Urinary Tract Problems

Self-catheterization helps you empty your bladder if it doesn’t empty by itself. It also helps if your bladder doesn’t empty all the way. Follow the steps below.

This is what you’ll need:

• Soap and warm water, or a moist towelette.
• Clean catheter.
• Water-soluble lubricating jelly (not petroleum jelly).
• Toilet or basin.

1.) LUBRICATE THE CATHETER

• First wash your hands and your penis. Use warm soapy water or a moist towelette.
• Lubricate 2-4 inches of the catheter tip. Place the other end in the toilet or basin.

2.) INSERT THE CATHETER

• Grasp the tip of your penis. Hold it up and out at a 45° angle to your stomach.
• Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra. If it doesn’t go in, take a deep breath and bear down as if to trying to urinate. If you feel a sharp pain, remove the catheter and try again.

3.) EMPTY URINE

• When the urine starts flowing, stop inserting. Lower the angle of your penis.
• When the urine stops flowing, slowly remove the catheter.

4.) WASH THE CATHETER

• Wash the catheter in mild soap and water.
• Rinse it well. Run water through it. Then let it air-dry.
• Wash your hands. If you use a basin, wash it out.

1.) LUBRICATE THE CATHETER

• First wash your hands and your genitals. Use warm soapy water or a moist towelette. Alwayswash from front to back.
• Lubricate 2-4 inches of the catheter tip. Place the other end in the toilet or basin.

 2.) INSERT THE CATHETER

• Spread the labia. Find the urethra with a mirror, or with your index finger.
• Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra. If it doesn’t go in, take a deep breath and bear down as if trying to urinate.

3.) EMPTY URINE

• When the urine starts flowing, stop inserting.
• When the urine stops flowing, slowly remove the catheter.

4.) WASH THE CATHETER

• Wash the catheter in mild soap and water.
• Rinse it well. Run water through it. Then let it air-dry.
• Wash your hands. If you use a basin, wash it out.

Blood in your urine is a condition known as hematuria. Most of the time, the cause of hematuria is not serious. However, blood in the urine should never be ignored. Your doctor can evaluate you to identify the cause of the bleeding and treat it, if necessary.

Two Types of Hematuria

• Gross hematuria means that the blood can be seen by the naked eye. The urine may look pinkish, brownish, or bright red.
• Microscopic hematuria means that the urine is clear, but blood cells can be seen when urine is looked at under a microscope or tested in a lab.

Both gross and microscopic hematuria can have the same causes, and neither one is necessarily more serious than the other. Along with either type, you may notice other symptoms, such as pain, pressure, or burning when you urinate, abdominal pain, or back pain. Or, you may not notice any other symptoms. No matter how much blood is found, the cause of the bleeding needs to be identified.

Finding the Cause of Hematuria

To evaluate your condition, the doctor will first confirm that blood is indeed present. Then other tests are done to pinpoint where the blood is coming from and why. Your doctor will decide which tests will best determine the cause of your hematuria. Some common tests are listed below.

• History and physical exam.
• Lab tests may include urinalysis, a urine culture, a urine cytology, and other blood tests.
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
• Cystoscopy.
• Other tests may include:
  • Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Cystourethrogram.

A wide range of problems can lead to blood in the urine. Some of the most common causes-such as kidney or bladder stones, enlargement of the prostate, and infection-are often easily treated. Other causes, such as cancer, are more serious. Some of the most common causes of hematuria are listed below.

1.) Stones are collections of crystals that form in the urine. Stones may be found anywhere in the urinary tract, particularly in the kidneys or bladder, and can sometimes cause severe pain.

2.) Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland that can happen as men age. BPH may cause problems with urination and, occasionally, pain.

3.) A urinary tract infection (UTI), caused by bacteria, can lead to inflammation in the bladder and urethra. UTIs are often accompanied by burning, fever, pain, and the frequent need to urinate.

4.) Damage to the urinary tract may be due to a blow or accident or the use of a catheter. Very strenuous exercise may sometimes irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding.

5.) Cancer may occur anywhere in the urinary tract. A tumor in the urinary tract may sometimes cause no symptoms other than bleeding.

Other Causes

Other causes of bleeding in the urinary tract include:

• Prostatitis (infection of the prostate gland).
• Anticoagulant medications.
• Blockage of the urinary tract.
• Disease or inflammation of the kidney.
• Sickle cell anemia.

Often, no cause can be identified. This is known as idiopathic hematuria.

Many different types of treatment are available to help manage IC symptoms and relieve pain. Some may work well for one person and not for another, so several types of treatment may be tried before you and your doctor determine the plan that’s best for you.

Avoiding Certain Foods

Avoid certain foods that may worsen your symptoms. These include alcohol, spicy food, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, and carbonated drinks. You may want to try cutting certain foods out of your diet for several weeks, then add the food back into your diet. See whether this has any effect on your symptoms.

