If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain from urinary problems, you’re not alone, as these are quite common in our country. An epidemiological study conducted in a rural area found that the prevalence of urinary incontinence was 20.5% among women aged 35 years and above.
With urinary problems so prevalent, one needs to arm themselves with the right knowledge on care and treatment.
In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the most common urinary problems in India, what doctors treat them, and factors to consider when choosing the right doctor.
Common Urinary Problems in India
Here is a list of urinary problems commonly found in the Indian population.
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections are very common, especially in women. They’re a result of bacteria infecting the urinary tract. Symptoms of UTI include pain during urination, cloudy urine, and frequent urge to urinate.
Most UTI cases in India are often due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. They can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
2. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are produced when hard minerals deposit in the kidneys. They’re known to cause severe pain, blood in urine, and other symptoms.
Kidney stones are quite prevalent in India (~12% of the population) due to high consumption of oxalate-rich foods and low water intake.
Treatment of kidney stones can range from dietary modifications to minimally invasive surgeries.
3. Urinary Incontinence
This is a condition where one loses control over their bladder, leading to accidental urine leakage. It’s often linked to ageing, childbirth, and obesity. In India, it’s a common yet under-reported issue due to the associated stigma. Treatments can include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.
4. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a serious condition where cancerous cells develop in the bladder. Symptoms include blood in urine, pain during urination, and frequent urination. Bladder cancer claims 11,000 lives a year in India. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
5. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH, or an enlarged prostate, affects older men. It causes problems like frequent urination, difficulty in starting urination, and a weak urine stream. This condition is common in India due to the ageing population and can be managed through medication or surgery.
Types of Doctors to Consult for Urinary Problems
Here are four types of doctors who treat urinary problems.
1. Urologist
Urologists specialize in urinary tract diseases in both men and women. They’re also trained in diagnosing and treating issues in the male reproductive system.
They can diagnose and treat conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder issues, and prostate conditions.
A urologist is typically the first specialist you would see for any serious urinary issue.
2. Nephrologist
Nephrologists specialize in kidney care and treat conditions like chronic kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease, and electrolyte imbalances.
If you suffer from urinary issues that stem from kidney disease or dysfunction, a nephrologist might be the right specialist.
3. Gynecologist
Women with urinary problems that might be linked to reproductive or hormonal issues should consult a gynecologist.
They can help with issues such as urinary incontinence or frequent urinary tract infections linked to female anatomy or reproductive health.
4. Geriatrician
Urinary problems in elders often arise due to ageing. Geriatricians, who specialize in the health care of older adults, can provide guidance on managing these age-related urinary issues, including incontinence or bladder control problems.
5. Pediatric Urologist
A pediatric urologist is a specialist in urinary problems in children. They have the expertise to treat urinary conditions in children, like bedwetting, urinary tract malformations, and infections.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Doctor
Here are a few crucial factors to consider when choosing your doctor:
- Experience: A doctor with more experience will be more likely to gauge what treatments you need. Our doctors at Ayu Health Network of Hospitals come highly recommended and have a minimum of 15 years of experience.
- Compassion: In addition to being experienced and well-reputed, your doctor should be known for their empathy and compassion — especially when treating urinary problems so severe that they cause emotional distress.
- Part of a trusted network: A surveillance study conducted in 26 network hospitals in India reported 737 healthcare-associated UTIs from 89 intensive care units (ICUs) between 2016 and 2017. Ensure your doctor is part of a trusted network of hospitals that pay attention to detail when treating you.
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Doctor for Urinary Problems in India?
If urinary problems go untreated, they may progress into something more serious — in many cases, they might become fatal. For example, an untreated bladder could become a kidney or prostate cancer, while other infections travel through the bloodstream and cause sepsis.
In addition to seeking medical intervention quickly, choosing the right doctor plays a vital role in treating your urinary problems. You want to choose a doctor who has experience and is well-reputed in their field.
At Ayu Health Network of Hospitals, we believe your health and well-being are of utmost importance, which is why we select doctors who combine compassion and expertise and give you the best treatment plan.
Also Read : Kidney Stones – Treatments, and why you shouldn’t delay a surgery
10 Early Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Here are some of our top urologists:
Dr. Manjunath S | Dr. Shreeharsha Mallappa Awati | Dr. Manohar Bhadrappa | Dr. Rohit R Hegde | Dr. Sanjay Paruchuri
Visit our website to learn more.
FAQs
Who is the Best Doctor for Urinary Problems?
The best doctor for urinary problems is a urologist. They’re trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the urinary tract.
What are the Symptoms of Urology Problems?
Symptoms of urology problems include frequent urination, pain or burning when urinating, bloody urine, lower abdominal pain, urinary incontinence (accidental leakage of urine), or back or pelvic pain.
Can Urinary Problems be Cured?
Yes, many urinary problems can be cured or managed with proper treatment. The prognosis depends on the nature of the condition, its severity, and the patient’s health and response to treatment.
What is the Best Treatment for Urinary Problems?
The best treatment for urinary problems depends on the specific problem. Treatment can range from antibiotics for infections, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise for an overactive bladder, surgery for conditions like prostate enlargement, or physical therapy for urinary incontinence.
Our Hospital Locations
Urology Surgery Hospitals in Chandigarh | Urology Surgery Hospitals in Bangalore | Urology Surgery Hospitals in Jaipur | Urology Surgery Hospitals in NCR | Urology Surgery Hospitals in Hyderabad
Our Doctors
Urology Surgery Doctors in Chandigarh | Urology Surgery Doctors in Bangalore | Urology Surgery Doctors in Jaipur | Urology Surgery Doctors in NCR | Urology Surgery Doctors in Hyderabad
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2978433/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8077804/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649597/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214109X22002741
About the Author
Dr. Udaybhaskar M
Dr. Uday Bhaskar is a renowned urologist currently practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore.
He is proficient in Endourology, RIRS, (open and laparoscopy), andrology (penile lengthening & penile prosthesis for erectile problems), and other urological procedures. Over the course of his career, he has performed many laser TURPs for prostate enlargement. He also has vast experience in treating renal stones and performing PNCLs.