When women experience bladder or urinary problems, there’s a Carson Valley Health specialist they can turn to. Urologists specialize in treating diseases of the urinary tract in both women and men. That includes conditions that affect the bladder, kidneys and other structures. Here are just a few of the conditions these specialists can diagnose and treat to help improve your health and quality of life.
Urinary incontinence
There are different types of urinary incontinence, but stress incontinence is one of the most common in women. It can cause you to leak urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze or exercise. The muscles that normally hold urine in can be weakened by childbirth, aging, or certain health or lifestyle factors.
Another common condition is urge incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder. With this condition, you may leak urine and have a strong, sudden urge to use the toilet.
Urologists can treat female urinary incontinence with medications, tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) and bladder Botox, and sometimes surgery.
Don’t let embarrassment keep you from talking to a provider about incontinence. Urologists help people with these conditions all the time. Get the care and relief you deserve.
Recurrent UTIs
Although anyone can get a urinary tract infection (UTI), they are more common in women. If you have a UTI, you might feel like going to the bathroom frequently and have a burning sensation when you go. Other signs and symptoms can include urine that is cloudy, bloody or has an unusually foul odor.
Many women get recurrent UTIs—often defined as three or more in a year. If that’s true for you, you can see a urologist for tests to find out the cause. A urologist can create a UTI prevention plan, which may include antibiotics, estrogen medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are clumps of minerals that build up in the urine. Some cause pain and trouble peeing.
A urologist can create a plan to monitor or treat your kidney stone. Many stones pass on their own. But some large stones may need to be removed. Some options are:
· Ureteroscopy. A tube that holds a tiny wire basket is used to retrieve the stone through the ureter (the tube through which you pass urine). Sometimes a laser is used with this procedure to break up the stone.
· Shockwave therapy. Soundwaves are used to break up a kidney stone so that it’s easier to pass.
Make an appointment with a urology specialist
If you need a urologist, a great urology team is right here for you at Carson Valley Health. Call 775.782.1610 to schedule a visit.
