Disorders that affect the urinary system can range from the very easy to treat to life-threatening diseases that require immediate intensive care treatment. The urinary system is responsible for filtering waste products and excess water from the body. When this system fails the body must function with too much fluid and an excess of waste products, both of which are toxic to optimal functioning.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are calcium deposits that can be found anywhere in the urinary system. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, they can vary in size. Some stones will cause a great deal of pain and others will not. You have an option of both surgical and non-surgical treatment options depending upon the size and location of the stone.
Bladder Cancer
Cancer growth in the bladder affects men four times more than woman. According to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the risk of cancer increases with age and is twice as likely in Caucasians as in the African-American population. There are several different types of cell growth. Treatment options and prognosis will depend upon the type of cancer diagnosed.
Cystocele
Cystocele is a fallen bladder that occurs exclusively in women. According to the Medical Center of Central Georgia, the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, which causes the bladder to drop into the vagina. You experience urine leakage and cannot completely empty your bladder. Treatment will be based on your age, medical history, severity of the problem, your choice and tolerance of procedures or medications and the expected progress of the disease.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
In this condition the prostate gland becomes enlarged and interferes with urinary and sexual functioning. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, men with BPH will often have other bladder symptoms that increase the number of times they must urinate during the daytime and nighttime hours. Most men over 60 have some degree of BPH but may not have symptoms.
Neurogenic Bladder
The storage and release of urine is controlled by nerves that innervate the bladder. According to New York-Presbyterian, when these nerves are damaged or do not work properly you can experience urine leakage, retention, infection or damage to the kidney when the bladder becomes too full and backs up. Treatment options include surgical and non-surgical approaches and will depend upon the cause of the damage, the type of voiding dysfunction you have, the expectations for the condition, your overall health and your preferences.
Impotence and Erectile Dysfunction
Men who suffer from impotence or erectile dysfunction will be unable to achieve an erection or will be dissatisfied with the size, rigidity and duration they can achieve. According to The Medical Center of Central Georgia, this condition was once thought to be psychological in nature but today doctors know that between 80 and 90 percent of problems are caused by physical problems. Treatment will depend upon the cause of the issue, your age and overall health, the extent of the disease process and your tolerance of any surgical or medical options.
Urinary Tract Infections
Bacteria growing in the urinary tract causes pain with urination. According to National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the symptoms and name will also depend upon the location of the infection in the urinary tract. When the infection is in the kidneys it can cause serious damage if not adequately treated. When it is in the bladder it can travel to the kidneys. Women get urinary tract infections more frequently than men.
