Suffering from bladder problems can be difficult and embarrassing. Leaking urine, the frequent need to urinate and ongoing bladder, urinary tract or vaginal infections are just some of the symptoms many women face. In addition to being cumbersome, these symptoms can also be a sign of a more serious female urology problem. And if left untreated, they can pose the great risk to your health. To follow are some of the most common female urological problems experienced by women:
- Overactive bladder. The sudden and frequent urge to urinate is annoying at best. But if your symptoms are taking a toll on your daily life, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
- Female incontinence (the involuntary release of urine) take three forms: stress incontinence, where you leak after you sneeze, cough or laugh; urge incontinence, which occurs when you really need to urinate but can’t reach the toilet in time; and overflow incontinence, where you are unable to empty your bladder completely.
- Bladder infection. This is an infection caused when bacteria travels to the bladder and multiplies.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). This infection happens when bacteria enters the urethra opening and multiplies in the urinary tract. Symptoms include an intense urge to urinate even though little comes out, pain in your lower abdomen or back, fever or chills (which could indicate kidney infection), and cloudy, dark or strange smelling urine.
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Also known as painful bladder syndrome, IC is a chronic condition that causes pressure and pain in your bladder, and sometimes pelvic pain.
- Voiding dysfunction. This is a condition where the coordination between the bladder muscle and urethra is poor, resulting in overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles or incomplete relaxation. Women may experience painful urination, urinary frequency or urinary urgency with voiding dysfunction.
The conditions listed above can be caused for several reasons, from difficult childbirth to the natural aging process. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Ilbeigi.