Retraining Your Bladder

Retrain your bladder if recommended by your doctor. This often involves holding urine in for longer and longer periods to help stretch the bladder and increase the amount the bladder can hold.

Managing Stress

Manage stress in your life. Stress doesn’t cause IC, but it can make your symptoms worse. Ask your doctor about techniques to help you relax and relieve stress. Meditation, massage, and yoga are some possibilities. Exercise is an excellent way to help relieve stress. Walking and swimming are two good choices that may be comfortable enough for you to do regularly.

Many different types of treatment are available to help manage IC (Interstitial Cystitis) symptoms and relieve pain. Some may work well for one person and not for another, so several types of treatment may be tried before you and your doctor determine the plan that’s best for you.

Oral Medications

Your doctor may give you one or more of the medications below. Other medications may be available-talk to your doctor about your options.

• Pain medications may be taken for a short time to help ease discomfort.
• Antispasmodic medications may help relax the bladder muscles and decrease the need to urinate.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antihistamines may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Antidepressants in low doses may help relieve IC symptoms, perhaps by blocking pain receptors.
• Medications to restore the bladder lining such as pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron).

Bladder Instillation

Also called bladder wash or bath, bladder instillation may help relieve inflammation or repair the bladder’s protective lining. During this treatment, the bladder is filled with medications using a slender tube called a catheter. One or more types of medication may be used. The medication is held inside the bladder for a period of time (usually from 15-30 minutes). Then the medication is urinated out or drained from the bladder through the catheter. Instillation treatments are often repeated several times over a period of two to three months. These treatments can sometimes be done at home.

Bladder Hydrodistention

Hydrodistention is a process where your bladder is filled with fluid to stretch the walls of the bladder. Some patients have relief from symptoms for a time after bladder hydrodistention is done to diagnose IC. If this is true for you, your doctor may choose to repeat the hydrodistention procedure as a form of treatment.

Many different types of treatment are available to help manage IC symptoms and relieve pain. Some may work well for one person and not for another, so several types of treatment may be tried before you and your doctor determine the plan that’s best for you.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a painless technique that can help you learn to control the movement of your bladder muscles. During biofeedback, sensors are placed on your abdomen. The sensors convert signals given off by your muscles into lines on a computer screen.

Electrical Stimulation

Stimulation of the area around your bladder with electrical signals may help relieve symptoms byblocking the nerve sensations to and from the bladder,by improving blood flow, or by strengthening the pelvic muscles. For this treatment (sometimes called TENS), wires are placed on the skin of the lower back or abdomen. Mild electric pulses are then sent into the body for several minutes to hours. The therapy may be repeated one or more times daily, and may continue for several weeks to months.

Other Types of Treatments

Certain other types of treatments may be tried to help relieve your IC symptoms. Therapeutic massage of the abdominal muscles using heat or ice may help relieve pain. Acupuncture, the therapeutic use of needles, may also help relieve pain in some cases.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for severe cases of IC that are not relieved by any other types of treatment. The results of surgery can be unpredictable. If your doctor recommends surgery, he or she can discuss the procedure’s risks and benefits with you.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and painful condition of the bladder. People with IC have a bladder wall that is tender and easily irritated, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Although IC currently has no cure, the symptoms can be managed to help you feel better and live more comfortably. 

When You Have IC

The bladder stores urine (your body’s liquid waste) until it’s passed out of the body. What happens in the bladder to cause IC is not clear, but some changes have been observed. The protective lining that keeps urine away from the bladder walls may become thinner. The walls may stiffen and harden so the bladder can’t expand to hold urine. During certain tests, pinpoints of bleeding (glomerulations) may be seen on the bladder wall. Rarely, a crater (called a Hunner’s ulcer) may also be found.

Symptoms of IC

• The frequent and urgent need to urinate.
• Pain or pressure in the bladder area, often relieved for a short time after urinating.
• Pain in the genitals or anus.
• Painful sexual intercourse.

Symptoms in women may get worse during their period. Symptoms may go away for a period of time (remission), but they often come back again.

Possible Causes of IC

• Damage to the protective bladder lining, allowing urine to irritate the bladder wall.
• Infection of the bladder.
• Allergic reaction in the bladder.
• Neurological (nerve) problems.
• Substances found in the urine that are irritating to the bladder.

Men can get different kinds of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Knowing which kind of infection you have may help you prevent future UTIs.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is infection of the prostate. A urinary tract infection is a common cause of prostatitis. But it is not the only cause. You may have a frequent need to urinate, fever, or burning when you urinate. Or you may have a tender prostate, or a vague feeling of pressure. Prostatitis is treated with a range of medications, depending on the cause.

