How Do Health Care Professionals Find The Cause Of A Bladder Control Problem
A health care professional will ask about your family and medical history and give you a physical exam. The exam will look for medical problems that may lead to accidental urine loss, also called urinary incontinence . You may be asked to cough while your bladder is full to see if you leak urine. This is called a stress test, and health care professionals use it to help diagnose stress incontinence.
Additionally, you may be asked to keep a bladder diary, and your health care professional may order labs and other diagnostic tests.
Reasons For Women To See A Urologist
- 4 min Read
Urologists arent just a specialist for men women can also visit them. They get the proper training to treat problems relating to the urinary tract. It is a whole system of muscles, organs, and tubes like that of the kidney. A urologist is also able to treat problems relating to the reproductive system in women and men.
For women, you can see a urologist that is also known as a urogynecologist. This urologist is a gynecologist specializing in treating urinary tract, female reproductive system, and bladder problems. There may be many warning signs that will indicate that you are having a bladder control problem:
- Leaking Urine
- You want to urinate every little while.
- Pain and burning sensation when peeing
The above symptoms are prevalent when you are suffering from a bladder problem. It would help if you were proactive in treating your urinary problem since its very close to the reproductive system.
Kidney & Bladder Stones
Bladder stones and kidney stones are masses of minerals that develop in the bladder and kidneys. The stones build-up due to high concentrations of urine crystallize. Some stones are small enough to pass on their own without treatment. Other stones require medications or surgery to remove. If bladder stones or kidney stones are left untreated, they can lead to infections and serious complications.
Bladder stones often occur in people who have trouble emptying their bladders. Kidney stones may be caused by diets high in calcium and/or salt. Dehydration and low urine volume can also contribute to the development of urinary stones.
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Risks Involving Bladder Surgery
- Strictures Scar tissue inside the bladder, ureters, or intestines.
- Obstruction of the intestines or ureters.
- Blood clots in the lungs or legs.
- Infection at the surgery site.
- Damage to organs near the bladder.
- Some forms of bladder surgery, due to a cancer for example, make the patient infertile because reproductive organs may be removed in the process.
- If men had their prostate and seminal vesicles removed during surgery, then they may experience erection problems.
- Women who have part of their vagina removed during surgery may experience sex problems.
You Have Trouble With Bladder Control
Urinary incontinence is one of the top reasons to see a urologist. This condition can range in severity from person to person. Some people leak a little while some lose bladder control and cant make it to the restroom in time. There are four main types of urinary incontinence and they are all caused by different things:
- Stress Urinary Incontinence
- Mixed Incontinence
The type of UI will also dictate which treatment options are best.
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How Does Someone Become A Urologist
In order to become a urologist, you must first get a bachelors degree and then pass the Medical College Admissions Test in order to get into a medical school. It usually takes about four years to earn a medical degree.
From there, you spend five to six years in a residency program. During this time you will get training in both surgical and medical treatments of urologic diseases.
After that, if you want to specialize in a certain narrower field, youll need to complete a fellowship that may last another one to three years.
After a residency, you may choose to become board-certified from the American Board of Urology.
Then, in order to actually practice as a doctor, youll need to take and pass your state medical examination and meet any guidelines that the medical board has issued.
Alternatives To Bladder Surgery
Possible alternatives to bladder surgery include Kegel exercises, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy:
- Kegel exercises can cure urinary incontinence by strengthening the pelvic floor. They are easy to do at home.
- Radiation therapy can be used to kill cancer cells via high energy X-Rays or other particles.
- Immunotherapy utilizes materials from the body or a laboratory to boost ones ability to fight off the cancer.
- Chemotherapy is one of the most well-known cancer treatments. It uses drugs to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Summing Up
Bladder surgery can be used to treat bladder cancer, urinary incontinence, cystocele, hematuria, and other types of bladder problems. Before turning to surgery, one should explore all possible options for treatment. Some people dont need surgery to overcome a health issue. If you suspect you may need surgery or want further information, please contact a medical professional.
Have you had a surgical procedure performed for a bladder problem before? Were there any complications? Let us know in the comments below.
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Gallbladder Tests And Diagnosis
First, your doctor will talk with you about your medical history, symptoms, and family history. A physical exam is performed to locate pain in the abdomen. Your doctor may also ask about your diet and nutrition before doing a blood test.
Results from a blood test may indicate whether theres an infection or inflammation in the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, or even the liver.
Imaging tests are typically used to identify gallstones in your gallbladder. There are several types of image tests:
- Ultrasound. This test is considered the best imaging test for finding gallstones. Often doctors find silent, or gallstones that do not cause symptoms in this image test.
- Computed tomography scan. This combination of X-rays and technology can show gallstones as well as reveal complications such as blockage of the gallbladder or bile ducts.
