MARION KERR CHECK-UPTreatment of a urinary problem will very much depend on cause
I'm having problems passing urine and wonder what could be causing it?
Urine, a waste product, forms in the kidneys and is transported to the bladder where it is stored. As the amount of urine increases, the walls of the bladder stretch, causing an increase in pressure within the bladder.
When the pressure reaches a certain level, it stimulates nerve endings within the bladder, causing the urge to empty. The sphincter - the ring of muscle that closes off the neck of the bladder - usually stays closed until such time as we consciously relax it, allowing the urine to pass out of the body from the bladder via the urethra.
There are a number of conditions that can affect the urinary system: infections of the bladder (cystitis); infections of the urethra (urethritis); and loss of control over urination (urinary incontinence), which can be the result of neurological disorders or weakness of the sphincter muscles.
An inability to expel urine (urinary retention) can also occur due to an enlarged prostate gland, a tumour, or as a result of a neurological condition. It may also occur as a side effect of certain drugs. Treatment of a urinary problem will very much depend on the cause of the problem.
A few months ago my sister had the same symptoms as mine (wanting to pass urine but then being able to pass very little, and lower tummy pain) and was diagnosed with a bladder infection. When I got the same symptoms I took some of the tablets she had left over but it still hasn't gone away.
The most common symptoms of a bladder infection include the sudden need to urinate (urge incontinence), lower abdominal pain and pain on passing urine. The majority of urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria and require treatment with antibiotics and an increased fluid intake.
However, as there are a large number of causes for bladder problems you really need to see your GP for a definitive diagnosis. Laboratory examination of a urine sample will help identify the microbes causing the infection and an antibiotic to which the bug is most sensitive.
Following a course of treatment, repeat examination of a urine sample will confirm the infection has been completely eliminated.
Even if you do experience the same symptoms as someone else you should not presume you are suffering from the same condition. Never take medication prescribed for someone else and always finish a course of tablets unless advised otherwise by your doctor.