Bladder Conditions
Bedford Regional Urology
Bedford Regional Urology provides advanced urological care and treatment for many conditions affecting the bladders of our male and female patients. After thorough testing, evaluation, and diagnosis we develop a treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible outcome for each individual.
About the Bladder
The bladder receives urine that has been processed through the kidneys from the ureter tubes.
After passing through the bladder, urine is expelled via the urethra.
Bladder Conditions We Treat
Bladder Cancer – This malignant condition includes urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma of the bladder. Bladder cancer forms when cells within the bladder grow abnormally fast and do not die, forming a tumor. It may be caused by chronic irritation or infection, chemical and radiation exposure. Symptoms may include blood/blood clots in the urine, painful and/or frequent urination, pelvic pain and back pain.
Bladder Stones – These masses within the bladder consist of hardened minerals that precipitate out of the urine. They form when concentrated urine is allowed to reside in the bladder, often due to the inability to fully empty the bladder due to illness, damage to the nervous system, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Bladder stones can irritate the bladder wall and block the flow of urine. Symptoms may include pain while urinating, difficulty urinating, interruption and/or urgency with urination, lower abdominal pain, and bloody, cloudy, or abnormally dark urine.
Cystitis – This condition refers to bladder inflammation. Cystitis typically occurs when bacteria invade the urethra or bladder and rapidly multiply, but may also be caused by medications, hygiene products, radiation, catheter usage, and other irritants. This inflammatory condition often accompanies a urinary tract infection (UTI) that has progressed. Symptoms may include a low-grade fever, urinary frequency, pain, a sensation of bladder fullness after the bladder has been emptied, and cloudy, bloody and/or strong-smelling urine.
Voiding Dysfunction – This condition includes a wide range of lower urinary tract symptoms that involve dysfunctional emptying of urine from the bladder, such as incomplete bladder emptying, hesitancy, straining to void, spraying and/or a weak or split stream, dribbling urine, and intermittency of urinary flow. Voiding dysfunction is often caused by under or over-reactive pelvic floor muscles as a result of variances in coordination between the bladder muscle and urethra. These symptoms may also be caused by conditions such as scar tissue, infection, bladder stones and cancer, as well as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate (for men).
Conditions Affecting Males
Epididymitis – Inflammation of the epididymis (the coiled tube behind each testicle which hold sperm prior to ejaculation). Symptoms may include pain during urination and/or intercourse, as well as blood in the urine and/or semen.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Conditions
Bedford Regional Urology offers a wide variety of testing and diagnostic procedures to aid in the diagnosis of many bladder and urologic conditions. We provide a full range of therapeutic care and treatment options for patients at our locations in Everett and Altoona, PA. Contact your nearest Bedford Regional Urology location to schedule an appointment.
