Female urinary issues
Although older women may be more prone to female urinary issues, women of all ages can be affected. It's important to know that if these issues are affecting your quality of life, there are treatments. Urinary issues that could include:
- Urine leakage
- Frequent need to urinate
- Recurring bladder infections
- Inability to completely empty your bladder
- Progressively weaker urine stream
What causes urinary issues?
The cause depends largely on your symptoms and underlying issues. There are many causes, ranging from childbirth to the natural course of aging.
What are the symptoms of urinary issues?
In addition to the more obvious urinary issues noted above, other symptoms can include:
- Pressure in the vagina or pelvis
- Pelvic pain
- Pain and/or bleeding with intercourse
How are urinary issues diagnosed?
If you're experiencing urinary issues, you should first talk to your HonorHealth gynecologist. The symptoms, including pelvic pain, could be related to a gynecological issue. Your gynecologist may refer you to a urologist for further testing and treatment including:
- Urodynamic testing: These tests help determine how well the bladder, sphincters and urethra hold and release urine
- Cystoscopy: A thin tube equipped with a camera and light is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder
How are urinary issues treated?
Your treatment plan will depend upon the cause of your urinary issues and the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options might include:
- Kegel exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
- Weight loss
- Bladder retraining: Voiding on a set schedule
- Pelvic floor electrical stimulation
- Pessary: A small removable device inserted into the vagina to provide support if the cause is a prolapsed (dropped) bladder
- Medication
- Vaginal laser or PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections
- Various minimally invasive surgical options such as vaginal repair, pelvic floor reconstruction, and urethral sling