Common Urinary Disorders and How to Treat Them

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can affect both men and women. However, they’re more common in women than in men with 10% of women getting a UTI every year. Uncomplicated UTIs, also known as cystitis or lower UTIs, can often cause symptoms like an urgent or frequent need to urinate, burning while urinating (dysuria), and urine that looks cloudy or bloody. Many UTIs will resolve without the need for treatment. However, when treatment is needed, an antibiotic is usually prescribed. Antibiotics that treat UTIs include Bactrim (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) and Macrobid (nitrofurantoin).

Kidney infections

Kidney infections, sometimes referred to as acute pyelonephritis, are bacterial infections of the kidneys. A kidney infection is typically caused by bacteria from a UTI traveling from the bladder to the kidneys, which can lead to inflammation of the kidneys. Common symptoms include pain in the lower back, fever, nausea, vomiting, burning sensation while urinating, and increased frequency or urgency to urinate. Treatment options for kidney infections include medicines called analgesics, antipyretics, and antibiotics. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended for pain and fever, while antibiotics like cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones may be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones, sometimes referred to by its medical term nephrolithiasis, can develop when urine contains high levels of minerals and crystal-forming substances like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. Some people with kidney stones don’t experience any symptoms. However, many people with kidney stones can experience severe pain around the lower back area, nausea, vomiting, fever, and blood in the urine. Treatment options for kidney stones include pain medications like NSAIDs and other medications like tamsulosin that can help the body pass the kidney stone.

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the accidental leaking of urine from the bladder, sometimes known as leaky bladder. Symptoms often include an intense and sudden urge to urinate, straining to urinate, and feeling as if the bladder is not completely emptied after urinating. Some people may only urinate a few drops while others find they don’t have any control over their ability to urinate. Treatment options for urinary incontinence include training the bladder, managing fluid and diet intake, medical devices, and absorbent pads. Medications called anticholinergics or alpha blockers may also be prescribed to help treat incontinence.

Getting treatment for urinary disorders

Medicines used to treat urinary disorders are easily accessible. Most medicines for urinary disorders come in both brand-name and generic formulations, and most Medicare and insurance plans cover them. Still, savings options are available for those who are uninsured or underinsured. For example, the Inside Rx savings card is accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies across the United States and provides discounts on thousands of brand and generic medications.

Inside Rx helps provide discounts on commonly prescribed medications for urinary disorders and other health conditions. You can search for your medication at InsideRx.com to compare prices at pharmacies near you! Then, simply download the savings card or print it out to bring it to your nearest pharmacy to see if you can save up to 80% on brand and generic medications.