Bladder
Diagnosis and treatment of bladder conditions including bladder cancer, overactive bladder, recurrent UTIs and blood in the urine.
Understanding the bladder
The bladder is the hollow, muscular organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine produced by the kidneys until you are ready to empty it. Healthy bladder function relies on the bladder muscle, the nerves that control it, and the sphincter that keeps urine in until the right moment.
Bladder problems can affect how often you go, how urgently, how completely you empty, or whether you experience pain with voiding. Whilst these symptoms are generally benign, blood in the urine needs prompt specialist assessment to rule out serious causes.
Conditions we treat
Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer develops in the cells lining the bladder. When found early it is often very treatable.
The most common sign is blood in the urine, which may be visible or detected on a test, and is usually painless. Some people also have urinary frequency or urgency.
Smoking is the single biggest risk factor. Others include increasing age, certain chemical exposures, and chronic bladder irritation.
Assessment usually includes a cystoscopy (a thin camera passed into the bladder). Treatment may involve removing the tumour through the urethra (TURBT), medication placed directly into the bladder (intravesical therapy), and, for more advanced cancer, removal of the bladder (robotic-assisted cystectomy) with reconstruction of a new urinary pathway.
Overactive bladder (OAB)
OAB is a common, very treatable pattern of sudden, hard-to-defer urges to urinate, often with frequency.
A frequent and urgent need to pass urine, going often during the day and night, and sometimes leakage before reaching the toilet.
Often there is no single cause; nerve signals to the bladder become overactive. It becomes more common with age and can be aggravated by caffeine and some medications.
Bladder retraining and pelvic-floor exercises, reducing bladder irritants, medications, and — for stubborn cases — bladder Botox injections or sacral neuromodulation. (See our Functional Urology page.)
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection. Frequent recurrences warrant a specialist review for an underlying cause.
Burning on urination, urinary frequency and urgency, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower abdominal discomfort.
Incomplete bladder emptying, stones or other factors can predispose to recurrence.
Treating the infection, identifying and addressing underlying causes, and preventive strategies tailored to you.
Interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome
A chronic condition causing bladder pain and urinary urgency without infection.
Pelvic or bladder pain, pressure that eases after urinating, and frequent urination.
A combination of dietary changes, bladder-directed therapies, medication and pelvic-floor physiotherapy, individualised to symptoms.
Investigations we offer
Depending on your symptoms, assessment may include urine testing, a bladder and kidney ultrasound, a CT scan, urodynamic studies, and cystoscopy. These help pinpoint the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment.
When to see a urologist
Any visible blood in the urine should be assessed, even if it happens only once and is painless. Persistent urgency, frequency, pain or recurrent infections are also worth reviewing.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please consult a urologist about your individual circumstances.