Urinary problems or urination disorders occur when our urine is no longer normal, i.e. when the odour, colour and volume are abnormal, when it is painful or when the bladder does not empty normally. Voiding disorders are particularly common in children (including enuresis, nocturnal 'bedwetting' and bladder immaturity), although they also affect adults, especially women. The symptoms vary from person to person.

This can result in a number of problems:

- Dysuria: a weak and potentially choppy stream of urine during voluntary urination;

- Pollakiuria: frequent increase in urination and small amounts of urine, i.e. going to the toilet too often (6 to 7 times a day and more than 2 times a night);

- Polyuria: increase in urine volume (more than 3 litres per day);

- Oliguria: decrease in the volume of urine (less than 500 millilitres per day);

- Urinary retention: partial or total impossibility to empty the bladder despite an urgent need;

- Hematuria: presence of blood in the urine;

- Urinary incontinence: involuntary and uncontrollable loss of urine;

- Anuria: absence of urine in the bladder; - Post-void residue: the presence of residual urine after urination;

- Cloudy urine: abnormal colouring of the urine.

- Urgency: urgent urges that are difficult to control and abnormal

- Overactive bladder syndrome: urgent urges with or without urinary incontinence, usually associated with pollakiuria or nocturia (need to urinate at night)

What are the possible causes of voiding problems?

There are a wide variety of voiding problems and associated causes. When the bladder does not empty properly, it may be due to a malfunction of the detrusor muscle (bladder muscle). It may also be an 'obstruction' blocking the urine outlet (at the bladder neck, urethra or meatus), or a neurological disorder that prevents the bladder from functioning normally. These may include (but are not limited to):

1. An obstruction of the urethra due to, for example, prostate disorders in men (benign prostatic hypertrophy, cancer, prostatitis), narrowing (stenosis) of the urethra, uterine or ovarian tumour, etc.

2. Urinary tract infection (cystitis)

3. Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome, the causes of which are not well known, which leads to micturition problems (particularly the need to urinate very frequently) associated with pelvic or bladder pain

4. A neurological disorder: spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, etc.

5. The consequences of diabetes (which alters the nerves that allow the bladder to function properly)

6. Genital prolapse (organ descent)

7. Certain medications (anticholinergics, morphine)

8. Excessive weight gain that increases pressure on the abdomen.

In children, urination disorders are most often functional, but they can sometimes reveal a malformation of the urinary system or a neurological problem.

What are the consequences of urinary problems?

Urination disorders are uncomfortable and can considerably alter the quality of life, with an impact on social, professional and sexual life. The severity of the symptoms obviously varies greatly, but it is important not to delay in seeking medical attention in order to benefit from rapid treatment. In addition, certain disorders such as urinary retention can lead to recurrent urinary infections and it is therefore essential to remedy them quickly.

What are the solutions for urinary disorders?

First of all, the cause must be found in order to determine the appropriate treatment. In children, bad urination habits are common: fear of going to the toilet at school, urine retention that can cause infections, incomplete emptying of the bladder leading to more frequent urination, etc. The problem can often be solved with "re-education". In women, a weak pelvic floor, especially after childbirth, can lead to incontinence and other urinary problems: perineal rehabilitation can usually improve the situation.

1. Obstructions of the urethra

1.1 In men

This is usually due to disorders of the prostate gland, this small gland the size of a chestnut can swell to the size of a grapefruit, this is called benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate adenoma. Usually this ends up in the operating theatre where they either cut it out or do a curettage with often disastrous consequences for the man (incontinence, impotence etc). This affects 70% of men over 60 and 100% of men over 90. Prevention is therefore essential in this case. Diet is very important in the prevention of prostatic hypertrophy. It is recommended to limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine-rich drinks as well as meat and dairy products.

On the other hand, it is advisable to promote :

- A diet rich in lycopene (found in tomatoes)

- A diet rich in selenium (anti-oxidant but also anti-inflammatory and chelator of heavy metals) which is found in egg yolks, offal, fish and shellfish but also in Brazil nuts, tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, garlic, etc.)