Urethritis

This is an infection of the urethra. You may have a discharge from the urethra or burning when you urinate. You may also have pain in your urethra or penis. Urethritis is treated with antibiotics.

Bacterial Cystitis

A bladder infection, or cystitis, is often linked to a blockage from an enlarged prostate. You may have an urgent or frequent need to urinate, fever, and bloody urine. Treatment includes antibiotics and medications to relax or shrink the prostate. In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Pyelonephritis

This is a kidney infection. It can be serious and damage your kidneys. In severe cases you may be hospitalized. You may have pain in the upper back and fever. Treatment includes antibiotics.

Women can get different kinds of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A diagnosis of a UTI is confirmed with a test called a urine culture.

Bacterial Cystitis

A bladder infection, or bacterial cystitis, is the most common UTI in women. Symptoms include urgent or frequent urination. You may also have fever, pain, burning when you urinate, or bloody urine. Bacterial cystitis is most often treated with antibiotics.

Urethritis

This is an inflamed urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Symptoms include lower stomach or back pain and urgent or frequent urination. Urethritis is also treated with antibiotics.

Pyelonephritis

This is a kidney infection. It can be serious and damage your kidneys if not treated. In severe cases, you may be hospitalized. You may have pain in the upper back. You may also have a fever. Treatment includes antibiotics.

The urinary tracts of women and men are similar in many ways. But there are differences that make it easier for bacteria to enter a woman’s urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that grow uncontrolled in the urinary tract. The bacteria may come from outside the body. Or they may come from the rectum or vagina.

How UTIs Occur

• Sexual activity.
• Poor hygiene.
• Urine that remains in your bladder after you urinate.
• A blockage in the kidneys.
• A blockage caused by an enlarged prostate (in men).

Urethritis occurs when the urethra is inflamed (red and swollen). This is the tube that runs from the bladder through the penis. The urethra can become swollen and cause burning pain when you urinate. You may also have pain with sex and masturbation. Read on to learn more about urethritis and how it can be treated.

What Causes Urethritis?

Urethritis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Such an infection can lead to conditions such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD). Urethritis can also be caused by injury or sensitivity or allergy to chemicals in lotions and other products.

How Is Urethritis Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and health history. You may also have one or more of the following tests:

• Urine test to take samples of urine and have them checked for problems.
• Blood test to take a sample of blood and have it checked for problems.
• Urethral discharge culture to take a sample of fluid  from inside the urethra. A cotton swab is inserted into the opening of the penis and into the urethra.
• Cystoscopy to allow the healthcare provider to look for problems in the urinary tract. The test uses a thin, flexible telescope called a cystoscope with a light and camera attached. The scope is inserted into the urethra.

How Is Urethritis Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of urethritis. If it’s due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics (medications that fight infection) will be given. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about your treatment options. In the meantime, your symptoms can be treated. To relieve pain and swelling, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may be given. Untreated, symptoms may get worse. Also, scar tissue can form in the urethra, causing it to narrow.

Call the healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher.
• Blood in the urine or semen.
• Burning pain with urination.
• Increased urge to urinate.
• Discharge from the penis.
• Itching, tenderness, or swelling in the penis or groin.
• Pain during sex or masturbation.

Preventing STDs

When it comes to sex, it’s important to take care and be safe. Any sexual contact with the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth can spread an STD. The only sure way to prevent STDs is abstinence (not having sex). But there are ways to make sex safer. Use a latex condom each time you have sex. And talk to your partner about STDs before you have sex.

Urethritis occurs when the urethra is inflamed (red and swollen). This is the tube that passes urine from the bladder to outside the body. The urethra can become swollen and cause burning pain when you urinate. You may also have pain with sex. It can cause pain in the abdomen or pelvis. A urethral or vaginal discharge may also occur. Read on to learn more about urethritis and how it can be treated.

What Causes Urethritis?

Urethritis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Such an infection can lead to conditions such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD). Urethritis can also be caused by injury or sensitivity or allergy to chemicals in lotions and other products.

How Is Urethritis Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and health history. You may also have one or more of the following tests:

• Urine test to take samples of urine and have them checked for problems.
• Blood test to take a sample of blood and have it checked for problems.
• Vaginal culture to take a sample of vaginal discharge to have it tested for problems. A cotton swab is inserted into the vagina.
• Cystoscopy to allow the healthcare provider to look for problems in the urinary tract. The test uses a thin, flexible telescope called a cystoscope with a light and camera attached. The scope is inserted into the urethra.
• Ultrasound to allow the healthcare provider to see a detailed image of the inside of your pelvis.

How Is Urethritis Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of urethritis. If it’s due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics (medications that fight infection) will be given. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about your treatment options. In the meantime, your symptoms can be treated. To relieve pain and swelling, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may be given. Untreated, symptoms may get worse. It can also cause scar tissue to form in the urethra, causing it to narrow. And, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.

