A vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina, leading to persistent urine leakage. This condition often results from complications during childbirth or previous pelvic surgery and can be distressing. Surgical repair is a common treatment, aiming to restore normal bladder function and improve daily comfort.

Vesicovaginal Fistula (Connection Between Bladder and Vagina)

Abdominal Repair of a Fistula Between the Bladder and Vagina - BAUS

Vaginal Repair of a Fistula Between the Bladder and Vagina - BAUS

Management of a Urethral Catheter - BAUS

Insertion of a Suprapubic Catheter - BAUS

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Urodynamics is a specialized test that measures how well your bladder and urethra store and release urine. It helps doctors understand symptoms like urinary leakage, frequent urges, or difficulty emptying your bladder. The information gathered guides the best treatment options to improve your bladder control.

Urodynamics - for Patients Scheduled for Testing

Clinical trials are research studies where volunteers test new medical treatments, drugs, or devices. They help researchers discover better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, advancing medical care for everyone while offering participants potential access to innovative therapies.

Clinical Trials

"Anatomy Links (for In-Office Discussions)" refers to the valuable visual aids, such as diagrams, models, or digital tools, that your healthcare provider uses to explain your specific medical condition or a proposed treatment. These "links" help clarify how parts of your body are affected, empowering you to better understand your health and engage in informed discussions about your care.

Anatomy Links (for In-Office Discussions)

Bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) is performed when the bladder is removed, often due to cancer or severe dysfunction. New ways to store and pass urine are created using parts of the intestine, known as urinary diversion. Options include an ileal conduit (external bag), a neobladder (internal, allowing urination through the urethra), or an Indiana Pouch (internal, drained by a catheter). This major surgery requires significant lifestyle adjustments and ongoing medical care.

Bladder Removal Surgery (Cystectomy, Ileal Conduit, Neobladder, Indiana Pouch)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a very common, non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows with age. This growth can press on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms like frequent urges, a weak stream, or waking up at night to urinate. It's often managed through lifestyle adjustments, medications, or, in some cases, minor procedures to help you feel more comfortable.

BPH, Enlarged Prostate

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common condition in post-menopausal women, stemming from lower estrogen, which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary changes. Effective treatments, including lubricants, moisturizers, and specific therapies, can significantly improve comfort and quality of life, with staying well-hydrated also being helpful.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

Hematuria means blood in your urine, which might be visible (pink/red) or only detected microscopically. Common causes include infections, kidney stones, or injury, though it can sometimes be harmless. Always consult a doctor to identify the cause, as treatment depends on the underlying issue; staying hydrated supports urinary health.

Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)

An ileal conduit is a surgical way urine leaves the body, creating an opening called a stoma on the abdomen. Stoma care involves daily cleaning and managing the collection pouch to maintain healthy skin, prevent issues, and support a comfortable lifestyle. This essential routine helps ensure well-being and independence.

Ileal Conduit: Stoma Care

Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition causing uncomfortable bladder pain, urgency, and frequency. Its exact cause is unknown, but it involves issues with the bladder lining or nerve dysfunction. Management focuses on relieving symptoms through diet modifications, stress reduction, and various therapies to improve quality of life.

Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction, or bladder symptoms caused by a neurological condition (like stroke or MS), occurs when nerve damage affects how your bladder functions. This can lead to issues such as frequent urination, urgency, leakage, or difficulty emptying. Management focuses on lifestyle adjustments and medical strategies to improve bladder control and overall well-being.

Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (Bladder Symptoms from a Neurologic Condition)

Nocturia is the medical term for waking up one or more times during the night specifically to urinate. This can be caused by various factors, including fluid intake patterns, medications, and underlying health conditions like bladder issues or diabetes. Managing nocturia often involves lifestyle adjustments, such as timing fluid intake, and addressing any contributing medical conditions with your healthcare provider.

Nocturia

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition causing a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom trips day and night, and sometimes accidental leakage. This occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily. Lifestyle adjustments like managing fluid intake and diet, along with bladder training and various medications, can effectively help manage symptoms and improve daily life.

