Some women have the mistaken idea that urologists are a type of a medical specialist who only treat men. However, urologists commonly treat people of both genders.
They deal with problems of the urinary tract, which is a bodily system that includes muscles, organs, and tubes as well as the reproductive system for both men and women.
A urogynecologist is a separate specialty. This medical professional is a gynecologist who has completed advanced training in problems specific to women. These can include difficulty with bladder control, pelvic organ prolapse, bladder infections, and reproductive issues.
Regardless of your gender, the following symptoms could indicate that you should schedule an appointment with a urologist at United Hospital Center (UHC):
- Blood in the urine
- Increasing frequency or urinary urgency
- Leaking of urine
- Burning or pain when you urinate
- Back or side pain
We encourage you to schedule an appointment if you notice even one of these symptoms. It may not be a urinary problem, but your doctor can rule that out and set you on a course to feeling better.
Common Urinary System Problems for Women
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most typical urinary issues that affect women. In fact, UTIs are so common that most women will have at least one at some point in her life. This type of infection occurs when bacteria from other places in the body get into the urinary tract. One of the first indications that you may have a UTI include feeling a sudden urge to go to the bathroom and then not be able to urinate. You are also likely to feel burning or pain when you do urinate. Completing a course of antibiotics is the typical treatment for a UTI.
Fallen Bladder
This problem occurs in women when the bladder falls so low that it drops into the vagina. Other terms used to describe a fallen bladder include bladder prolapse and cystocele. The most common cause of a fallen bladder is a weakening of the wall that separates the vagina from the bladder. Bladder wall weakness can occur after giving birth, lifting heavy objects, from chronic coughing, or due to obesity. Because of hormonal changes associated with aging, fallen bladders are more common among older women than younger women. Urologists commonly treat this problem with surgery.
Interstitial Cystitis
Also known as painful bladder syndrome, this condition causes pain in the lower abdomen and the bladder. You may feel an urge to empty your bladder as often as 60 times a day. It will also feel like your bladder is always full even when it is holding little to no urine. Interstitial cystitis can make it difficult to engage in sex, social activities, or travel. Many possible treatments exist, including the following:
- Medication
- Diet modification
- Relaxation techniques
- Wearing looser clothing
- Exercise
- Bladder training
- Physical therapy
- Biofeedback therapy
- Resection surgery
- Bladder augmentation surgery
Problems with Bladder Control
Urinary incontinence affects twice as many women as men. If you have this problem, you will notice that you leak small amounts of urine when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise. The medical term for this phenomenon is stress incontinence. It typically occurs due to weakness of the muscles that support the bladder. Pregnancy, childbirth, and aging are the most typical causes of stress incontinence.
An overactive bladder or an overflow urinary infection (UI) are other common bladder control problems. If you have an overactive bladder, it means that you frequently feel sudden and strong urges to urinate even when your bladder isn’t full. An overflow UI means that urine leaks from your bladder because you have difficulty emptying it all the way. Possible treatments for these issues include:
- Exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor
- Injections
- Implants
- Medication
- Surgery
You don’t have to feel embarrassed if you have a urinary issue. They are common, and our doctors are here to help. Please contact UHC today to request your appointment with one of our experienced urologists.
Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.