Dr. Consultancy

Stress incontinence

Urinary Incontinence (Stress Incontinence)

Overview

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine. Stress incontinence specifically occurs when physical activity or movement — like coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, or lifting heavy objects — puts pressure on the bladder.

It is not related to psychological stress. Stress incontinence is more common in women, especially after childbirth, menopause, or pelvic surgery.

Stress incontinence differs from urge incontinence, which happens due to bladder muscle contractions and a sudden sense of urgency to urinate.

Without proper management, stress incontinence can affect your self-esteem, social life, and physical activity.

Symptoms

People with stress incontinence may notice urine leakage during activities such as:

  • Coughing

  • Sneezing

  • Laughing

  • Standing up or getting out of a car

  • Lifting heavy objects

  • Exercising

  • Sexual activity

Effects / Complications

  • Embarrassment or anxiety

  • Social withdrawal and reduced participation in activities

  • Skin irritation or infections due to constant moisture

  • Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Impact on quality of life, work, and relationships

Treatment / Management

1. Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

  • Bladder training: Scheduled urination to strengthen bladder control

  • Fluid management: Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol

  • Weight management: Reduces pressure on the bladder

2. Pelvic Floor Exercises

  • Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra

  • Biofeedback may be used to improve technique

3. Medical Devices

  • Pessaries or urethral inserts may help support the bladder in women

4. Medications

  • Certain drugs can help improve bladder control, though they are less common for stress incontinence than urge incontinence

5. Surgery (for severe cases)

  • Sling procedures: Support the urethra

  • Bladder neck suspension: Lifts and stabilizes the bladder

6. Homeopathy & Alternative Therapies

  • Homeopathic remedies, herbal supplements, and acupuncture may provide supportive care in some individuals, though they should be used under guidance of a professional

Medicine

Urethritis

Urethritis

Overview

Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

  • It can cause painful or difficult urination.

  • Most commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, though chemical irritants may also trigger it.

  • Transmission: Urethritis can be sexually transmitted. Women with vaginal infections can pass it to male partners.

  • Distinction from UTI: Unlike urinary tract infections, which affect the entire urinary tract, urethritis is limited to the urethra.

Symptoms

In Women:

  • Unusual vaginal discharge

  • Pelvic or abdominal pain

  • Pain during intercourse

  • Frequent or urgent urination

  • Fever and chills

  • Stomach discomfort

  • Itching

In Men:

  • Blood in urine or semen

  • Painful ejaculation

  • Penile discharge

  • Burning sensation while urinating

  • Itching, tenderness, or swelling in the penis

  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin

  • Fever (rare)

Note: Some people may have no symptoms, making testing important if exposure is suspected.

Effects / Complications

If untreated, urethritis can lead to:

  • Chronic urethral inflammation

  • Urinary retention or obstruction

  • Spread of infection to the bladder, prostate, or reproductive organs

  • Infertility (in severe or recurrent cases)

  • Increased risk of transmitting STIs

Treatment / Management

  1. Medical Treatment:

    • Antibiotics for bacterial urethritis (often targeted to the causative organism)

    • Antiviral medications if caused by viral infection

  2. Symptom Relief:

    • Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

    • Increased fluid intake to flush the urinary tract

  3. Lifestyle and Preventive Measures:

    • Avoid sexual activity until treatment is completed

    • Practice safe sex using condoms

    • Avoid irritants like harsh soaps or chemicals

  4. Partner Treatment:

    • Sexual partners may need evaluation and treatment to prevent reinfection

Medicine

Urinary Retention

Urinary Retention / Urinary Incontinence

Overview

Urinary retention is the inability to completely empty the bladder, while urinary incontinence refers to the unintentional loss of urine.

  • This condition can range from occasional minor leaks to sudden, strong urges to urinate that can’t be controlled.

  • Although more common with aging, it is not an inevitable part of getting older.

  • Management often includes lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and in some cases, physical therapy or surgical options.

Types and Symptoms

  1. Stress Incontinence

    • Urine leaks during physical pressure on the bladder, such as:

      • Coughing

      • Sneezing

      • Laughing

      • Exercise or lifting heavy objects

  2. Urge Incontinence

    • A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.

    • May require urination frequently, including at night.

    • Causes can range from:

      • Minor conditions like infections

      • Severe conditions like neurological disorders or diabetes

  3. Overflow Incontinence

    • Frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to the bladder not emptying completely.

  4. Functional Incontinence

    • Physical or mental impairments prevent timely access to the toilet, e.g.,:

      • Severe arthritis

      • Mobility or cognitive limitations

  5. Mixed Incontinence

    • A combination of more than one type of incontinence.

