There are numerous conditions that affect the urinary system in both men and women. Ordinarily, diseases of the urinary system affect one or more parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, ureters, and in men, the prostate gland.Common urology problems include urinary tract infections, incontinence or urine leakage, pelvic organ prolapse in women, overactive or underactive bladder, enlarged prostate in men and kidney or bladder stones. Most urological conditions can be treated and the patient can return to full health.
Treatment of Common Urology problems
The treatment of a patient will depend on how far the illness has progressed and how severe the symptoms are. The most common treatment methods are:
1. Behavioral modifications and Physical Therapy
Once a specific condition is diagnosed, the first course of treatment focuses on:
a. Changing any of the patient’s behavioral practices that may contribute to the disease; and
b. Introducing practices that strengthen the affected organ or the body in general.
For example, when patients are diagnosed with incontinence, they may be advised to cut down on the intake of fluids such as water and coffee. Similarly, patients with pelvic organ prolapse may be advised to undertake pelvic exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.
2. Medication
Medication can be prescribed for urological conditions in the same way that they are prescribed for other illnesses. Medication works for moderate to severe illnesses that cannot be managed through behavioral modifications alone. Some medications are taken orally while others may be injected. The most common categories of drugs include:
a. Antibiotics. Antibiotics treat simple cases of urinary tract infections successfully.
b. Anticholinergics. These treat an overactive bladder.
c. Alpha-blockers. These are used to treat prostate enlargement in men.
3. Surgical Procedures
The severity of a problem may require that a patient undergo surgery. Most urological surgeries are minimally invasive. Urologists use technological tools that make the procedure less painful and less traumatic, with the result that a patient recovers very quickly. There are a variety of minimally invasive procedures for treating pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence and an enlarged prostate in men.
The appropriate course of treatment can only be determined after tests are conducted and a diagnosis is made. The available forms of treatment may be used. Our specialists at Advanced Urology Institute can help you find the right tests and work with you on a plan of treatment that is most beneficial to you. They can answer any questions or concerns and help you reach your own decisions on your care. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.