- Magnetic resonance imaging . This test shows detailed images of your bodys organs and can show gallstones in your biliary tract ducts .
- Cholescintigraphy. Taking pictures of the biliary tract, this image scan can show gallbladder abnormalities and blockages in the bile ducts.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography . This more invasive procedure is often used to address an existing problem, such as a gallstone stuck in the common bile duct.
Once your doctor has performed any necessary tests, they can then try to make a diagnosis, followed by a recommended course of treatment.
- the surgery
What Is A Urologist
Your urologist knows all about the urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra
Urologists also treat a man’s reproductive system, which includes the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate.
A urologist could even serve as your primary doctor if you have:
- Long-term problems with holding your urine
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When You Should See A Health Care Professional
You shouldnt have to wear a pad to soak up urine every day. Also ask yourself these questions:
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Is the urge to urinate interfering with your work because of leaking or frequent bathroom breaks?
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Do you map out where bathrooms are when you run errands?
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Is incontinence interfering with your sex life or intimacy with your partner?
These are all signs of a problem, and that it may be time for you to talk with a gynecologist.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bladder Control Problems
Signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence can include
- leaking urine during everyday activities, such as lifting, bending, coughing, or exercising
- being unable to hold in urine after feeling a sudden, strong urge to urinate
- leaking urine without any warning or urge
- being unable to reach a toilet in time
- wetting your bed during sleep
- leaking during sexual activity
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When Should I See A Urologist Instead Of A Primary Care Doctor Or Other Specialist
Urologists are best trained to treat any condition involving the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Other healthcare professionals may be involved in your care-a urologist may work with an oncologist to treat prostate cancer, or with a gynecologist to treat pelvic pain in women. However, if you have a urologic condition, the urologist will be at the head of your medical team.
Sometimes a patient will be referred to a urologist by another health care professional, as Valerie was. But often people go straight to a urologist for treatment. Your primary care doctor may be able to treat some minor urologic issues. However, if your symptoms do not go away-like in Valerie’s case-it is best to see a urologist and get to the root of the problem. If you know your symptoms or condition involve the urinary tract or male reproductive system, you may choose to see a urologist as your first step. To find a urologist in your area and even narrow your search by type of urologic condition, visit UrologyHealth.org/FindAUrologist.
Common Bile Duct Stones
When gallstones occur in the common bile duct, its known as choledocholithiasis. Bile is ejected from the gallbladder, passed through small tubes, and deposited in the common bile duct. It then enters the small intestine.
In most cases, common bile duct stones are actually gallstones that developed in the gallbladder and then passed into the bile duct. This type of stone is called a secondary common bile duct stone, or secondary stone.
Sometimes stones form in the common bile duct itself. These stones are called primary common bile duct stones, or primary stones. This rare type of stone is more likely to cause an infection than a secondary stone.
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Do I Need A Urologist Or A Gynecologist
by Steve Swearengin | Nov 15, 2019 | General Urology, Women’s Health
When women have a urinary problem, their first thought is to often visit their gynecologist. Its understandable, and while a gynecologist might be able to give a little direction, they wont be able to properly diagnose or treat you.
Instead, youll want to go to someone who specialized in urinary and bladder issues:
A urologist.
Weak Flow And Difficulty Urinating
Most flow problems are caused by an enlargement in the prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland near the urethra the tube that carries urine from your bladder. When the gland swells, it presses down on the urethra, which constricts the flow of urine, causing slower urine flow and difficulty starting urination.
Several things can cause prostate swelling including:
- normal aging
- infection, and
- cancer
Other causes of urinary difficulty include certain medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, and bladder stones.
If you start having trouble urinating, or notice changes in your urine flow, contact your doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of a serious disease.
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What Do Urologists Do
A urologist is trained to diagnose and treat problems of the urinary tract. Urologists deal with men and women alike. With women, a urologist deals only with the problems of the urinary tract. With men, however, the urologist can diagnose and treat disorders of the penis and testicles also. They also look after male infertility and sexual disorders.
It’s Easy To Get The Care You Need
See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.
Talking to your doctor about personal issues like bladder and pelvic health may feel awkward, but keep in mind that millions of women share the same problems. No doubt your doctor has heard stories like yours. Many family practitioners and internists treat bladder problems. However, if your doctor doesn’t, ask how to find a doctor who does a urologist, OB/GYN or urogynecologist. Common problems that may trigger a visit to your doctor include:
- Urinary incontinence, when urine leaks out before you can get to a bathroom
- Pelvic organ prolapse, when pelvic organs, like your bladder and uterus, either bulge or drop from their normal position into the vagina
Remember, if you are leaking urine or bulging in the pelvic area, this is not a normal part of growing older. While some doctors may ask if youre having any bladder or pelvic health issues, others wont bring it up. Its up to you to start the discussion.
