Understanding three common urologic conditions

The urinary tract is crucial in removing the waste from the body. When there is blockage or infection, it might greatly affect a person's health. In this blog post, urologist Dr. Cletus Georges shares valuable information regarding common urologic conditions that can affect men and women.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Viruses or pathogenic bacteria usually cause these infections. While women are more prone to UTIs, men can also develop an infection in their urinary tract, urethra, bladder, prostate, or kidney. Some of the common symptoms people with UTI experience include a burning sensation when urinating, feeling the need to urinate frequently, blood in the urine, or the feeling that the bladder isn't empty even after urinating. In many cases, the infection can be treated with antibiotics. According to urologists like Dr. Cletus Georges, when a person experiences fever, vomiting, or back pain, it is a sign that the infection might have spread to the kidneys or upper urinary tract.

Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome

Interstitial cystitis, A chronic bladder condition, comes with lower urinary tract symptoms that last for more than six weeks without infection or other causes. Those with this condition feel discomfort and sometimes pressure in their bladder area. While this is not an infection, those who have this condition might be related to other health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Kidney and ureteral stones

Kidney and ureteral stones might form when a person's urine has an unusually high accumulation of minerals and substances like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These particles might form into crystals that can turn into kidney stones that might block urine flow and cause mild to severe discomfort. While there are individuals who can pass stones without noticing it, others might need medication or treatment to eliminate these stones.

A person may prevent these common urologic conditions by having a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and hydration. Being aware of the symptoms will help one manage the discomfort and seek medical help as needed.

Dr. Cletus Georges attended Weill Cornell University Medical College in New York City, graduating in 1991 and completing his residency in urology at Chicago’s Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center in 1997. Visit this page for more reads on keeping the urinary system healthy.