Bladder Pathology
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, most commonly the bladder. Symptoms include burning with urination, frequent urgency, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pressure. Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics. The handout covers prevention and what to do if you get recurrent infections.
Urinary Incontinence in Men and Women
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine. It can range from occasional drops to complete loss of bladder control. Common types include stress incontinence (leakage with coughing or exertion), urge incontinence (sudden strong need to urinate), and mixed incontinence.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is a condition causing a sudden and strong need to urinate, often with frequency and waking at night to urinate. It may or may not be associated with leakage. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, pelvic floor therapy, and medication.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (also called bladder pain syndrome) is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. Treatment is usually multimodal and includes diet changes, pelvic floor therapy, and medication.
Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Diet
Certain foods and drinks can worsen bladder pain symptoms. The handout below covers which foods to avoid and how to test your own triggers using an elimination diet.
Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis is swelling of the kidney caused by a buildup of urine. It can result from a blockage in the urinary tract (such as a kidney stone) or from urine flowing backward from the bladder. Treatment depends on the cause.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or genital area. It can have many causes. The handout below covers urological causes and treatment approaches.
Clean Intermittent Catheterization Men
Clean intermittent catheterization is a method of emptying the bladder using a small catheter inserted through the urethra several times per day. It is used when the bladder cannot empty fully on its own.
Hematuria
Hematuria means blood in the urine. It can be visible (gross hematuria) or detected only on urine testing (microscopic hematuria). Hematuria always needs to be evaluated to rule out serious causes such as bladder or kidney cancer.
Urethral Catheter Care
If you have been sent home with a urinary catheter, the handout below explains how to clean it, how to manage the drainage bag, and what problems to watch for.
Pelvic Floor Relaxation Techniques
Pelvic floor muscle tension contributes to many bladder problems including urgency, frequency, and bladder pain. Learning to consciously relax these muscles is often part of treatment.