When you are having issues with your urinary system like urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate, or incontinence, you need compassionate and experienced care. The providers at Family Medical Specialists of Florida, PLC provide excellent care for whatever urinary or prostate problems you may have. For a consultation and personalized plan of care, call or book an appointment online with their office in Plant City, Florida.
Urology Q & A
What is the urinary tract?
The urinary tract is part of the urinary system, and is responsible for the filtration and elimination of toxic waste from the body. The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. For males, this also includes the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate.
Because serious complications can arise from this system, it is important that your urinary health is taken into consideration as part of your comprehensive health care plan.
What conditions are related to the urinary tract?
Problems most commonly associated with the urinary tract for both men and women are urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections (UTI).
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be due to increased pressure on the bladder, referred to as stress incontinence; or due to a sudden urge and inability to get to the bathroom in time, referred to as urge incontinence. Incontinence management may be an important part of your long-term health care plan.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
UTI is a term that refers to an infection in any part of the urinary tract, but most commonly involves the bladder and urethra. Often, recurrent UTIs are an issue, and long-term management may be important.
For men, enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), is a common concern that can lead to other urinary and reproductive complications if left untreated. Other urinary tract problems include kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, bladder prolapse, and erectile dysfunction.
What are symptoms of urinary tract issues?
For many urinary tract conditions, symptoms are similar and may mimic each other. Conditions may overlap each other, and one may be an underlying cause of the other. For example, BPH commonly causes a UTI, and incontinence is a symptom of UTI.
Common symptoms of many urinary tract problems:
- Urinary urgency
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary incontinence
- Inability to empty bladder
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy urine
- Painful or difficult urination
With BPH you may note increased urgency at night, a weak stream, or the feeling of a full bladder even after urinating.
For proper diagnosis, blood and urine tests, ultrasound, a prostate check, and other diagnostic testing may be needed. Treatments are determined by your underlying cause of symptoms.
For a complete exam and urinary tract evaluation, call or book an appointment online today.