Urology -Urine Good Hands…..

I know, its a terrible pun but in the spirit of the month – please forgive us!

The majority of us will have experienced urology issues at some point in our lives. Its something that doesn’t discriminate, and from the minor (albeit very uncomfortable) urine infection right up to the more serious conditions like cancer, urology issues are something that we should all be encouraging conversation on.

Now, nobody is suggesting that you bring it up during your water cooler gossip session, but understanding this area of your body is vital to keeping it healthy and happy.

Urology is the medical speciality that focuses on the urinary system and reproductive organs. This includes the kidneys, bladder, testes and penis, adrenal glands, urethra, prostate and ureters. The urinary and reproductive organs are closely linked, and its commonplace to find that issues with one will impact on the other.

So, here is the science bit….

Your kidneys are the beginning of an in depth process that helps to remove waste products from your body and they are very important to your overall health.

The process begins with the blood entering the kidneys through lots of little arteries so that it can be cleaned, remove the toxins and re-distribute any nutrients. This is why after a boozy night out, your kidneys are swearing at you quietly!

Once the kidneys have separated everything, all the good stuff like the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are returned back to your bloodstream to fuel your body. The rest of it is moved from your kidneys into your ureters and bladder and this is the point where your conscious body is given a kick, and the need to use the toilet appears. Leaving your body via the urethra, your urine removes as much rubbish as it can, leaving you clean and toxin free ready to begin the whole process again!

Your kidneys are a powerhouse within the body, and although they are only small, (about the size of a fist), their contribution is vital. Without them, you would very quickly deteriorate leaving you in a potentially dangerous condition if the problem is not resolved quickly. For this reason, its vital to understand how to look after them and the rest of your urinary tract system, and how to recognise when they need some help.

With that in mind, what are some of the more common conditions to watch out for?

Urinary Tract and Sexually Transmitted Infections

The urinary tract can be quite prone to UTIs, and for anyone who has ever experienced one, you will know that they are not the most fun that you will ever have! These infections are generally a result of bacteria entering your tract, and whilst easily treated, can be awful. They can also affect the kidneys if left untreated. STIs can also have an impact on how well your urinary system works. Keeping yourself protected during sexual encounters is one way to avoid this but we would also recommend regular testing if you have multiple partners. Definitely better to be safe than sorry!

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are another common condition, and as with the UTIs, they can be incredibly painful. A kidney stone is a mass that is formed when the waste products in your kidneys clump together. They are generally left to pass through your urinary tract as long as they are not too large, but the process itself can be excruciating.

Lower Urinary Tract Issues

Problems such as slight leakage when you cough or sneeze or the urge to pee more often but not finish it completely are common symptoms of issues with the lower urinary tract. As with other conditions, these can be helped with medication and lifestyle changes and become more common as you age. There is no need for anyone to live with these conditions as most can be treated relatively successfully.

Urinary Tract Obstructions

There are several different conditions that can create blockages and stop you from being able to pee. Growths and tumours, an enlarged prostate, pregnancy, Crohns disease and an obstruction in the bladder can all contribute and should be tackled with your GP quickly.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a much more serious condition that affects your whole urinary system. Although there are different causes, the most common ones are diabetes or high blood pressure, both of which can potentially be controlled by lifestyle changes and medication. Its crucial that these are managed correctly to help reduce the risk of kidney failure. The body cannot live without the kidneys which means the next step is dialysis or transplant.

We now know what to be aware of but what can you do to reduce the risks and keep your kidneys smiling and happy!

Guess what? Its all of the usual suspects!

We can wax lyrical about how you can adjust your lifestyle for these things, but you all know what you need to do! Whilst we would never suggest you don’t treat yourself from time to time, a healthy lifestyle will give you the best chance for healthy kidneys and healthy kidneys = happy life!