Urology is a specialty that focuses on the urinary tract of females and males, as well as the male reproductive system.
Urologists are specialists who diagnose, treat, and manage various urological conditions, such as those involving the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
Urology Conditions and Symptoms
The most common urological conditions include:
1
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is a condition characterised by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which may slow or obstruct urine flow.
BPH commonly occurs in older men, and most men have no symptoms. However, common symptoms include:
- Increased frequency of urination, especially at night
- The need to urinate frequently
- Dribbling or leaking of urine
- Weak stream of urine
2
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are solid pebble-like material that can form in one or both kidneys and most commonly affect adults between the ages of 30 and 60.
Mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys can harden and become kidney stones. This usually happens when your urine is overly concentrated, leading to the crystallisation of these mineral and salt deposits. Passing a stone can be painful, but kidney stones typically do not cause harm when discovered early.
Kidney stones of small size are unlikely to cause significant symptoms. They may pass out gently and undetected when you urinate.
Large kidney stones can cause symptoms such as:
- Sharp pain in the lower, back and side of the abdomen or groin
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Blood in urine
3
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that occur when bacteria, typically from the skin or rectum, infect the urinary tract via the urethra.
UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys (pyelonephritis), bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis). However, bladder infections are the most common type.
Women are more likely to have a urinary tract infection compared to men as their urethra is shorter and closer to the rectum.
Symptoms of UTIs include:
Lower UTIs (bladder and urethra)
- Increased frequency of urination
- Strong urge to urinate despite having an empty bladder
- Foul-smelling urine
- Burning sensation or pain during urination
- Cloudy appearance of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Lethargy and tiredness
- Lower abdomen pain
Upper UTI (kidneys and ureters)
- Symptoms mentioned above
- Fever (38oC or above)
- Chills and rigor
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lower back pain or pain in the sides of your back
- Restlessness
4
Erectile Dysfunction
Problems with erections are relatively common, especially among men over 40. It is often nothing to worry about. However, you should consult your doctor if it persists, as it may indicate a more severe condition. Learn more about erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
5
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and is a common problem. When and how this occurs depends on the type of urine incontinence a person has. Talk to your doctor if you have urine incontinence.
6
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the growth of abnormal cells that originates in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system.
Early prostate cancers are usually asymptomatic and are known as silent killers. As it is more likely to affect older men above 50, all men aged 50 and above are encouraged to undergo prostate cancer screening.
Patients with advanced prostate cancer would have the following symptoms:
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Urinary hesitancy
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in semen
- Bone pain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of weight
- Tiredness
7
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the most common cancer involving the urinary system. In this condition, an abnormal growth of tissue in the bladder lining can spread to the bladder muscle.
Symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
- The need to urinate frequently
- Pain during urination
- Burning sensation when passing urine
- Feeling the urge to urinate even if the bladder is not full
- Fatigue and weakness
- Weight loss
Screening tests and diagnosis of urological conditions
Most screening tests are useful for those experiencing any of the symptoms above. Screening is even more important for those who have persistent and recurring urological conditions.
Diagnosis is made based on various investigations. Your doctor will first evaluate your medical history and symptoms before conducting a physical examination.
Tests that may be requested:
- Imaging tests: X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound scan may be used in patients who experience persistent and/or frequent infections. The scans will help your specialist to assess if your urinary tract has any signs of abnormality.
- Cystoscopy: When severe and recurrent infections occur, a cystoscopy may be recommended where a lens on a thin, long tube allows for a clearer and more detailed examination of the urethra and bladder.
- Urine culture: The growth of a bacterial culture under laboratory conditions may be used together with urinalysis. This test may help detect the strain of bacteria causing your infection thus allowing your specialist to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
- Urinalysis: Your urine sample will be sent to the lab for analysis and any indicators of infection such as high white blood cell count and bacteria will be noted. In order to reduce contamination of your sample, you may be instructed to clean your genital area and only collect urine mid-stream.
- Blood tests
- Semen analysis for men
- Biopsy
Treatment for urological conditions
The treatment options differ according to the types of urological conditions and depending on the individual’s condition and health history.
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Wait and observe if symptoms are less severe. If treatment is needed, it depends on the patient’s age, severity of BPH, and general health.
Treatment options include:
- Medications
- Laser vaporisation for patients with smaller prostate glands
- Surgical treatment to remove the parts of the swollen prostate that are pressing against the urethra
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Kidney Stones
Treatment depends on the type of stone and the cause.
For small kidney stones, treatment goal is to help you pass the stones without further invasive treatment. Treatment options include:
- Drink water
- Pain relief or medication (alpha blocker) to relax the muscles in your ureter
For larger kidney stones or stones that cause symptoms, treatment options include:
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): A 40-50 minutes procedure that uses sound waves to break up the stones into tiny pieces which then pass in your urine.
- Surgery (percutaneous nephrolithotomy): To remove large stones in the kidney, using small instruments inserted through a small incision in your back.
- Using a scope passed through your ureter and bladder to remove stones trapped in the ureter or kidney.
3
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Treatment options include:
- Urinalysis: To test for signs of infection in the urine
- Antibiotics: The length of treatment is dependent upon the severity of symptoms. A three-day course of antibiotics is usually sufficient in eliminating the infection for urinary tract infection in patients who are otherwise healthy. If the infection has spread to the kidneys, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary.
- Other methods which may be used in conjunction with antibiotic treatment to relieve pain, such as:
- Consumption of probiotics
- Pain medications
- Increase fluid intake
- Apply heat
- Avoid substances that irritate the bladder, such as coffee and spicy foods
4
Erectile Dysfunction
Treatment depends on the cause and general health of the patients. There are different treatment options available:
- Oral medication: Effective in about 80% of patients but it may not be suitable for everybody as the medication can interact with some prescription medications which the patient may be taking.
- Injection therapy: If oral medications are unsuccessful, injection therapy can be performed by using a specific drug that can be self-injected by the patient into the shaft of the penis to achieve an erection.
- External suction device: The device is used to pull blood into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection for intercourse.
- Penile implant surgery: Involves placing a prosthetic device for some patients to artificially create an erection.
5
Urinary Incontinence
Treatment depends on the type, severity, and the cause.
Acute urinary incontinence caused by kidney stone, infections or medication side effects often clears out when the root-cause problem is treated.
Other urinary incontinence treatment options include:
- Conservative management such as Biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and simple Kegel exercise
- Continence devices such buking substances (collagen or artificial substance) and pessary (semi-rigid ring) to help reposition and stabilise the bladder and urethra
- Surgical treatment such as insertion of thin tube into the bladder (catheterisation) for those whose bladder fails to empty completely, placement of a pubo-vaginal sling (“hammock”) beneath the bladder to provide support, placement of an artificial sphincter to prevent urine leakage or sutures to stabilise the bladder
- Medication
Subject to patient’s conditions, a combination of these therapies may be needed, and treatment is tailored to meet individual needs.
Urologists at Gleneagles Hospitals
Early detection makes treating the disease more effective with appropriate treatment. Speak to a urologist if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above. The caring and multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are available for consultation and to provide the best care. Make a move towards improving your health and quality of life.
Get in touch with us to book an appointment today. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.