Overactive Bladder

Patient instructions before surgery are vital guidelines from your care team, designed to prepare your body for a safe procedure and optimize your recovery. These often include specific directions on fasting, medication adjustments, hygiene, and temporary lifestyle changes like smoking cessation. Following these instructions precisely is crucial for your well-being and the success of your surgery.

Patient Instructions (Before Surgery)

Hospital discharge instructions are your essential guide for a safe and smooth recovery at home after your hospital stay. They provide crucial information about your medications, follow-up appointments, activity restrictions, and important warning signs to watch for. Review these instructions carefully with your care team and ask any questions to ensure a clear understanding of your continued care and healing process.

Patient Instructions (Hospital Discharge)

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting your bladder, bowels, and uterus become weak, tight, or uncoordinated. This can cause symptoms like urinary leakage, constipation, or pelvic pain. Treatment often involves specialized physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments to improve muscle function and reduce discomfort.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when pelvic organs (like the bladder, uterus, or rectum) descend into the vagina due to weakened supporting tissues, often causing feelings of pressure, a bulge, or issues with urination/bowel movements. Common causes include childbirth, aging, and chronic straining. Management ranges from lifestyle changes and supportive devices (pessaries) to surgical options, aiming to improve comfort and quality of life.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Vaginal Vault Prolapse, Uterine Prolapse, Cystocele, Rectocele)

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, a small organ in men. Symptoms often include pelvic pain, discomfort with urination, and urinary urgency. It can result from bacterial infections or other non-infectious causes. Treatment may involve medication, and lifestyle adjustments like adequate hydration and avoiding irritants can help manage symptoms. It's a common and often treatable condition.

Prostatitis

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are infections in the bladder or kidneys that happen repeatedly. Symptoms often include burning with urination, urgency, and frequent trips to the bathroom. While typically caused by bacteria and treated with antibiotics, lifestyle considerations like proper hydration and hygiene can help prevent future episodes. It's important to discuss ongoing issues with your doctor.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is involuntary urine leakage that happens with activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It often results from weakened pelvic floor muscles, common after childbirth or with aging. It's a common and treatable condition, with options like pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and lifestyle adjustments, such as weight management, often helping to improve symptoms.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (Female)

**Male Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)** is the involuntary leakage of urine, often experienced during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or exercising. For men, this condition frequently arises after prostate surgery (e.g., prostatectomy) due to weakening of the muscles that control urine flow. It is a common and manageable condition, often improved with lifestyle adjustments, pelvic floor exercises, and other treatment options.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (Male)

A urethral diverticulum is a small pouch or sac that forms off the urethra, the tube carrying urine out of the body. This can cause symptoms like painful urination, frequent UTIs, or urine leakage after peeing. Often linked to blockages or infections, treatment, typically surgical removal, can relieve discomfort, and maintaining good hygiene is important.

Urethral Diverticulum

A female urethral stricture is a narrowing of the tube that carries urine out of the body, which can make urination difficult or painful, lead to a weak stream, or cause frequent bladder infections. It often results from injury, inflammation, or infection. Treatment usually involves procedures to widen the urethra to improve flow and relieve symptoms.

Urethral Stricture (Female)

Urethral stricture in men is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This can cause symptoms such as a weak or sprayed urine stream, difficulty urinating, or incomplete bladder emptying. It often results from injury, infection, or previous medical procedures. Treatments aim to widen the urethra, through methods like stretching or surgery, to improve urine flow and alleviate discomfort.

Urethral Stricture (Male)

Urodynamics testing measures how your bladder and urethra store and release urine. It helps identify the cause of urinary problems like leakage, frequent urination, difficulty emptying, or bladder pain. This information guides your doctor in determining the most effective treatment for your specific needs.

