UTIs (such as those with chronic UTIs) can be helped by Dr. Tay to decide on a more aggressive plan.
• Interstitial Cystitis – Interstitial Cystitis is a painful bladder condition in which symptoms are suprapubic or perineal pain, pain when the bladder is full followed by relief after urination, dyspareunia and more.

If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above related to these common women’s urologic problems, it is important to take care of your body in the ways necessary. If you think you may be suffering from one of the urology problems mentioned, contact Dr. Howard Tay, a board-certified urologist who has practiced urology since 1996. Set up an appointment today on his website or call 602-337-8500.