Urological Care That Supports Your Daily Life
Due to anatomical structure, pregnancy and childbirth, and hormonal changes, women are generally more prone to developing urological conditions.Symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, or urinary incontinence may be difficult to talk about, but if left untreated, they may worsen, become chronic, or even lead to reduced kidney function.At our clinic, we provide thoughtful and respectful care to ensure female patients feel comfortable during their visits. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, please feel free to consult with us.
Conditions We Treat
Common Urological Symptoms in Women
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please do not hesitate to visit us:
Urination and Bladder Concerns
- Frequent urination makes it difficult to go out
- Sudden urge to urinate, difficult to hold
- Urine leakage when coughing, sneezing, or laughing
- Waking up multiple times at night to urinate
- Pain, discomfort, or feeling of incomplete urination
- Urgency triggered by running water or cold temperatures
- Protein or blood detected in urine during health checkups
- Blood in urine or on toilet paper
Discomfort or Pain in the Vulva or Vagina
- Dryness and pain during intercourse
- Burning or discomfort in the vagina
- Unusual sensations in the vulva
Lower Abdominal Symptoms
- Dull pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Recurrent cystitis
- Medications are becoming less effective
Urological symptoms may occur with aging, but underlying conditions are often present.Early detection and treatment can improve symptoms and prevent progression.
Even if you’re already receiving treatment without improvement, feel free to reach out.
Pay attention if your symptoms meet the following criteria:
- More than 8 urinations per day
- More than 2 times at night
While individual experiences vary, if you feel like you’re urinating more frequently, it’s best to consult a doctor early.
Cystitis
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria entering through the urethra and multiplying inside the bladder.Women are more susceptible to cystitis because their urethra is shorter and located closer to the anus and vagina compared to men.It is a common condition, affecting approximately 1 in 2 women during their lifetime.
Types of Cystitis
Acute Cystitis
The most common type, with symptoms appearing suddenly due to bacterial infection.
Chronic Cystitis
Recurrent or persistent type following unresolved acute cystitis.
Interstitial Cystitis
Non-bacterial, cause unknown.
Hemorrhagic Cystitis
Caused by viral infections or drug side effects, accompanied by bleeding.
Symptoms of Cystitis
- Frequent urination
- Burning or stinging pain when urinating
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Cloudy or milky urine
- Blood in the urine (red or pinkish color)
- Dull pain in the lower abdomen
If symptoms progress to fever or back pain, it may indicate a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Seek medical attention promptly.
Causes and Mechanism
- Bacterial entry, especially E. coli
- Habit of holding in urine
- Weakened immunity due to fatigue or stress
- Bacterial invasion after sexual activity
- Extended use of sanitary pads or poor hygiene
- Excessive use of bidets, which may push bacteria into the urethra
Examinations and Diagnosis
Medical Interview
We ask about the course of symptoms and urinary habits.
Urinalysis
Checks for white blood cells and bacteria in the urine.
Urine Culture
Identifies the causative bacteria and effective antibiotics.
Ultrasound
Checks for possible kidney infection in cases of recurrence or fever.
Treatment for Cystitis
- Medication：Typically involves a 1-week course of antibiotics. Medication may be adjusted based on culture results if resistant bacteria are suspected.
- Lifestyle Care：
- Stay well-hydrated
- Don’t hold in urine
- Maintain hygiene without over-washing
- Avoid getting cold
Do not stop treatment prematurely; follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid recurrence or resistance.
Preventing Recurrence
Cystitis often recurs even after symptoms have subsided. Incorporating strategies to reduce the burden on the bladder in daily life can help lower the risk of recurrence.
Maintain immunity
Get enough sleep, manage stress, and avoid fatigue.
Stay hydrated
Flush out bacteria through regular urination.
Don’t hold it in
Urinate when you feel the urge.
Toilet hygiene
Wipe front to back; use bidets cautiously.
After intercourse / during menstruation
Urinate soon after intercourse and change sanitary products frequently.
Keep lower body warm
Use baths and warm clothing to prevent chilling.
Manage underlying conditions
Diabetes and urinary stones increase recurrence risk; consult a urologist as needed.
Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by sudden, strong urges to urinate (urgency), involuntary leakage of urine (urge incontinence), and increased urinary frequency.It commonly affects individuals over 50 years old and can significantly impact quality of life (QOL).
Symptoms of OAB
- Urinary urgency：A sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate.
- Urge incontinence：Leaking urine before reaching the toilet.
- Frequent urination：Urinating more than 8 times a day.
- Nocturia：Waking up multiple times at night to urinate.
- Other signs,Even the sound or feeling of running water may trigger the urge to urinate.
These symptoms can interfere with daily life and lead to anxiety or stress.
