Sexual and Urologic Problems of Diabetes (cont.)
Diabetes and Urologic Problems
Bladder dysfunction can have a profound effect on quality of life. Diabetes
can damage the nerves that control bladder function. Men and women with diabetes
commonly have bladder symptoms that may include a feeling of urinary urgency,
frequency, getting up at night to urinate often, or leakage of urine
(incontinence). These symptoms have been called overactive bladder. Less common
but more severe bladder symptoms include difficulty urinating and complete
failure to empty (retention). These symptoms are called a neurogenic bladder.
Some evidence indicates that this problem occurs in both men and women with
diabetes at earlier ages than in those without diabetes.
Neurogenic Bladder
In neurogenic bladder, damage to the nerves that go to
your bladder can cause it to release urine when you do not intend to urinate,
resulting in leakage. Or damage to nerves may prevent your bladder from
releasing urine properly and it may be forced back into the kidneys, causing
kidney damage or urinary tract infections.
Neurogenic bladder can be caused by diabetes or other diseases, accidents
that damage the nerves, or infections.
Symptoms of neurogenic bladder include
- urinary tract infections
- loss of the urge to urinate when the bladder is full
- leakage of urine
- inability to empty the bladder
Your doctor will check both your nervous
system (your brain and the nerves of the bladder) and the bladder itself. Tests
may include x rays and an evaluation of bladder function (urodynamics).
Treatment for neurogenic bladder depends on the specific problem and its
cause. If the main problem is retention of urine in the bladder, treatment may
involve medication to promote better bladder emptying and behavior changes to
promote more efficient urination, called timed urination. Occasionally, people
may need to periodically insert a thin tube called a catheter through the
urethra into the bladder to drain the urine. Learning how to tell when the
bladder is full and how to massage the lower abdomen to fully empty the bladder
can help as well. If urinary leakage is the main problem, medications or surgery
can help.
Urinary Tract Infections
Infections can occur in any part
of the urinary tract. They are caused when bacteria, usually from the digestive system, reach
the urinary tract. If bacteria are growing in the urethra, the infection is
called urethritis. The
bacteria may travel up the urinary tract and cause a bladder infection, called
cystitis. An untreated infection may go farther into
the body and cause pyelonephritis, a
kidney infection. Some people have chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections may include
- a frequent urge to urinate
- pain or burning in the bladder or urethra during urination
- cloudy or reddish urine
- fatigue or shakiness
- in women, pressure above the pubic bone
- in men, a feeling of fullness in the rectum
If the infection is in your
kidneys, you may be nauseous, feel pain in your back or side, and have a fever. Since frequent
urination can be a sign of high blood glucose, you and your
doctor should also evaluate recent blood glucose monitoring results.
Your doctor will ask for a urine sample, which will be
analyzed for bacteria and pus. If you have frequent urinary tract infections,
your doctor may order further tests. An ultrasound exam provides images from the echo patterns of
soundwaves bounced back from internal organs. An intravenous pyelogram
(IVP) uses a special dye to enhance x-ray images of your urinary tract. Another test,
called cystoscopy, allows the doctor to view the inside of the bladder.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent
more serious infections. To clear up a urinary tract infection, the doctor will
probably prescribe an antibiotic based on the bacteria in your urine. Current
recommendations are for a full 7-day course of antibiotic treatment in people
with diabetes, instead of the shorter course used for other people. Kidney
infections are more serious and may require several weeks of antibiotic
treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids will help prevent another infection.
Will I experience sexual and urologic problems sooner or
later?
Risk factors are conditions that increase your chances of getting a
particular disease. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of
developing that disease or condition. Diabetic neuropathy, including related sexual and urologic
problems, appears to be more common in people who
What can I do to prevent diabetes-related sexual and
urologic problems?
You can lower your risk of sexual and urologic problems by
keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol close to the target
numbers your doctor recommends. Being physically active and maintaining a
healthy weight can also help prevent the long-term complications of diabetes.
Smoking is a particular problem, and quitting will improve your health in many
ways. For example, if you quit smoking, you can lower your risk not only for
nerve damage but also for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Next: Points to Remember »
- tadalafil, Cialis - Deciphers the medication tadalafil (Cialis), a drug used for the treatment of impotence.
- Urinalysis - Learn about the urinalysis test. Diseases and conditions such as urinary tract or kidney infection, kidney stones, kidney failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure can be diagnosed or monitored.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
Latest Medical News
Diabetes RSS