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The female urinary tract is different from that of the male. The differences between the male and female urinary tracts lead to special conditions and problems that occur in women. The situation of the female urinary tract close to both the vagina and the rectum can lead to varied urological conditions.
Common examples would include bladder problems during pregnancy, after childbirth or after hysterectomy. During pregnancy a woman urinates more often as the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder and restricts the space normally reserved for the storage of urine. In pregnancy, a urinary tract infection is more likely to travel to the kidneys which could cause premature delivery.
Bladder control problems and urinary track infections (UTIs) are more common in women than in men for reasons that are poorly understood. One woman in five develops UTI during her lifetime, and recurrences are common. The prevalence of urinary infections in the adult female suggests that the anatomical relation of the short urethra to the rectum is a predisposing factor. In women who wear diaphragms, UTI seems to occur more often. Catheterization of the bladder is particularly liable to introduce organisms into the urinary tract. When indicated, it should be carried out with proper techniques and procedures.
Non-surgical treatments are often successful, and there are changes in lifestyle and daily activity that can help to improve or resolve some troublesome symptoms. When conservative measures fail, surgical treatment is often needed to correct the problem.
What are some of the factors and lifestyle habits that can lead to bladder disorders?
Addressing the 10 problems cited below can help women maintain the health of their urinary tract so as to avoid common and recurrent problems, such as urinary tract infection (UTI), pelvic organ prolapse, and bladder control problems.
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