Urology >> Common Conditions (Symptoms)
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infection is not normal, but is nevertheless common in adults, particularly women. Typically, infection causes urinary frequency, urgency, and burning pain on passing water; however, other conditions can cause the same symptoms. Most infections resolve with a short course of antibiotics. Investigations may identify the cause for infection, as well as underlying conditions and complications.
Unexplained infection, severe or recurrent infection need to be investigated for underlying causes. Visible blood in the urine must always be investigated regardless of proven infection Occasional infection in young sexually active women, (often referred to as honeymoon cystitis), is not uncommon, and usually resolves promptly with a short course of antibiotics. Urological advice can be taken on measures that may prevent such infection. Recurrent or resistant infection justifies investigation, and any new infection in women over 40 years of age should be investigated.
Men are less prone to urinary infection than women, and therefore investigation is advised for men of any age.
Haematuria (Blood in the Urine)
When blood is visible in the urine, urological investigations are always necessary to determine its cause in case further complications develop, and to identify or exclude underlying disease.
When microscopic haematuria is detected, it is always advisable to take medical advice. Microscopic haematuria can be intermittent and without any other symptoms, even when there is an underlying condition.
In some people, microscopic amounts of blood may be present in the urine in small amounts invisible without microscopic examination. Low levels of blood in the urine may be detected by a urine dipstick test. This test is often done as part of a medical examination, or to investigate urinary symptoms. icroscopic haematuria may be caused by a large number of possible, important, medical causes, but in some individuals it represents a normal though detectable leak of blood from the kidneys.
Urological investigations are recommended for microscopic haematuria who have other urological symptoms OR are over the age of 50 years. Investigation may sometimes be recommended in people under the age of 50 years without urological symptoms. When urinary infection is associated with microscopic haematuria, the need for investigation relates to the urinary tract infection as well as persistence of the microscopic haematuria.
If investigations fail to find any urological cause for microscopic haematuria, further assessment of the kidneys by a nephrologist is sometimes necessary. Future monitoring of the urine, blood pressure and blood tests with your general practitioner is always advised. Any visible blood in the urine in the future must be further investigated.
Difficulties with Passing Urine and Troublesome Bladder Symptoms
In men over the age of 50 years of age, difficulties with passing urine and troublesome bladder symptoms may be due to benign prostatic enlargement. Sometimes they can be associated with urinary infection, bladder stones and various other conditions affecting the bladder. Bothersome bladder symptoms should be investigated, and their treatment depends on the underlying cause. If urination becomes impossible and there is an inability to pass urine, a catheter needs to be passed into the bladder until the obstruction is overcome; this usually requires surgery such as laser prostatectomy.
In women, troublesome bladder symptoms are often due to urinary infection, but it is very important to rule out more serious conditions, particularly over the age of 40 years and when the symptoms persist. Bladder symptoms in men and women under the age of 50 years are usually not due to cancer unless there are particular risk factors or abnormalities on investigation. The underlying cause should be sought to establish the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition of the prostate that causes prostate enlargement. It develops in most men as they get older, and may cause trouble bladder symptoms see inability to pass urine. When treatment is needed, BPH can be treated with medication or surgery.