Call the healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher.
• Burning pain with urination.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Increased urge to urinate.
• Discharge from the vagina.

Preventing STDs

When it comes to sex, it’s important to take care and be safe. Any sexual contact with the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth can spread an STD. The only sure way to prevent STDs is abstinence (not having sex). But there are ways to make sex safer. Use a latex condom each time you have sex. And talk to your partner about STDs before you have sex.

Dysuria refers to pain felt during urination. It is often described as a burning pain. Read on to learn more about dysuria and how it can be treated.

What Causes Dysuria?

Dysuria can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Such an infection can lead to conditions such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted disease. Dysuria can also be caused by sensitivity or allergy to chemicals in lotions and other products. Certain conditions, such as problems with the prostate or bladder, can also lead to dysuria. In some cases, having radiation therapy in the pelvic area can result in dysuria.

How Is Dysuria Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and health history. A urine test will be done. This involves giving a sample of your urine so it can be looked at under a microscope. If the urine test doesn’t give your healthcare provider enough information, more tests may need to be done. Your healthcare provider will tell you more about these if they are needed.

How Is Dysuria Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your dysuria. If it’s due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics (medications that fight infection) will be given. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about your treatment options. In the meantime, your symptoms can be treated. To relieve pain, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may be given. Medications (analgesics) to treat pain in the urinary tract may also be given. Untreated, symptoms may get worse.

Call the healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher .
• No improvement after three days of treatment.
• Trouble urinating because of pain.
• New or increased discharge from the vagina or penis.
• Rash or joint pain.
• Increased back or abdominal pain.
• Enlarged painful lymph nodes (lumps) in the groin.

Your healthcare provider has told you that you have overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Why OAB occurs is not known. But treatments are available to help control the bladder muscle and manage OAB. Normally, urine stays in the bladder until a person decides to release it. With OAB, the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, causing a sudden urge to urinate and even urine leakage.Read on to learn more.

What Is Overactive Bladder Syndrome?

OAB causes the bladder muscle to contract (squeeze involuntarily). This causes an intense urge to urinate, known as urgency. Urgency can occur many times during the day and night. In some cases, accidental urine leakage occurs with the urgency. This is called urge incontinence. A disease that affects the bladder nerves, such as multiple sclerosis, can lead to OAB. Other conditions, such as urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostate problems in men, can lead to OAB.  But the exact cause of OAB is often not known.

How Is Overactive Bladder Syndrome Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider examines you and asks about your symptoms and health history. You may also have one or more of the following:

• Urine test to take samples of urine and have them checked for problems.
• Urinary diary to record how much fluid you take in and urinate out in a three-day period.
• Bladder ultrasound to study the bladder as it empties. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body.
• Cystoscopy to allow the healthcare provider to look for problems in the urinary tract. The test uses a thin, flexible scope called a cystoscope with a light and camera on the end. The scope is inserted into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
• Cystometry (CMG) to test how well the bladder functions as it fills and empties. Two thin, flexible plastic tubes called catheters may be used for CMG. One is inserted into the urethra until it reaches the bladder. The other tube may be placed in the rectum. The tubes help measure the pressure in the bladder or rectum.

How Is Overactive Bladder Syndrome Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your OAB. Treatments may include the following:

• Changing urination habits may be suggested. For instance, your healthcare provider may suggest that you urinate as soon as you feel the urge. You may also need to limit how much fluid you have during the day.
• Exercising your pelvic muscles can help strengthen muscles used during urination. These exercises are called Kegels. They involve contracting as if you were stopping your urine stream and tightening your rectum as if trying not to pass gas. Your healthcare provider can help you learn how to do Kegels.
• Biofeedback to help you learn to control the movement of your bladder muscles. Sensors are placed on your abdomen. They turn signals given off by your muscles into lines on a computer screen.
• Medication may be given to relax the bladder muscle. Medication can also help ease bladder contractions, which reduces the urge to urinate.
• Neuromodulation may be done if medication and behavioral changes don’t work. Electrical pulses are sent to the sacral nerves (nerves that affect the pelvic area). These pulses help relieve OAB and urge incontinence.
• Surgery to make the bladder larger may be done in severe cases.

What Are the Long-Term Concerns?

With treatment, OAB can be managed. A condition, such as UTI, that has caused you to have OAB will be treated. Treatment may involve taking medications for months or years. You may also need to make changes in your daily routine. This may include going to the bathroom more often than you think you need to. Or, you may need to cut back on caffeine and alcohol because these can make OAB symptoms worse. Your healthcare provider can tell you more.

Call the healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher 
• No improvement with treatment.
• Trouble urinating because of pain.
• Back or abdominal pain.