The following are answers to some commonly asked questions I have experienced in my urology practice.
Q: What causes a urinary tract infection?
A: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is often caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary tract, usually in the bladder area. It is more common in women than in men, due to their anatomical differences. The symptoms with this condition include a burning sensation when urinating, a strong urge to urinate and frequent urination. In some cases, blood can be found in the urine. This infection, if not treated early, can move to the kidneys. When this happens, symptoms may include chills, vomiting, upper back pain, fever or nausea. Urinary tract infections are often treated with antibiotics. Increasing fluid intake is also essential to relieving the symptoms and helping to eliminate the problem.
Q: How can I tell if I have prostate problems?
A: As men grow older, their prostate gland has a tendency to increase in size due to hormone activities inside the body. Because the prostate gland is near the bladder and it also surrounds the urethra (the tube where urine passes during urination) it can cause compression on the bladder and the urethra. This often results in urinary flow restriction. Common symptoms include a frequent need to urinate at nighttime, dribbling of the urinary stream, and difficulty when attempting to initiate the urinary stream. This condition is most commonly seen in men who are 50 years old or older.
Q: Does urinary incontinence only affect women?
A: Contrary to popular belief, urinary incontinence is also one of the urologic problems in men. It is more common in women but it can also affect men. This condition often manifests itself as the inability to control the leakage of urine. It can be caused by trauma, stress and/or surgery. Medication, therapy and surgery may be useful in treating this problem.
