Most Common Urologic Diseases
Your urinary system works to eliminate wastes from your body, regulate blood pressure, control red blood production, and keep bones healthy and strong. Keeping your kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra healthy is necessary to make it easier for them to perform their functions. However, infection and other underlying health problems can disrupt these processes and even cause many urologic diseases.
Urologic diseases are conditions that affect the urinary tract in both men and women as well as the reproductive organs of men. These illnesses can present themselves at any age. Some of them last for a short time, while some are chronic conditions. Here are some of the most common urologic diseases.
Enlarged Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located under the bladder of men. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate is a common urological condition in men. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, it becomes more common as you age. An enlarged prostate increases pressure on the urethra, causing it to narrow, which makes it difficult to urinate.
Urinary Retention
If your bladder does not empty all the way, you may have a condition called urinary retention. This condition makes it difficult for you to release urine (partially or completely) from the body. Urinary retention often requires immediate treatment.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection of the urinary system. It could be in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. This condition is more common in women than men. It responds well to prescription medication, which may depend on the severity of your infection. However, if the infection reaches the kidneys, there may be more severe symptoms.
Bladder Infection
Bladder infection or cystitis is a pain or discomfort in the bladder area. It causes frequent trips to the bathroom and urges to urinate. Its causes are not entirely known, but it is associated with allergies, vascular disease, and autoimmune diseases, among others issues.
Blood in Urine
An infection in the bladder, trauma, and viral illnesses, among others, can cause hematuria or blood in the urine. Symptoms of this condition include pink, red, or brown urine, bladder pain, or pain in the back.
Kidney Stones
When your urine has a lot of crystal-forming substances, like calcium and uric acid, kidney stones may form. These stones usually do not cause permanent damage. However, they can be excruciating to pass. When a stone blocks the urinary tract, surgery may be necessary to remove it.
Erectile Dysfunction
It is common for men to have difficulty maintaining an erection every now and then. However, if you experience it for more than 25% of the time, you may have erectile dysfunction. This dysfunction is more common in older men, although some health problems and medications can also cause it in younger individuals. Some conditions associated with erectile dysfunction are heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Fortunately, there are treatment options for those who are experiencing this problem.
Urologist in North Carolina
Maintaining a healthy urinary system is vital to keeping you healthy. If you feel any recurring pain when you urinate or if you see blood in your urine, seek medical care immediately. Dr. Richard Natale of Carolina Urology Partners is a board-certified urologist with significant experience in his field, especially in treating men’s health issues.
Make an appointment today with Dr. Natale and get relief from your urological issue. You may reach us at (704) 786-5131, or request an appointment online.
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