Urinary Problems

Urinary Problems Q & A

What kinds of urinary problems are there?

Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Problems in any of these organs, as well as the muscles and connective tissue in your pelvic floor, can result in urinary health problems. 

Some of the most common urinary health problems include:

• Incontinence

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Bladder infections 

• Interstitial cystitis

• Kidney stones

Women are more likely than men to have urinary health issues because of their anatomy. The proximity of your urethra's opening to your anus increases the risk of bacteria entering your urinary tract. 

Additionally, the physical stress of pregnancy and childbirth can weaken your pelvic floor. This reduces the support for your bladder and urethra to function properly, increasing your chances of developing incontinence.

When should I talk to a doctor about a urinary problem?

Urinary tract infections can cause painful and disruptive symptoms, including:

• Burning with urination

• Pelvic pain

• Low back pain

• Foul-smelling urine

• Urination frequency, urgency, hesitancy

• Blood in the urine

• Fever

• Fatigue and weakness

A UTI may also produce a strong urge to urinate, but when you go, there’s very little urine. 

If you have any of these symptoms, contact the team at Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates for diagnosis and treatment. 

Many women assume that incontinence is an inevitable part of aging or are embarrassed to ask for help. The doctors can often provide personalized treatment to restore your urinary control. Don't suffer in silence.

The doctors at Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates offer ThermiVa® vaginal rejuvenation treatments. The treatment uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in your vaginal tissue and restore your intimate health.

How are urinary problems diagnosed?

The physicians at Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates use thorough exams and lab tests to diagnose urinary problems. When you come in for an evaluation, they review your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. 

your doctor might order blood tests, a urinalysis, or a urine culture to obtain more information and confirm her diagnosis. In some cases, they might recommend an ultrasound or sonohysterogram to look for structural problems or blockages that could contribute to your symptoms. 

How are urinary problems treated?

Your doctor creates a customized treatment plan to address your specific urinary needs. For example, if you have a UTI, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to resolve the infection and suggest drinking more water to flush out your system.

Alternatively, your physician might recommend a pessary, pelvic floor physical therapy, or ThermiVa to treat urinary incontinence. In severe cases, they might suggest surgery to repair your pelvic floor or implant a sling to support your bladder. 

If you have symptoms of a urinary health problem, call Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates or make an appointment online today.