Any time a woman notices the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, its worth talking to your doctor or seeking help, advises William Rush, MD, FACOG, a female pelvic medicine and reconstruction surgeon with Lifestages Samaritan Centers for Women. Dr. Rush discusses when to seek help for pelvic organ prolapse.
Click play to watch the video or read video transcript.
When should I seek help if I think I have pelvic organ prolapse?
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How Is A Cystocele Diagnosed
A Grade 2 or Grade 3 cystocele can be diagnosed from a description of symptoms and from an examination of the vagina.
The doctor may also perform certain tests, including the following:
- Urodynamics: Measures the bladders ability to hold and release urine.
- Cystoscopy : A long tube-like instrument is passed through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for malformations, blockages, tumors, or stones.
When Should I See The Urologist
Your doctor may advise you to visit a urologist if youre exhibiting symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection , difficulty in passing urine, blood in urine, Incontinence , or Erectile Dysfunction. As these illnesses lie in the scope of a urologist, a general doctor will recommend that you visit one. The urologist also looks after male infertility and sexual problem.
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What Kind Of Training Does A Urologist Have
Besides 4 years of medical school, urologists have at least 5 more years of special training focused on the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Some urologists narrow their specialty to one area of care, such as things like cancer, women’s urology, children’s urology, male infertility, sexual health, kidney stones, or reconstructive urology.
Urologists must pass an exam and earn board certification from the American Board of Urology.
Bladder Surgery: Why Is It Done Procedure And Risks
Sep 26, 2017 | Surgery
Bladder-related problems can take a hit to ones self-esteem and confidence, especially if incontinence is a symptom. Serious problems like bladder cancer can be scary to go through as well. Bladder surgery is necessary for some conditions if other treatment methods havent worked. Continue reading to learn more about this type of surgery, the risks involved, and possible alternatives to surgery.
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What To Expect When Consulting A Urologist
- What does a urologist do?
Urology is the field of medicine that is associated with the diseases and disorders of the male and female urinary tract. Urologists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the urinary system, including the bladder, kidney, ureter, urethra, and adrenal glands. In men, they treat all ailments concerning the penis, prostate, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and the testes.
They also perform surgeries if needed to remove cancer or a blockage in the urinary tract.
- When should you consult a urologist?
You can consult a urologist for all mild urinary problems like urinary tract infections to severe ailments like cancer. In most cases, your primary doctor refers you to a urologist if your symptoms persist for long durations or dont improve.
Symptoms of Urological Problems
Below mentioned is a list of symptoms that indicate that you have a problem in the urinary tract and need to visit a urologist.
- Presence of blood in the urine, a condition also called hematuria
- A recurring need to urinate urgently
- Burning sensation or pain during urination
- Difficulty urinating
If you are a man and have the following symptoms, you must visit a urologist.
- A decrease in sexual desires
- A lump in one of the testicles
- Trouble getting and keeping an erection
- What to expect from your consultation?
Common diseases treated by a urologist
In men, urologists treat:
Some conditions specific to women that urologists treat are:
How Do I Decide Between A Urologist Or Gynecologist
For women experiencing health issues in the pelvic region, it may seem natural to seek help from an OB-GYN. But sometimes, a urologist is the better option for down there care.
Obviously, a womans urologic and reproductive systems are close together in the body. And its not uncommon for people to see them as one network, needing the care of one doctor. But the reality is that these systems are quite different, regardless of their proximity. Indeed, problems in these regions often require different expertise to find the right diagnosis and treatment.
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Signs You May Have A Bladder Problem
Blood in your urine: Sometimes, blood is very evident in your urine, as the color appears pink or red. Other times, blood is microscopic and can only be seen in a laboratory. When you can visibly see red, you should immediately visit your doctor for further testing. You should also go for routine physical exams, where your doctor checks a urine sample to check for microscopic traces of blood.
Blood in urine can be a sign of a variety of things including infection, kidney or bladder stones, or even bladder cancer, so its best that you have yourself checked out.
Darker urine: Healthy urine should be a pale-yellow, so anything darker is your bodys way of letting you know to drink more water. If you do drink more water and your urine color doesnt improve, then you should speak to your doctor.
Youre visiting the bathroom more frequently: Some of us just have a small bladder, while others drink a lot of water, which prompts them to visit the bathroom. But if those two scenarios dont sound like you yet you find yourself visiting a bathroom more often, then something is going on. This is a sign of an overactive bladder and can occur for several different reasons including older age, enlarged prostate, or even infection. Changes to your bathroom routine should be discussed with your doctor.