Health ConditionsUrological Health

Urological Health

Urological health looks after the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and reproductive organs, known as the urogenital tract. People might experience urological health issues like kidney stones, damage, and disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), incontinence, prostate cancer, and interstitial cystitis. Treatment varies significantly based on the specific condition and may involve lifestyle changes, medications (including hormone replacement therapy), nonsurgical procedures, and surgeries.

Maintaining hydration, urinary hygiene, and a healthy weight, eating a proper diet, and getting enough exercise can support urological health.

Common Questions & Answers

What are common urological problems?

Incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and interstitial cystitis are common urological problems, as are kidney stones, disease, and infections. Doctors also treat cancers of the bladder, prostate, kidneys, penis, and testicles as part of urological health.

Stay hydrated, apply good habits when using the bathroom, train your pelvic floor, and avoid ingredients that irritate the bladder, such as caffeine or intense spices. Quitting or avoiding smoking can reduce your risk of urological cancers.

UTIs can lead to frequent urination that burns, an increased need to urinate during the night, or cloudy or bloody urine. You might also feel belly pain, back pain just beneath the ribs, and a very high or low temperature.

Benign prostate enlargement is common in older men. Although it may cause alarm, it isn’t a type of cancer, won’t increase your risk of cancer, and doesn’t pose a serious threat to health. However, BPE can interfere with urination.

For small stones, a doctor may give medication to soothe pain or make kidney stones easier to pass. Larger stones may require procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or nephrolithotomy.

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Resources
  1. Urology Services and Treatments. Mayo Clinic Health System.
  2. 15 Tips to Keep Your Bladder Healthy. National Institute on Aging. January 24, 2022.

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