Contrary to what some people might believe, women need urologists just like men do. Ironically, women might need more urological services due to their shorter urethras, which carry urine from the bladder and outside of the body.
In addition to a higher incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), women have urological problems which are unique to them. Hence, it’s best to be aware of particular signs of urinary disease so that you can get treatment quickly – and a urogynecologist is the ideal urologic specialist for a woman to see.
Urinary Problems Women Commonly Get
See a urologist who specializes in women’s health if you notice or are diagnosed with any of the following physical issues:
Urinary Tract Infection
Because a woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s, bacteria and other infectious agents don’t have to travel as far to reach and infect the bladder. Once inside, the bacteria multiply rapidly, causing inflammation and potential tissue damage.
The classic signs of urinary tract infections include:
- Painful urination
- Cloudy urine
- Fever
- Chills
- Persistent pain near your bladder (abdominal area)
Early detection can lessen the danger posed by a urinary tract infection. The main danger is that the bacterial infection could also attack the kidneys and cause kidney damage.
Unexpected Leakage
It can be embarrassing to feel some urine leak suddenly and uncontrollably. However, you’re not alone. Many women suffer from stress incontinence, which leads to random leakage when they cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise.
Stress incontinence happens when the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and other nearby organs, become weak. Since these muscles help the urinary sphincter control the flow of urine, the muscles contribute to incontinence if they become damaged. As a result, activities that increase physical pressure inside the abdomen, like coughing, can push some urine out of the bladder.
Stress incontinence frequently affects women due to the unique demands that their pelvic floor muscles have to bear. Women who have been pregnant and gave birth vaginally are most at risk of developing urinary stress incontinence. It’s essential to see a urologist if you have this problem, since there are many interventions that can help – including exercises and surgical methods.
Frequent Urination
Another common sign of urinary problems is when you have to go to the bathroom frequently or urgently. This can become problematic, since many women might be unable to hold their urine before they reach a bathroom.
Frequent urination is a sign of an overactive bladder. The more formal term is “urge incontinence,” since the strong urge to urinate causes the lack of bladder control. Urge incontinence happens when the bladder contracts too strongly and too often, even if it isn’t full yet.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Perhaps one of the more concerning urinary tract disorders would be pelvic organ prolapse. In typical scenarios, the pelvic area relies on connective tissues to provide structural support to the organs in the region – but when the connective tissue loses strength, some of the organs may start to move from their standard anatomical areas. The result is like a hernia.
For example, the uterus or the bladder might start to press down on the vagina, causing the formation of a bulge. In severe cases, the bump might be readily visible from the outside.
Pelvic organ prolapse can cause significant pain, as well as painful, difficult, or uncontrollable urination. Seek a urologist if you are having these symptoms or something similar.
Experienced Urogynecologists in Syracuse
Here at University OB/GYN Associates, our medical team can help women who are experiencing urinary or pelvic issues of all kinds. At our office in Syracuse, our specialists will help you in the treatment and management of many urological conditions, including infection, incontinence, and organ prolapse.
For inquiries or to request an appointment, call our office today at (315) 464-5162 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you stay healthy!
