Even though bladder issues are a common problem, many women are too shy or ashamed to talk about their bladder problems to anyone, including their doctor. Approximately ten million American adults, the majority of whom are women, have symptoms related to their bladder. These issues effect women of all ages and in most cases, are easily treatable. On this page, you will find information on the following:
| Urinary Tract Infection | Stress Incontinence | Rectocele |
| Urinary Incontinence | Urge Incontinence | Bladder Cancer |
| Interstitial Cystitis | Cystocele | Helpful Links |
Bladder problems faced by women include leaking urine, frequent urination due to overactive bladder and other symptoms of urinary incontinence. These bladder problems in women may be due to consequences of childbirth or a natural part of aging. However, several new techniques in the fields of urology and gynecology are offering solutions to more and more women suffering from bladder problems.
Our doctors diagnose bladder diseases using different tests. These include urine tests, x-rays and examination of the bladder wall with a scope called a cystoscope. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the problem. It may include therapy, behavioral and diet modifications, medicines and in some cases, surgery.
If you believe you are experiencing any of the symptoms or issues listed below, please feel free to speak with one of our doctors. They will listen with an understanding ear and suggest the best treatment plan for you.
Urinary Tract Infection: A urinary tract infection is an infection that begins in your urinary system. Women are at greater risk of developing a urinary tract infection than are men. A urinary tract infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a urinary tract infection spreads to your kidneys. Antibiotics are the typical treatment for a urinary tract infection. But you can take steps to reduce your chance of getting a urinary tract infection in the first place.
Urinary incontinence: The loss of bladder control is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time.
If urinary incontinence affects your day-to-day activities, don't hesitate to see your doctor. In most cases, simple lifestyle changes or medical treatment can ease your discomfort or stop urinary incontinence.
Interstitial Cystitis: Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic condition characterized by a combination of uncomfortable bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pain in your pelvis, which can range from mild burning or discomfort to severe pain…leading to frequent, painful urination.
The severity of symptoms caused by interstitial cystitis often fluctuates, and some people may experience periods of remission. Although there's no treatment that reliably eliminates interstitial cystitis, a variety of medications and other therapies offer relief.
Stress Incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine. Stress incontinence is prompted by a physical movement or activity — such as coughing, sneezing or heavy lifting — that puts pressure (stress) on your bladder. Stress incontinence is not related to psychological stress.
Urge Incontinence: Urge incontinence is the strong, sudden need to urinate due to bladder spasms or contractions.
Cystocele: A cystocele occurs when the supportive tissue between a woman's bladder and vaginal wall weakens and stretches, allowing the bladder to bulge into the vagina. A cystocele may also be called a prolapsed bladder.
Straining the muscles that support your pelvic organs may lead to a cystocele. Such straining occurs during vaginal childbirth or with chronic constipation, violent coughing and heavy lifting. Cystoceles also tend to cause problems after menopause, when estrogen levels decrease.
For a mild or moderate cystocele, non-surgical treatment is often effective. In more severe cases of cystocele, surgery may be necessary to keep the vagina and other pelvic organs in their proper positions.
Rectocele: A rectocele occurs when the thin wall of fibrous tissue (fascia) separating the rectum from the vagina becomes weakened, allowing the front wall of the rectum to bulge into the vagina.
Childbirth and other processes that put pressure on the fascia can lead to a rectocele. A small rectocele may cause no signs or symptoms. If a rectocele is large, it may create a noticeable bulge of tissue through the vaginal opening. Though this bulge may be uncomfortable, it's rarely painful.
When treatment of a rectocele is necessary, self-care measures and other non-surgical options are often effective. In severe cases, you may need surgical repair.
Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in your bladder — a balloon-shaped organ in your pelvic area that stores urine. Bladder cancer begins most often in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Bladder cancer typically affects older adults, though it can occur at any age. Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States.
The great majority of bladder cancers are diagnosed at an early stage — when bladder cancer is highly treatable. However, even early-stage bladder cancer is likely to recur. For this reason, bladder cancer survivors often undergo follow-up tests to look for bladder cancer recurrence for years after treatment.
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