Conditions | Urinary Conditions
Urinary Conditions
Visit a urologist
If you experience difficulty urinating, a burning sensation when urinating, and lower back pain, you might have a urinary tract infection. An unpleasant condition, this infection can become serious if left untreated. We offer prompt diagnosis and treatment to provide relief and remove the infection as quickly as possible.
If you suffer from incontinence or other bladder issues, relief is possible. The compassionate professionals at Western New York Urology Associates will help diagnose and treat your condition so that you can go through your day with confidence.
Our urology clinic can also diagnose and assist in the treatment of various cancers that affect the urinary system. Affected systems can include the prostate, bladders, ureters, and the male reproductive system. From initial diagnosis to mapping out a treatment plan, we will be there every step of the way.
Here is additional information about some of these conditions:
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria gets into the urinary tract (where urine is made and stored). Here are some signs of a urinary tract infection:
- Urgent need to urinate, but you only produce a few drops of urine
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Hard to control urination; some urine may leak onto your clothing
- Urine may have an unpleasant odor or cloudy look
- Lower back pain, fever or chills
- Urine may have an unpleasant odor or cloudy look
If the urinary tract infection has progressed to a kidney infection, you may experience more severe symptoms including a fever, chills, lower back pain, nausea, and vomiting. Immediately make an appointment at our urology clinic if you begin experiencing the symptoms of a urinary tract infection so that we can provide medical care.
A urologist at Western New York Urology Associates can determine whether or not you have a urinary tract infection. If you do have an infection, we will most likely prescribe an antibiotic. To help reduce your risk of getting a urinary tract infection:
- Don’t postpone — urinate when you feel the urge.
- Don’t rush — take the time when you urinate to empty your bladder completely.
- Respond to your body’s signals of thirst by drinking enough water or other liquids every day.
- Consult your doctor at the first sign of a problem. Urinary tract infections are very common, and they are easiest to treat if caught before they become severe.
Common urinary conditions
Bladder Infections
This is one of the most common types of urinary tract infections. When the bladder gets infected, it starts to swell and become irritated. The main cause of a bladder infection is bacteria, usually E. coli. This type of bacteria lives on the skin and in the intestines. Once in the urethra, bacteria can travel up to the bladder and cause problems. Generally, women get bladder infections much more often than men do. Bladder infections are annoying, but they are treatable. One of the most common urinary tract infection treatments is antibiotics. The antibiotics will fight off the infection by killing the bacteria or stopping it from reproducing.
Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine out of the bladder. This can cause uncomfortable urinary and bladder problems. The symptoms of an enlarged prostate are similar to a variety of urinary conditions. This is why it’s important to see a specialist at a urology center to properly diagnose the condition. There are a variety of treatment options available such as medications, therapies, and surgeries. A doctor will evaluate the symptoms, size of the prostate, and health of the patient to determine the best treatment method.
Urinary Incontinence
This is caused by tight or weak muscles and nerves surrounding the bladder. This leads to urine leaking or increased urgency to urinate. There are many different types of urinary incontinence, which is why it’s important to see a doctor who can properly diagnose bladder problems. There are many causes of urinary incontinence such as urinary tract infections, prostate issues, menopause, pregnancy, and medications. Urinary incontinence is treatable with the help of an experienced doctor. They can create a treatment plan to address the symptoms and urinary conditions. There are various treatment options for urinary incontinence such as medications, injections, surgery, pelvic floor therapy, and nerve stimulation.
Kidney Infections
This is another type of urinary tract infection that begins in the urethra or bladder and travels up into the kidney. A kidney infection is serious and requires medical attention. Without the proper care, the infection can damage the kidney and spread into the bloodstream. Common symptoms of a kidney infection are fever, chills, flank pain, increased urgency or frequency to urinate, burning or pain while urinating, nausea, blood in urine, and urine with a foul smell. Every patient is different, which is why a doctor can evaluate the symptoms and develop a urinary tract infection treatment plan around them.
Kidney Stones
Kidneys can form hard deposits that are made of minerals and salts, which are known as kidney stones. They can cause problems throughout the entire urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. The stones form when urine becomes concentrated, which allows the minerals to crystallize and stick together. Kidney stones can be very painful to pass, which is why a kidney specialist will be able to determine the best treatment option. Smaller stones can be passed by drinking plenty of fluids and taking medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain. Larger stones may require sound wave therapy or surgery in order to remove them properly.
Conditions treated through the continence and pelvic floor rehab program
Our urology clinic offers some of the latest in breakthrough therapy, managed by a team of doctors, nurses and physician assistants who are specially trained in continence and pelvic dysfunction.
Some of the conditions we treat include:
- Interstitial cystitis — chronic pelvic pain associated with urinary frequency, tenderness and pain, usually relieved by emptying the bladder.
- Fecal incontinence — a condition in which muscles surrounding the pelvic floor, and rectum become weakened, causing loss of control. Fecal incontinence may occur in women after childbirth, the elderly, in patients after some surgeries, and in patients with fecal impaction.
- Chronic constipation — a disorder that prevents patients from performing normal bowel movements for prolonged periods of time without the assistance of medication or enemas.
- Pelvic pain — a condition typically experienced by women with disorders such as endometriosis or dysmenorrhea and post-surgical scarring.
- Vulvodynia — intense pain, burning or itching of the vulvar area.
- Enuresis — nighttime bedwetting.
The Continence and Pelvic Floor Rehab Program also offers comprehensive treatment plans for incontinence and urine leakage. Please visit the Incontinence/Urine Leakage section of this website to learn more.