What is the Urinary System?

The human urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, two sphincter muscles, and a urethra. These organs, tubes, and muscles filter out excess fluids and waste products from the bloodstream, which are then expelled as urine.

The human urinary system removes waste products known as urea from the blood. Proteins found in meat, poultry, and vegetables are broken down in the body into urea, which is then eliminated from the body via the urine.

Diagnosing Problems with the Urinary System

If you are suspected of having an abnormality of the urinary system, your doctor may wish to perform a number of tests in order to determine the presence of indicators in your urine or urinary tract system.

Major Diagnostic Tests for the Urinary System

● Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a test used to check for abnormal substances such as protein, white blood cells, nitrites, and glucose, as well as other disorders of the urinary tract system like a urinary tract infection or kidney disease.

● Urodynamic tests

Urodynamic tests are used to find out how the body stores and releases urine. The aim of Urodynamic testing is to measure how effectively the bladder can empty and fill itself up. It is used for patients experiencing painful urination, incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, frequent urinate, those who have difficulty starting a urine stream.

● Cystoscopy

A cystourethroscopy involves inserting a scope with lenses and a light source into the urethra to view the inside of the bladder and urinary tract system for abnormalities such as tumors or stones.

● Renal ultrasound

A renal ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves which bounce off the kidney, transmitting a picture of it. It is used to detect abnormalities in the kidneys, ureters and bladder, and can also measure the size and shape of the kidney.

● Renal angiography

This test is also referred to as a renal arteriography. A contrast dye is injected through a catheter into the bloodstream, followed by x-rays of the renal blood vessels. It is able to determine signs of blockage or abnormalities affecting the blood supply to the kidneys.

● Prostatectomy

Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure which involves a part or entire removal of the prostate.

● Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

Prostate-specific antigen blood tests are used to determine prostate cancer by measuring a substance called prostate-specific antigen produced by the prostate.

● Dialysis

This medical procedure is performed to remove wastes and additional fluid from the blood after the kidneys have stopped functioning.

What Causes Problems with the Urinary System?

The human urinary system problems are most commonly associated with:

● Aging

As you grow older, the functioning of the kidneys may decline. The muscles of the ureters, bladder, and urethra may lose their strength, making you more prone to urinary infections because the bladder muscles often do not tighten enough to empty the bladder completely.

● Illness and Injury

If you have been ill or injured, the passage of urine can become blocked and may prevent the kidneys from filtering the blood completely. In men, a swollen prostate gland can impede the flow of urine and increase vulnerability to urinary tract problems.

● Toxicity

The kidneys may be damaged by certain substances such as medications and poisons.

What disorders of the urinary system should We be worried about?

There are a wide variety of disorders of the urinary system. Some are easy to treat while others may need medical attention.

● Cystitis

Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder caused by a bacterial infection.

● Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, causing involuntary urination.

● Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract.

● Urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra caused by a bacterial infection.

● Kidney stones

A kidney stone is large amount of calcium salt crystals (85%-90%) from urine that may form in the kidneys.

● Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is the inability to achieve an erection, and/or dissatisfaction with the size, rigidity, and/or duration of erections.

● Prostatitis

While the prostate gland is not actually a part of the urinary system, the two are closely positioned. Prostatitis is an inflamed condition of the prostate gland that may be accompanied by discomfort, pain, frequent or infrequent urination, and sometimes, fever.

● Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer occurs when there are abnormal, cancerous cells growing in the bladder.

● Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)

Cystocele is a hernia-like disorder in women that occurs when the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the bladder to sag into the vagina.

● Hematuria (Blood in the urine)

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine.

● Renal failure

Renal failure is the condition in which the kidneys fail to function properly.

Help for Problems with the Urinary System

Treatments vary according to the type and cause of abnormality or condition of the urinary system.

Bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections and cystitis are common problems of the urinary system, and are usually recurring. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed to fight the infection. Kidney stones can be very painful, and treatment may involve a non-surgical procedure called lithotripsy or surgical removal of the stone. Incontinence is often treated with drugs that help relax the bladder such oxybutynin and tolterodine. For more serious disorders such as renal failure, treatment may include drugs to address the underlying cause. In more extreme cases, kidney dialysis, surgery and blood transfusions may be necessary. Kidney, prostate and bladder cancer is conventionally treated by removing cancerous tissue and using radiation therapy.

Is there a Drug-Free Approach to Treatment?

Conventional medical treatments for disorders of the urinary system consist of various drug therapies, dialysis, surgery, and radiation therapy. These treatments are often necessary, especially for life-threatening diseases. However, there are also natural and alternative therapies that can be considered which address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of an individual. These include herbal medicines, acupuncture, and dietary modifications to promote healing.

Some herbal remedies commonly used to treat disorders of the urinary system include Equisetum arvense, Plantago major, Galium aparine, Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Thymus vulgari and Chimaphila umbellate. Furthermore, some natural remedies can be used year-round to support urinary tract health. Alternative medicine uses a holistic approach to treatment and the different therapies can be discussed with your doctor, a homeopath, or naturopath.