Effects / Complications

  • Skin irritation or infections

  • Social embarrassment or isolation

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Risk of falls due to rushing to the toilet

  • Psychological distress

Treatment / Management

  1. Lifestyle Changes

    • Limit bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol)

    • Maintain healthy weight

    • Timed or scheduled voiding

  2. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises)

    • Strengthen bladder-supporting muscles

  3. Medical Treatments

    • Medications to relax the bladder or improve muscle tone

    • Catheterization in severe urinary retention

  4. Surgical Options

    • Procedures to correct anatomical issues or improve bladder function

  5. Supportive Measures

    • Absorbent pads or garments

    • Bladder training and behavioral therapies

Medicine

urinary tract infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Overview

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including:

  • Kidneys

  • Ureters

  • Bladder

  • Urethra

  • Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra).

  • Women are at greater risk than men due to anatomical differences.

  • UTIs can be painful and annoying, and if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can become serious and potentially life-threatening.

  • Treatment usually involves antibiotics, but preventive measures can reduce risk.

Symptoms

UTIs may sometimes cause no symptoms. When present, common signs include:

  • Urinary symptoms:

    • Strong, persistent urge to urinate

    • Burning sensation during urination

    • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine

    • Urine that is cloudy, red, pink, or cola-colored (blood in urine)

    • Strong-smelling urine

  • Pain:

    • Pelvic pain in women, especially in the center of the pelvis or around the pubic bone

Effects / Complications

If left untreated, UTIs can lead to:

  • Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)

  • Sepsis (life-threatening blood infection)

  • Recurring infections

  • Permanent kidney damage in severe cases

Treatment / Management

  1. Medical Treatment:

    • Antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection

    • Pain relief medication for urinary discomfort

  2. Home and Lifestyle Measures:

    • Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria

    • Urinate frequently and fully

    • Wipe from front to back (women) to prevent bacteria spread

    • Avoid irritating feminine products or harsh soaps

    • Cranberry products or probiotics may help prevent recurrence

  3. Preventive Measures:

    • Empty bladder after sexual activity

    • Avoid holding urine for long periods

    • Maintain good personal hygiene

Medicine

Urinary Tract Obstruction

Ureteral Obstruction

Overview

A ureteral obstruction is a blockage in one or both ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

  • Causes can include kidney stones, tumors, blood clots, or scar tissue.

  • If treated early, ureteral obstruction is often curable.

  • Untreated obstruction can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage, sepsis, or even death.

Symptoms

Common signs of ureteral obstruction include:

  • Pain in the flank, back, or abdomen

  • Changes in urine output (reduced or increased)

  • Difficulty urinating

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections

  • High blood pressure (secondary to kidney involvement)

Effects / Complications

If left untreated, ureteral obstruction can cause:

  • Kidney damage or failure

  • Severe infections leading to sepsis

  • High blood pressure due to kidney dysfunction

  • Fluid and electrolyte imbalance

Treatment / Management

  1. Medical Treatment:

    • Medications to relieve pain, infection, or inflammation

    • Antibiotics if infection is present

  2. Procedures / Surgery:

    • Stent placement to bypass the obstruction

    • Nephrostomy (drainage directly from the kidney) in severe cases

    • Surgery to remove stones, tumors, or scar tissue

  3. Lifestyle and Preventive Measures:

    • Stay hydrated to prevent kidney stones

    • Regular monitoring if at risk for obstruction

    • Prompt treatment of urinary tract infections

Medicine

Vesicoureteral Reflux

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)

Overview

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the abnormal backward flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and sometimes up to the kidneys. Normally, urine flows only from the kidneys to the bladder.

  • Common in infants and children, VUR increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney damage.

  • Primary VUR: Caused by a congenital defect in the valve preventing backward urine flow.

  • Secondary VUR: Caused by urinary tract malfunctions or high bladder pressure.

  • Some children may outgrow primary VUR.

  • Treatment includes medication or surgery to prevent kidney damage.

Symptoms

Children and adults with VUR may experience:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):

    • Strong, persistent urge to urinate

    • Burning sensation during urination

    • Frequent, small amounts of urine

    • Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

    • Blood in urine (hematuria)

  • Other symptoms:

    • Fever

    • Pain in the side (flank) or abdomen

    • Hesitancy to urinate or holding urine to avoid pain

  • Complications:

    • Hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup)

    • Potential kidney damage if infections are recurrent

Treatment / Management

  1. Medication:

    • Low-dose antibiotics to prevent UTIs

    • Pain management during infections

  2. Surgery:

    • Corrective procedures to repair faulty valves or reduce reflux

    • Reserved for severe or persistent cases

  3. Monitoring:

    • Regular kidney imaging to check for hydronephrosis or damage

    • Urine tests to monitor infections

Medicine

Diseases

keyboard_arrow_up