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What Are Diseases Affecting the Urinary System?

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. The factors that cause diseases of the urinary system include injury, illness (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) and aging.

  1. Urinary Tract Infections

    • Certain bacteria cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis (bladder infection) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection). UTIs are more prevalent in women.

    Kidney Problems

    • Acute renal failure and chronic kidney disease occur due to the kidneys' inability to eliminate waste products in the blood or control the body's fluid levels. Proteinuria (too much protein in urine) is another sign of kidney malfunction.

    Prostate Problems

    • When the prostate gland in men becomes so enlarged that it puts pressure on the urethera, the condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostatitis (prostate inflammation) is a condition that causes frequent and painful urination in men.

    Painful Bladder Syndrome

    • Interstitial cystitis, also called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the bladder walls. It can result in blood in the urine and reduced bladder capacity.

    Bladder Control

    • The most common problems related to bladder control are urinary incontinence (inability to control urination) and urinary retention (inability to properly urinate).

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