Don't Ignore Your Urinary Symptoms

May 28, 2024

Peeing too much, too little or too often? Does it hurt or burn when you pee? Urination isn’t something most people think about – but when something goes wrong, it’s hard to think about anything else.

While not usually life-threatening, left untreated some urinary tract conditions can develop into serious medical problems like kidney failure and sepsis. In addition, urinary issues can greatly diminish a person’s quality of life.

What Is the Urinary Tract?

The urinary tract in both men and women consists of the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. These structures work together as a drainage system for the body – filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood to make urine. Although men and women have the same parts, the urinary conditions that affect them are quite different.

Common Urinary Conditions in Men

“The most common urinary symptoms in men are dribbling, increased frequency and incomplete emptying of the bladder,” says Irina Jaeger, MD, urology specialist at University Hospitals. “And, for the majority of patients, these symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.”

BPH is an extremely common condition, affecting more than 50 percent of men over age 60. The prostate is a walnut-size gland located in front of the rectum, just below the bladder, that carries urine out of the body. When the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra and slow or stop urine flow.

Although not life-threatening, urinary symptoms from BPH can lead to more serious problems like recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder damage, kidney failure or sepsis if left untreated. “BPH is easily diagnosed and can be treated in a variety of ways including medications, office-based procedures and minimally invasive surgery,” says Dr. Jaeger. “Early detection is key, however. At the first sign of symptoms, men should see their primary care doctor or urologist for evaluation.”

Additional urinary disorders in men include:

Prostatitis. This occurs when the prostate gland becomes infected or inflamed. “Symptoms typically include pain in the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the rectum), slowing of the urinary stream and the sensation of sitting on a ball,” says Dr. Jaeger. “Depending on the cause, prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and/or pelvic floor physical therapy. If caused by a bacterial infection that spreads to the bloodstream, prostatitis can become a life-threatening infection called sepsis, so it’s important to be evaluated at the first sign of symptoms.”
Urinary Tract Infections. UTIs in men are most commonly caused by incomplete bladder emptying due to BPH. Rarely, they can also be caused by kidney stones. Symptoms may include blood in urine, burning, frequency and pain with urination. Less common in men than women, recurrent UTIs should be evaluated by a urologist so the cause can be determined and the appropriate treatment prescribed.

Common Urinary Conditions in Women

One of the most common urinary issues in women is incontinence, which can range from the leaking or dribbling of urine to complete loss of bladder control in severe cases. Although not life-threatening, incontinence can greatly affect quality of life. Many women become isolated, afraid to be in public for fear of not finding a bathroom in time. This can lead to loneliness, depression and anxiety.

“The tragedy is that so many women are embarrassed and reluctant to seek help, but incontinence is so fixable,” says David Sheyn, MD, urogynecologist and female pelvic medicine specialist at University Hospitals. “Although it is often a function of age, there are effective treatments available no matter how old you are. Botox injections, lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor therapy and pacemakers for the bladder are all highly effective treatment options,” he adds.

Additional urinary disorders in women include:

Urinary Tract Infections. The female anatomy makes UTIs far more common in women than men. Women have a shorter urethra that is close to the vagina and rectum, making it easy for bacteria and other contaminants to enter the urethra and travel into the bladder. Symptoms often include urinary frequency, urgency and burning. Because untreated UTIs can develop into sepsis, it’s essential that women be evaluated when symptoms occur. A urine culture should always be done to confirm the diagnosis and the type of bacteria, so the appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed. “If UTIs are frequent, there may be something else going on and an in-depth assessment of the pelvic floor may be necessary,” says Dr. Sheyn. “Overuse of antibiotics should be avoided as it can lead to other problems including drug-resistance.”
Interstitial Cystitis. This is a chronic medical condition in which the bladder is inflamed and irritated. Symptoms are often similar to UTIs and may include burning, urgency to urinate and pain. Although not usually life-threatening, the chronic inflammation associated with interstitial cystitis can be very debilitating and increase the risk for depression. “Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, Botox injections and pelvic floor therapy. There is no magic cure, but we can help most women manage the condition,” says Dr. Sheyn.

Early Detection Is Essential

“These are just a few of the urinary disorders that can affect men and women. The best advice is to see your doctor or urologist as soon as any unusual urinary symptoms begin,” urge Drs. Jaeger and Sheyn. “An early, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential to prevent worsening symptoms, potentially life-threatening complications and the overuse of antibiotics.”

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you see blood in your urine (especially if large clots); are unable to urinate for 24 hours; have fever or chills, severe pain, nausea, vomiting or confusion, you should seek emergency medical treatment immediately.