Urology Services

A variety of bladder disorders ranging from incontinence to bladder cancer can cause pain, irritation and embarrassment. Many can be controlled or corrected through medication, bladder retraining and possibly surgery.  

For more information or referral to a urologist, call 1.800.4BAYLOR.

Types: Symptoms | Diagnostic Techniques | Treatment Options

Bladder Disorder Types

There are several types of male and female incontinence and bladder disorders. These include:

• Bladder cancer
• Bladder obstruction
• Cystitis
• Diverticulum of the bladder
• Overflow incontinence
• Stress incontinence
• Urge incontinence
• Vesicoureteral reflux

Bladder Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms of the different bladder and incontinence conditions vary.

These can include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Blood in the urine
• Pain during urination
• Changes in urination habits such as a strong need to urinate or difficulty urinating

Bladder Outlet Obstruction Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Feeling of a full bladder continuously
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination
• Pain in urination
• Slow urine flow
• Urinary tract infection
• Urine stream starts and stops
• Overflow Incontinence
• Urine stream starts and stops
• Accidental release of small amounts of urine
• Weak urine stream
• Straining while urinating
• Feeling of a full bladder continuously
• The need to urinate frequently at night
• Loss of urine while asleep

Stress Incontinence Symptoms

Urine That Leaks When You:

• Cough
• Laugh
• Lift heavy objects
• Strain
• Change posture position

Urge Incontinence Symptoms

• Sudden urge to urinate
• Sudden accidents with a significant amount of urine
• The need to urinate frequently, especially at night

Bladder Disorder Diagnostic Techniques

There are several tests that can help diagnose your bladder disorder and incontinence issues.

Among These Are:

• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Cystoscopy
• Urinalysis

Bladder Disorder Treatment Options

The choice of specific treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the extent that the symptoms interfere with lifestyle. There are three main approaches to treatment: medication, retraining and surgery.

Medication

Medications used to treat urge incontinence are aimed at relaxing the involuntary contraction of the bladder and improving bladder function. There are several types of medications that may be used alone or in combination.

Surgery

The goal of any surgery to treat urge incontinence is aimed at increasing the storage ability of the bladder while decreasing the pressure within the bladder. Surgery is reserved for patients who are severely debilitated by their incontinence and who have an unstable bladder (severe inappropriate contraction) and poor ability to store urine.

Bladder Retraining

Management of urge incontinence usually begins with a bladder retraining program. Occasionally, electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy may be used in conjunction with bladder retraining.

Other incontinence treatments include:

• Overflow incontinence treatment
• Stress urinary incontinence treatment
• Urge incontinence treatment