Urinary System Explained: Functions, Signs of Trouble, and Care Tips

What is the function of the Urinary System? 

The key organs involved play their individual roles in helping the urinary system function well as a whole-  

1. Kidneys: These two bean-shaped organs are the central organs of this system.  

• They are considered the natural filters of the body, as their primary job is to filter wastes and excess fluids from the blood.  

• They are responsible for maintaining the body’s fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and acid-base balance. 

• They are also involved in the production of hormones to regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and bone health.  

2. Ureters: They are a pair of muscular tubes known as the urine transport tubes.  

• They are responsible for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder. 

• They also take care of the crucial task of making the ureter walls contract (peristalsis) to force the urine down. 

3. Bladder: This is the urine storage tank, which is made of muscle tissues and is hollow and expandable in nature. 

• It holds urine from the kidneys until it is passed out of the body through urination.  

• It also controls the release of urine as well as pushes to throw it out as required. 

4. Urethra: It is the final pathway or the conduit for the exit of urine from the body.  

• This is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. 

How does the urinary system work? 

Urine is made in the kidneys in three main steps: filtering, reabsorbing, and removing waste. 

• First, the blood passes through tiny filters in the kidneys called ‘nephrons’. The waste, extra water, and other unwanted stuff are taken out in this process. This forms a liquid called ‘filtrate’.  

• Next, the body takes back the useful things from this liquid, including water and nutrients. At the same time, even more waste is added to the leftover liquid, which is called the ‘urine’. 

• The urine then flows through small tube-like structures called the ‘collecting ducts’, and travels down through the ‘ureters’, and gets stored in the bladder.  

• When the bladder gets full, urine leaves the body through the urethra.

Common urinary system disorders 

The urinary system and its organs can be affected by several infections, diseases, and disorders. The common urological conditions include- 

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) 

It is a kind of bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary system. The bacteria usually travel from the gastrointestinal tract to the urinary tract and multiply there. It mostly targets the bladder (cystitis) or the urethra (urethritis) but can also affect the kidneys (pyelonephritis) in severe cases. This typically presents with pelvic or abdominal pain, frequent urination with a burning sensation, and cloudy urine with a strong smell. It must be treated with antibiotics promptly to prevent further spread. 

Kidney Stones 

These are clusters or hard deposits made of minerals and acid salts that are formed inside the kidneys and stick together in concentrated urine. Though painful, they usually do not cause permanent damage while passing through the urinary tract. Associated with abdominal pain and nausea, these stones can be flushed out by drinking sufficient water along with painkillers to relieve pain. Bigger stones might call for surgical procedures to remove or break them down into smaller pieces. 

Incontinence and Retention 

The inability to hold urine in is known as ‘Urinary Incontinence’, while the inability to empty the bladder is known as ‘Urinary Retention’. Retention can also cause ‘overflow incontinence’ where urine starts leaking as the bladder gets too full. Both can result from the weakness of the bladder muscle, outlet obstruction in the bladder, nerve damage, or UTI. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, medicines, and treating the underlying condition. 

Chronic Kidney Disease 

CKD is a progressive, long-term condition in which the kidneys are damaged permanently and are unable to filter blood or remove toxins and excess fluids from the body. This is commonly caused by diabetes and hypertension. Lifestyle changes and medication can help manage the condition, but advanced cases may call for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Urinary System Signs and Symptoms to Watch For  

In the case of the urinary system, signs and symptoms are specific to every disorder. Identifying them early and getting evaluated promptly can increase chances for a cure or delay disease progression. These symptoms are- 

1. Pain or discomfort 

• Dysuria: Pain or burning during urination (sign of UTI). 

• Flank Pain: Pain in the side or lower back (indicates stones or infection in the kidney). 

• Pelvic Pain: Seen in bladder disorders or infections.

2. Changes in Urination 

• Increased Frequency: Need to urinate more often. 

• Urgency: Sudden, intense urge to urinate. 

• Nocturia: Waking up during the night to urinate frequently. 

• Hesitancy: Difficulty in starting urination. 

• Dribbling: Leakage following urination. 

• Incomplete Emptying: Feeling like the bladder has not completely emptied. 

3. Abnormal Urine Appearance 

• Haematuria: Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown urine). 

