The urinary tract system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Urologists are therefore trained to treat a wide range of conditions and diseases, including urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, prostate cancer, kidney stones, and erectile dysfunction. They also have expertise in treating conditions that affect the male reproductive organs, such as the testes, prostate, and penis. Because of this, many women think that urologists are just for men, but that’s not the case. Female urology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract disorders and conditions that specifically, or disproportionately, affect women. Here, we’ll go over some of the most common female urology problems and how to treat them.
Why Are Women at a Higher Risk for Urologic Problems
There are several reasons why women are at a higher risk for certain urologic conditions. Some of these include anatomy, hormonal changes, sexual activity, pregnancy and childbirth, and lifestyle factors.
- Anatomy — the female urinary tract is shorter and wider than the male tract, making it more susceptible to infections. Additionally, the urethra is located closer to the anus, which increases the risk of bacterial contamination.
- Hormonal Changes — hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, menopause, and other stages of life can affect the urinary tract and increase the risk of certain conditions.
- Sexual Activity — women who engage in sexual activity are at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections due to the introduction of bacteria into the urethra. To reduce the risk of experiencing UTIs, it’s important to maintain good hygiene and try to pee both before and after sex.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth — pregnancy and childbirth can cause physical changes in the pelvic area that can lead to conditions such as urinary incontinence or an increased risk of UTIs.
- Lifestyle Factors — certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity, can increase the risk of urologic conditions in women. Luckily, lifestyle factors can be changed to help prevent or reduce the risk of developing several common urologic conditions.
6 Common Female Urologic Conditions and How to Treat Them
There are several urologic conditions that affect women. The most common of them include urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, urinary incontinence, postpartum urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
1. Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are caused by bacteria, and the most common type of UTI is a bladder infection (cystitis). UTIs can also occur in the upper urinary tract, such as in the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Women are disproportionately affected by UTIs due to anatomy and the proximity of the urethra to the anus. They can be prevented by proper hygiene, wiping front to back, and urinating before and after sex.
Symptoms of a UTI can include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back
- Feeling tired or shaky
- Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached the kidneys)
UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. You’ll need to follow your doctor’s instructions and always finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better. Staying hydrated can also help flush out bacteria and reduce symptoms. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney problems, sepsis, and septicemia, so always see your doctor if you experience any symptoms.
2. Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that’s characterized by a strong, urgent need to urinate frequently, often with a sense of not being able to hold urine. This can lead to involuntary loss of urine (urinary incontinence). OAB can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage, bladder muscle problems, and more.
Symptoms of OAB include:
- A strong, sudden urge to urinate
- Needing to urinate frequently, often eight or more times a day
- Needing to urinate immediately, sometimes leaking urine before reaching the bathroom
- Waking up to urinate during the night two or more times
Treatment options for OAB include performing pelvic floor muscle exercises, taking medications to help relax the bladder and reduce the frequency of urination, bladder training, Botox injections, nerve stimulation, and more. It’s important to consult a urologist or urogynecologist if you experience symptoms of OAB, as they will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
3. Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome (BPS), is a chronic condition that causes discomfort or pain in the bladder and pelvic area alongside an urgent and frequent need to urinate. The exact cause of IC is not known, but it’s thought to be related to a problem with the bladder lining, an allergic reaction, or an underlying issue with the immune system.
Symptoms of IC can include:
- A strong, urgent need to urinate
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- A burning sensation during urination
- Pressure or tenderness in the bladder or pelvic area
- Frequently urinating small amounts
- Waking up at night to urinate
Diagnosis of IC is often difficult as it can have similar symptoms to other conditions such as urinary tract infections or bladder cancer. There is no specific test to diagnose IC, and the diagnosis is typically made after ruling out other conditions. Treatment options can include medications, bladder instillations, nerve stimulation, physical therapy, pelvic floor muscle exercises, lifestyle modifications, and more. Your urologist can help you find the best ways to manage interstitial cystitis and maintain a high quality of life.
4. Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of bladder control that results in the unintentional leakage of urine. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and can have a significant impact on quality of life. However, women tend to be disproportionately affected by urinary incontinence, often due to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. There are four primary types of urinary incontinence, including:
- Stress Incontinence — this type of incontinence occurs when physical activity or movements—coughing, laughing, or sneezing—put pressure on the bladder and cause leakage.
- Urge Incontinence — this type of incontinence is characterized by a strong, urgent need to urinate followed by leakage. It’s often caused by an overactive bladder muscle.
- Mixed Incontinence — this is a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow Incontinence — this type of incontinence occurs when the bladder is too full and unable to empty completely, resulting in leakage.
There are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for urinary incontinence in women. Some options include pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder training, medications, nerve stimulation, and a surgical sling procedure. Talk to your urologist if you experience any symptoms of incontinence, as treatment may vary based on type and severity.
5. Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
There’s also an additional type of urinary incontinence that only affects women after childbirth. This is called postpartum urinary incontinence. It’s fairly common and can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as hormonal changes.
During pregnancy, the weight of the uterus and the growing baby can put pressure on the pelvic muscles, causing them to weaken. Childbirth can also cause physical damage to the pelvic muscles, nerves and ligaments which support the pelvic organs. Other causes of postpartum urinary incontinence can include damage to the pelvic floor during childbirth, damage to the nerves, obesity, and more. Treatment options for postpartum urinary incontinence are the same as those used for non-pregnancy related incontinence.
6. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition in which the muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) weaken or stretch, causing the organs to drop down from their normal position and bulge into the vaginal canal. Pelvic organ prolapse can occur as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or other conditions that cause increased pressure on the pelvic muscles. There are several different types of pelvic organ prolapse, each characterized by the organ that’s affected.
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can include:
- A bulge or pressure in the vaginal area
- Difficulty with bowel movements or urination
- Low back pain
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
Treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse include pelvic floor muscle exercises, hormone therapy, pessary insertion to support the pelvic organs, or surgery for vaginal repair.
If you experience any symptoms of the above conditions, it’s important to see your doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. To help support optimal urologic health, Byram Healthcare offers a wide range of urologic products to alleviate symptoms and take control of your life. Browse our product catalog today and enjoy fast, discreet delivery directly to your doorstep.
Byram Healthcare is a member of the National Association for Continence’s Trusted Partners Program, whose mission is to provide quality continence care through education, collaboration and advocacy. We continue to build partnerships in the clinical community to ensure we focus on what’s best for the patient.