The Natural Approach

While Western medicine has become the norm in many cultures, it is not the only treatment option. Conventional western medicine, often called allopathic medicine, is the system of medicine taught at most medical schools and most pharmaceutical and synthetic medicines are manufactured and marketed according to the principles of allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is also sometimes called orthodox medicine. Because most of us in the Western world have grown up in a society in which allopathic medicine is the prevailing norm, we forget that, only a few decades ago, homeopathic, herbal and other natural medicines were commonly available – and freely used even by conventional doctors. While there are often heated debates about which system of medicine is ‘better’ than the other, many responsible doctors (whether they are allopathic or not) recognize that both have a role to play in the treatment program. Natural medicine has often been frowned on by conventional doctors, especially by those who did not have sufficient knowledge of these medicines. However, it is encouraging to note that some medical schools are now beginning to re-introduce it into their course work, thereby providing doctors with a wider range of treatment options from which to choose. In many countries, especially in Europe, India and China, natural and homeopathic medicines are commonly prescribed by conventional doctors and represent a significant part of the total annual drug sales. Naturopathy is a branch of medicine (just as Allopathy is a branch of medicine) which operates according to the underlying philosophy that the body has an innate capacity to heal itself. While natural medicines are often called ‘alternative’ or ‘complimentary’ medicines, they are, in fact, a unique and independent form of medicine in their own right, well able to treat a variety of conditions. Perhaps the term ‘holistic’ medicine is more apt, given the broad range of treatment options and approaches which are to be found within the practice of natural medicine, which encompasses many different disciplines, including Ayurvedy, Unani, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Iridology, Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Therapeutic massage techniques, Aromatherapy and many, many more. Most naturopaths will use a variety of treatment modalities in order to treat their patients in a holistic way to support health, relieve symptoms and prevent future disease. In fact, even the World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as being “… more than simply the absence of illness. It is the active state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being.” This is a wonderfully clear description of holistic or natural medicine, which strives to support health (thereby relieving or preventing symptoms), rather than simply eliminating disease. Although allopathic medicine certainly has a role to play and has made a tremendous contribution to medical science during the past century, there is a growing perception that it is not the only answer and that, in many cases, holistic medicine can accomplish just as much, if not more – without the risk of side effects, addiction and sacrifice to health so commonly associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Contrary to common perception, and provided that they are manufactured in the correct way, natural medicines can work quickly and safely to promote healing. In many cases, they can succeed where pharmaceutical drugs have failed. Despite frequent reports that they are ‘unproven’ and ‘untested’, the opposite is true. Natural medicines have a long history of usage and there is a wealth of empirical evidence to support their effectiveness and safety. In addition, active clinical research is carried out by many academic hospitals and universities to support the extensive traditional and empirical evidence behind natural medicines. It is also important to know that, like any medicine, herbal and homeopathic medicines must be manufactured in the correct way, following acceptable procedures and manufacturing methods to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. Due to the recent rise in popularity of natural remedies, many companies have sprung up to take advantage of the market. Unfortunately not all of them are equipped to manufacture to the correct standards, often resulting in a flood of inferior (and sometimes even unsafe) remedies onto the market – giving natural remedies a bad name. Even some pharmaceutical companies have rushed to claim their market share by producing so-called ‘standardized’ extracts of herbs and offering these as superior to the tried and tested methods of naturopathic manufacturing. Nothing could be further from the truth. While ‘standardized’ extracts may offer benefit of easy consistency of dosage (and cheaper more efficient production lines), they have grave disadvantages. These include an increase in side effects as the medicines produced in this manner lose the natural protective properties of the herbs. In some cases, these side effects have proved fatal – as was seen in the liver toxicity associated with standardized extracts of kava kava, a herb previously safely used for generations without any known side effects. Most naturopaths recommend what is called the Full Spectrum Method of extraction – which retains the benefits of ALL the active ingredients within the herb as opposed to isolating only one – thereby providing a more complete treatment as well as superior protection against side effects. Whatever your choice, always choose wisely. Research what is best for you. If you have a chronic or life threatening condition, don’t make changes without first discussing them with your doctor in order that your condition may be monitored. Well informed and supportive practitioners will support patients who want to take responsibility for their own health.

Some Helpful Hints

There are steps that we can take to maintain a healthy urinary system:

● Ensure good hygiene habits

● Drink lot of water – at least 12-16 glasses a day to flush the bladder,

● Eat a calcium-rich diet, such as dairy products

● Urinate at once – when you feel the urge.

● Get to know your family’s medical history, especially if there have been cases of kidney disease

● Check your blood pressure regularly and try to control it if necessary.

● Drink cranberry juice, as it fights bacterial infection

● Avoid long-term use of painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which can damage the kidneys

● Avoid taking any medicine on self prescription, as you don’t know the effects and side effects of that- it may cost your kidney, heart even life.