We understand urinary conditions can disrupt your life, and we’re here to help. Our urogynecologists specialize in treating all types of urinary conditions.
Medically reviewed on Aug. 02, 2023.
Urinary conditions affect your bladder and urination. They also may involve your kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder) and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). Common urinary conditions in women include:
We know urinary conditions can disrupt your daily life, and we’re here to help.
Your symptoms depend on your type of urinary condition and how bad it is. Symptoms may be mild or severe.
Symptoms of urinary conditions may include:
Call 911 or get medical care right away if you experience:
Different urinary conditions have different causes. Some causes can be treated or eliminated, but others are ongoing.
A blockage in your urinary tract can lead to an infection and other urinary problems.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause urinary conditions.
Certain medications, such as diuretics, can cause conditions such as urinary incontinence. Alcohol and caffeine can also affect nerve signals to your bladder and cause urinary conditions.
Certain conditions may affect how your nerves send signals to your bladder. Examples of these conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord damage and spinal diseases.
Giving birth vaginally can cause some urinary conditions.
Urinary incontinence can occur when pelvic organs such as the bladder slip out of their natural position. Prolapse happens when tissue supporting the pelvic organs weakens.
There are some factors that can increase your risk for certain urinary conditions, including:
The muscles of your urinary system may lose some of their tone, leading to urinary conditions as you get older.
People assigned female at birth are likelier than those assigned male at birth to have some types of urinary conditions.
Being overweight raises your risk of some urinary conditions.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and go over your health history. You may need one or more tests, such as:
Urinary conditions may make you feel self-conscious, but we prioritize treating you with compassion and respect. Our urogynecology subspecialists provide the most advanced minimally invasive treatments for all types of urinary conditions.
Bladder control devices and bladder inserts can reposition or compress your urethra to help with incontinence.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine may help with some urinary problems. Getting to a healthy weight can also help with incontinence.
There are many medications that can help with different types of incontinence. If you have a urinary tract infection, antibiotics are the main treatment.
Physical therapy (PT) can help with some causes of urinary conditions. PT may include bladder muscle training and Kegel exercises. These exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can help with bladder control.
Bladder control surgeries include surgical mesh and sling procedures, which help support your pelvic floor. We also offer injections that increase the size of your urethral lining, which gives you better bladder control.
An artificial urinary sphincter implant is another bladder control solution we offer. Our Department of Urologic Surgery specialists can help you find the best surgical solution.
Good hygiene and using a condom or barrier method during sex can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI).
45%Of U.S. women experience urinary incontinence
Source: National Institutes of Health: Urinary incontinence in women: prevalence rates, risk factors and impact on quality of life
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