Urinary Problems

Overview

With healthy people, urine passes from the bladder through the urethra to exit the body. Urination occurs after the body sends a signal to the brain. Many muscles and organs are involved including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, and most healthy people can control the entire process from start to finish.

Urination involves complex and interconnected physiological processes, and a number of problems can occur among people of all ages. Problems can be related to neurological disorders, muscle conditions, or infections.

Both men and women are at risk for urinary problems. If you experience the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor promptly:

• Pain when urinating
• Burning when urinating
• An inability to urinate (feeling that there is a blockage)
• Incontinence (loss of bladder control)
• Abdominal pain
• Sharp back pain
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy urine
• Sharp pain in the groin
• Ache under the scrotum
• Unusual discharge
• Urinating frequently but only producing a small amount of urine
• Urinating frequently and excessively

Conditions

Urinary problems can involve problems in your spinal cord, brain, muscles, and organs.

Urinary Tract Infections

One of the most common conditions is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Infections occur when Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria, enters the urinary tract. Oftentimes, UTIs result from sexual intercourse. Symptoms include pain and burning when urinating in addition to sharp abdominal pain. You might feel like you need to void, but you might only pass a small amount of urine at a time. You may also experience a fever. An untreated UTI can become a more serious kidney infection that causes sharp pains in your lower back. In general, women are more at risk than men because of their anatomy. UTIs can produce infections in the bladder, urethra, or both.

Sexually Transmitted Disease

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) can produce symptoms that are similar to a UTI. Some STDs like herpes, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia will cause UTIs in the urethra. STDS may also cause additional symptoms including discharge and rashes. These symptoms are generally more common among men. You may not be able to notice an STD, so when you are tested for a UTI, you should make sure that you are tested for possible STDs as well.

Neurological Problems

Neurological problems can occur in your brain and spinal cord. Nerves in your lumbar (lower) spine control your urinary functions, so nerve damage could cause incontinence. Brain problems, including tumors can produce similar symptoms. If you experience weakness in your legs in addition to incontinence, you might have a pinched nerve or spinal cord tumor. Some neurological problems are reversible, while others are not. There are also a wide range of neurological problems that produce varying symptoms.

Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome are characterized by frequent and sudden urges to urinate, especially at night. People with overactive bladder syndrome might also experience a loss of bladder control. Symptoms are frequently similar to those that result from UTIs.

Kidney and Bladder Stones

Stones sometimes form in the bladder, ureter, and kidneys and produce symptoms of a UTI. If you have a stone, you will feel intense and excruciating, and you might notice a blockage that is preventing you from completely voiding. Stones are formed by calcium, magnesium, and uric acid salt deposits. Minerals and salts form when water, salts, proteins and minerals become imbalanced. They can grow very big in size, or they can remain very small. Ultrasound scans can help identify stones in the bladder, kidneys, and ureter. Stones might go away without treatment, eventually passing through the ureter, or a doctor might need to prescribe shock wave treatment to break the stone. Prevent stones in the kidney, bladder, and ureter by drinking lots of water. Dehydration is the biggest cause.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you show symptoms of a UTI or if you experience incontinence. You may need to go to the emergency room if you feel sharp or unbearable pain. Get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosis & Treatment

A doctor can diagnose a UTI and many STDs by performing a urinalysis. A urinalysis might also indicate crystals in the bladder, bladder stones, kidney stones, or kidney infections. X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans might deliver more precise results. An EMG is a test that analyzes nerve function and nerve damage. Make sure that you have a detailed list of your symptoms so that your doctor can find specific treatment.

UTIs and some STDs will typically require oral antibiotics. Serious kidney infections will need intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Other treatments include physical therapy, nerve stimulants, and surgery. There might not be any treatment for incontinence, depending on your condition. A doctor can help you develop a custom tailored treatment plan. Even if no cure exists, medical professionals can help you live with your symptoms.