Overview
Urinary symptoms can occur at any age and can noticeably affect daily life. Urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, difficulty passing urine and blood in the urine are among the conditions considered under this heading.
Some symptoms have simple causes, while others may need more detailed investigation. How long a symptom has lasted, how often it occurs and any accompanying symptoms are therefore important in the assessment.
When to seek a consultation
- Frequent, urgent or painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Leaking urine (incontinence)
- A weak stream or a feeling that the bladder does not empty fully
- Repeated urinary tract infections
Assessment
Assessment begins with a discussion of your symptoms and medical history and a physical examination. If needed, a urine test, urine culture, blood tests, ultrasound, urine flow measurement or an endoscopic examination of the bladder may be requested. Which tests are needed is decided after the consultation.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause of the symptoms. Options may include advice on lifestyle and fluid intake, bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, medication and, in some cases, procedures.
Not every symptom requires medication or surgery; the appropriate approach is discussed individually based on the examination and test results.
Benefits, limitations and risks
Every treatment has possible benefits as well as limitations and side effects. Medicines can have side effects; procedures can carry risks such as bleeding, infection or incomplete relief of symptoms. These should be discussed in detail before a treatment decision is made.
Frequently asked questions
Is blood in the urine always a sign of serious disease?
Not always, but blood in the urine should always be assessed. An examination and tests may be needed to find the cause.
When should I seek urgent care?
If you have fever, chills, severe pain or cannot pass urine, go to the nearest emergency department without waiting for an appointment.