Causes and Mechanism
There are two types of overactive bladder (OAB): neurogenic OAB, caused by damage to nerves connecting the brain or spinal cord to the bladder and urethra, and non-neurogenic OAB, which occurs without such nerve problems.Although age-related bladder sensitivity and idiopathic (unknown cause) cases are common, the following conditions may also be contributing factors:
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness or dysfunction (more common in women)：These muscles support the bladder, uterus, and urethra and may weaken with childbirth or aging.
- Neurological conditions：Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal canal stenosis can impair neural control of the bladder and trigger symptoms.
- Other diseases such as cystitis, bladder stones, or cancer：These may present similar symptoms, so accurate diagnosis is essential.
Diagnosis and Testing for Overactive Bladder
Diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms.
- Use of OAB symptom questionnaires to assess frequency and severity.
- Urinalysis to rule out infections or other conditions.
- Ultrasound to check the bladder, kidneys, and residual urine.
- Voiding diaries to track frequency and volume of urination.
- Specialized tests such as bladder pressure measurement may be conducted if necessary.
Treatment of Overactive Bladder
Medication
- Anticholinergics and β3-adrenergic agonists help suppress overactive bladder contractions.
- Medications are prescribed with thorough explanation of side effects and tailored to the patient’s lifestyle and health condition.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Limit excessive fluid intake, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Plan ahead by identifying restroom locations and using them proactively.
Bladder Training
- Delay urination gradually to train the bladder and increase capacity.
- Consult your doctor first if you are at risk for urinary tract infections.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
- Strengthening these muscles can improve urinary incontinence and frequency.
- Especially effective for women who have given birth. Consistency is key.
With proper treatment, overactive bladder can be improved and managed. We offer personalized care based on your symptoms and lifestyle. Don’t attribute symptoms simply
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation in parts of the kidney such as the renal parenchyma and renal pelvis.It often develops when a lower urinary tract infection, such as cystitis or urethritis, worsens and bacteria travel upward through the urinary tract to infect the kidneys.Women are more prone to this condition due to their shorter urethra, which increases the risk of bacterial ascent from the bladder to the kidneys.
Symptoms of Pyelonephritis
Symptoms are more systemic and severe than those of typical cystitis.
- Pain during urination (dysuria)
- Frequent urination and a feeling of incomplete emptying
- Bloody or cloudy (milky) urine
- High fever over 38°C (100.4°F) and chills
- Pain in the lower back or side, usually on one side
- Nausea and vomiting
- Signs of dehydration
If a high fever appears suddenly without cold-like symptoms, it may be a warning sign of pyelonephritis.
Cause and Mechanism
The condition is typically caused by bacteria ascending from a lower urinary tract infection (UTI), reaching the kidneys and triggering inflammation.
Diagnosis of Pyelonephritis
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and test results. We also assess whether hospitalization is required.
- Urinalysis：Checks for white blood cells and bacteria in the urine.
- Blood tests：Evaluates inflammatory markers and kidney function.
- Ultrasound：Detects swelling, urine retention, or hydronephrosis in the kidneys.
Treatment of Pyelonephritis
Treatment primarily involves oral or intravenous antibiotics.Treatment plans vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient’s overall condition.
- Outpatient Treatment:Indicated for mild cases without dehydration or severe symptoms.
- Hospitalization Required:Required for severe cases with persistent fever, vomiting, hydronephrosis, impaired kidney function, or need for IV antibiotics.
Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which the normal functions of storing and releasing urine are disrupted.
Normally, the bladder holds urine until it receives a signal from the brain to void.This coordination is controlled by a complex network of nerves between the bladder and the brain.When this network is impaired due to conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, or diabetes,patients may experience difficulty holding urine, reduced awareness of the urge to urinate, or inability to urinate despite feeling the need.
Symptoms of Neurogenic Bladder
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of nerve damage, and may include:
- Little or no sensation of the need to urinate
- Frequent leakage due to inability to store urine properly (urinary incontinence)
- Difficulty urinating even when the urge is present (urinary retention)
- Sensation of incomplete emptying after urination (residual urine)
- Frequent urination or nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
- Incomplete emptying increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney dysfunction.
Causes and Mechanisms
- Brain and spinal cord disorders: stroke, hemorrhage, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- Spinal cord injury, spinal stenosis, spina bifida
- Peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes
Diagnosis and Testing
- Urinalysis and ultrasound to check for residual urine
- Specialized tests such as urodynamic studies as needed
- Assessment for underlying neurological conditions using MRI or other imaging
Treatment of Neurogenic Bladder
- Medications to relax the bladder or facilitate urination
- Intermittent catheterization to drain urine when spontaneous voiding is impaired
- Training in clean intermittent self-catheterization (CIC) for home use
- Lifestyle guidance on fluid intake, scheduled toileting, etc.
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause of the condition.Without proper management, complications such as infections and kidney damage may occur.Please do not dismiss symptoms as “just aging” or feel embarrassed—early consultation is key to preventing further issues.