Urology conditions you may not be aware of

Certain urological diseases, such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction are already quite well known and publicised. To help raise awareness, we look at four urology conditions that you may not have heard of before.

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Urology Condition 1: Glomerulonephritis

Within the kidneys there are tiny filters, known as glomeruli. Glomerulonephritis is the damage to these filters caused, in a lot of cases, by problems with the immune system. Symptoms include puffiness in the face, swollen ankles, headaches and kidney pain.

Treatment options range from dietary changes, immunosuppressants and statins, depending on what the root cause of the condition is.

Urology Condition 2: Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is very rare, with around 700 diagnoses a year. It can occur anywhere on the penis but most commonly under the foreskin if uncircumcised. Symptoms include a growth, rash and bleeding from under the foreskin. Treatment, as with any cancer, can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Urology Condition 3: Varicoceles

This condition occurs when veins in the scrotum become enlarged. It is something that develops slowly, over time and is due to blood not flowing through the veins as it should, causing it to pool which, in turn, enlarges the vein. One of the complications of varicoceles is that it can reduce male fertility. In many cases, treatment is not necessary but, if it is causing discomfort or affecting fertility, surgery may be recommended.

Urology Condition 4: Interstitial Cystitis

Otherwise known as "Bladder Pain Syndrome", Interstitial Cystitis affects 400,000 people in the UK, 90% of which are women.

The NHS lists symptoms as including intense pelvic pain and strong, frequent urges to urinate. A direct cause of interstitial cystitis is not known but it can result from conditions such as allergy, vascular disease and autoimmune disease.

and one you know of....

Urology Condition 5: Urinary Incontinence

As a specialist provider of continence appliances, we can't not mention urinary incontinence. Affecting 3 million people in the UK alone, incontinence occurs when you pass urine involuntarily.

In some cases, measures such as lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises and bladder training may be enough to manage symptoms. In more severe cases. surgical options may be considered as well as medication and incontinence appliances.

If you suffer from incontinence, you shouldn't suffer in silence. Reach out to a healthcare professional to get you on the right track to managing your incontinence and living your life.