Urodynamics Testing (More Information)

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder towards the kidneys, often due to a valve not closing properly. This can increase the risk of kidney infections, which may cause symptoms like fever or painful urination. Management varies from watchful waiting to medication or surgery, all focused on protecting kidney health and preventing complications.

Vesicoureteral Reflux

La Incontinencia Urinaria de Esfuerzo es la pérdida involuntaria de orina al realizar actividades que aumentan la presión abdominal, como toser, estornudar, reír o levantar peso. Esto ocurre por el debilitamiento de los músculos del suelo pélvico. Existen opciones para mejorarla, incluyendo cambios en el estilo de vida, ejercicios específicos y, si es necesario, tratamientos médicos. Es una condición común y manejable.

Incontinencia Urinaria de Esfuerzo (Espanol)

El prolapso genital ocurre cuando órganos pélvicos (como la vejiga o el útero) descienden hacia la vagina debido al debilitamiento del suelo pélvico. A menudo relacionado con partos o la edad, puede causar sensación de peso o bulto, y problemas urinarios o intestinales. El manejo incluye ejercicios, pesarios o cirugía, y un estilo de vida saludable es clave.

Prolapso Genital (Espanol)

La vejiga hiperactiva es una condición donde sientes una necesidad repentina y frecuente de orinar, a menudo con pocas ganas de aguantar, incluso de noche. Esto ocurre porque el músculo de la vejiga se contrae involuntariamente. Existen estrategias de estilo de vida y tratamientos médicos que pueden ayudar a controlar los síntomas y mejorar tu calidad de vida.

Vejiga Hiperactiva (Espanol)

La Vejiga Neurógena ocurre cuando problemas en los nervios impiden que la vejiga funcione correctamente. Esto puede causar síntomas como dificultad para vaciarla completamente, fugas de orina (incontinencia) o necesidad frecuente y urgente de orinar. Se asocia a condiciones neurológicas que afectan la comunicación entre el cerebro y la vejiga. El tratamiento busca manejar los síntomas, mejorar la calidad de vida y puede incluir el manejo de líquidos y horarios de vaciado regulares.

Vejiga Neurógena (Espanol)

El estudio Urodinámico es una prueba diagnóstica que evalúa cómo funcionan su vejiga y uretra al almacenar y expulsar orina. Ayuda a identificar la causa de problemas urinarios como incontinencia, necesidad frecuente de orinar o dificultad para vaciar la vejiga, lo cual es clave para planificar el tratamiento adecuado y mejorar su calidad de vida.

Urodinamico (Espanol)

Joshua Cohn

Fox Chase Cancer Center Hospital

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Associate Professor of Urology, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple Health

Surgery (Urology)

Associate Professor of Urology, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA

Associate Professor of Urology

Conditions affecting your bladder, kidneys, and how you urinate.

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Conditions where your body bleeds too easily or can't stop bleeding.

Bleeding Concerns

Problems that stop urine from flowing freely from your kidneys, bladder, or tubes.

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Infections affecting your urinary tract, bladder, and private areas.

Urinary & Intimate Infections

Health issues impacting women's bodies and well-being, including reproductive health.

Women's Health

Problems with bladder, bowel, pain, or pelvic organ support.

Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Health

Conditions causing accidental urine leakage or loss of bladder control.

Urinary Incontinence

Conditions that cause pain, aches, soreness, or general unease.

Pain and discomfort

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Urinary and genital issues in babies, children, and teenagers.

Pediatric Urology Conditions

Conditions that don't fit into other main groups. A mixed collection of health issues.

Other

Tests to find what's wrong or to check for health problems.

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Medical procedures are planned steps healthcare professionals take to diagnose, treat, or manage various health conditions. These can include diagnostic tests like imaging, therapeutic interventions, or surgical operations, all aimed at improving your health.

Procedures

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

Conditions impacting nerves, affecting how your body feels, moves, and works.

Nerve Conditions

Bladder problems preventing normal urine flow, requiring a new way for urine to exit the body.

Joshua Cohn, MD

Vesicovaginal Fistula (Connection Between Bladder and Vagina)

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