• Cloudy Urine: Can indicate infection or pus. 

• Foul-Smelling Urine: Commonly seen in UTI. 

• Foamy Urine: Shows the presence of protein in the urine (possible kidney issue). 

4. Urinary Incontinence 

• Stress Incontinence: Leaking urine while coughing, laughing, or exercising. 

• Urge Incontinence: Sudden urge to urinate, followed by involuntary leakage. 

5. Systemic Symptoms 

• Fever and Chills: Often associated with kidney infections. 

• Fatigue: Can be a result of chronic kidney disease. 

• Edema: Swelling in legs, ankles, or around the eyes due to fluid retention (a sign of kidney dysfunction). 

• Nausea and Vomiting: Common with advanced kidney disease or infections. 

Tips for a Healthy Urinary System 

Taking care of the urinary system can have a positive impact on overall health. It can also help in maintaining fluid balance, filtering waste and toxins from the blood, and preventing infection and kidney damage. Some easy yet practical ways of keeping the urinary organs healthy include- 

• Diet

This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consume antioxidants through leafy and green vegetables, berries and lean meat to reduce urinary tract inflammation. Limiting the intake of salt, processed foods, and excessive protein is also important.

• Hydration

It is essential to drink plenty of water (at least eight glasses throughout the day) to keep the colour of urine pale yellow and help flush out toxins, as well as prevent kidney stones. Incorporating water-rich foods, like melons, cucumbers, or tomatoes, may also help. Limiting the intake of bladder-irritating or dehydrating drinks like caffeine, alcohol and sugary sodas.

• Proper bathroom habits 

The habit of holding in urine for long should be avoided, besides ensuring that the bladder is completely empty while urinating. This helps in preventing the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. 

• Hygiene

It is also advisable, especially for women, to wipe front-to-back after urination. Wearing breathable clothing and avoiding irritants like harsh scented products for the genital area can help stay clean and safe.

Diagnostic tests for urinary disorders 

A doctor may recommend a few common yet useful tests to screen for any abnormality or disease in any part of the urinary system. The tests usually prescribed may involve- 

• Urinalysis: It is an analytical test to detect urinary tract infection, kidney disease, and even diabetes with the help of a urine sample. It notes the colour and appearance of the urine, looks at the chemical composition for substances like protein, blood, or glucose, and checks the presence of any bacterium, cells, or crystals.  

• Imaging Tests: These may include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans to detect kidney stones, blockages, tumours, and infections. 

• Kidney Function Tests: These are done to evaluate how well the kidneys can filter waste, regulate fluids, and maintain chemical balance in the body. These tests include blood tests like creatinine level, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), along with a urine test for protein (albumin). 

• Biopsy: A biopsy of the kidney may be required to assess any structural abnormality or determine the extent of damage. 

How are urinary conditions treated? 

Diseases and conditions affecting the urinary system are treated according to the specific cause. The line of treatment mainly comprises- 

• Medication: Medications for urinary issues include antibiotics for UTIs, anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists to treat an overactive bladder, alpha-blockers can help with an enlarged prostate, corticosteroids may reduce kidney inflammation, and diuretics for edema. 

• Procedures: Some cases may need minimally invasive endoscopic procedures to treat the underlying cause. Common options include cystoscopy to remove blockages, laser therapy or Rezum (steam) to shrink enlarged prostate tissue, UroLift implants to open the urethra, electro vaporisation, urethral dilation for strictures, and vaginal pessaries to support bladder position in cases of prolapse. 

• Surgery: In cases of advanced or serious conditions, such as kidney disease, prostate enlargement or cancer, and severe bladder dysfunction, surgery may be considered. Surgical interventions are done through drainage procedures of the kidney, prostatectomy (removal of part of or the entire prostate), and urinary diversion (rerouting urine flow).  

Conclusion

A healthy urinary system plays a vital role in overall well-being through proper removal of wastes and regulation of fluid balance. Urinary system disorders may vary, but early detection and appropriate treatment with lifestyle changes, medication, or surgical procedures can help manage them properly. Staying hydrated, practising good hygiene, and regular check-ups can be the key to sound urinary health and the prevention of complications. Do not hold back any symptom that might indicate a urinary condition. Check with the expert urologists at the Department of Urology at Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata, and ensure your well-being.