- An intake of legumes

- A diet rich in vitamin E (wheat germ oil, rapeseed, sunflower oil, walnuts, hazelnuts, olive oil)

- A high level of physical activity (more than 400 K cal per week) protects against the risk, especially for those over 70 years of age.

Plants that can help you:

- Squash seeds which have diuretic properties and contain a lot of zinc

- Green tea for its diuretic and antioxidant properties

- Seneroa repens (Saw palmetto) for its anti-inflammatory properties

- Pygeum africanum (African plum) and Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) which will help to reduce the size of the prostate and thus improve urinary flow.

But it can also be due to prostate cancer. Early detection can help us to find it in time. Generally if it is discovered at a very early stage, the treatment chosen will depend on the age of the patient and the evolution of the cancer.

Prevention and early detection is essential. The recommendations are the same as for prostate disorders.

Plants that can help:

- Green tea for its antioxidant action

- Bitter orange for its anti-inflammatory action

- Pau Aspido for its action on the immune system.

Prostatitis is an infection in the male urinary system that can be caused by bacteria, but the cause of the infection is not always found.to avoid it, it is important to wash after sex and drink enough water. Herbs that can help are cranberry, which inhibits the growth of pathogens, especially in the urinary tract. Green tea is an excellent diuretic and antioxidant.  

1.2 In women

This may be related to a uterine or ovarian tumour. Screening is essential for women aged 50 and over. To prevent this, wash after sex.

Plants that can help:

- Green tea for its antioxidant action

- Bitter orange for its anti-inflammatory action

- Pau Aspido for its action on the immune system

2. Cystitis

These are urinary tract infections that affect women more often than men. They are due to a bacterial infection that causes a burning sensation during urination and an obsessive and continuous urge to urinate.

Treatment:

A course of antibiotics will be necessary but you can also use cranberry extracts to speed up the treatment.

Prevention:

- Drink plenty of water to help with bladder emptying and prevent germs from coming up.

- Avoid wearing tight-fitting and/or synthetic clothing or using irritating soaps. Wearing tight trousers and synthetic underwear encourages sweating, which leads to microbial proliferation and can cause urinary tract infections.

- Constipation is a risk factor for recurrent cystitis. The stagnation of stool in the rectum encourages microbial growth. Adopt a balanced diet by incorporating more green vegetables, fruit, fibre, etc. Eat meals at set times and be physically active on a regular basis.

- A very careful daily intimate cleansing should be carried out with water and a mild soap.

- Remember to wash your hands throughout the day with soap and water, especially when you urinate or have a bowel movement.

- Urinating after each sexual encounter helps to eliminate and prevent the spread of germs contracted during sex.

- Urinate regularly, 4-5 times a day, at regular times throughout the day and do not hold back.

- Change periodical protection regularly during menstruation in order not to encourage microbial stagnation.

Food to be favoured:

- Cranberry (in juice, fruit or capsules) if you are prone to recurrent cystitis

- Green tea, orthosiphon and pilosella for their diuretic properties.

3. Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome

The causes are not well known, so it is difficult to combat them. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics but a healthy diet and lifestyle are strongly recommended as well as drinking plenty of water and the use of diuretic plants and pumpkin seeds can help. Pumpkin seeds contain several substances associated with the treatment of urinary system and prostate disorders. Quercetin (500 mg twice a day) also seems to have a very positive effect on inflammation, caused by interstitial cystitis. L-arginine (1500 mg per day) is said to reduce pain and the sensation of urgency.

4. Neurological disorders

Here it will be necessary to determine which one is responsible and use an appropriate treatment. Generally green tea is strongly recommended for its antioxidant and diuretic properties.

5. Diabetes

It is necessary to follow the doctor's advice and to follow an appropriate diet, but certain hypoglycaemic plants can help to reduce the level of carbohydrates in the blood (garlic, periwinkle, burdock, sage, cinnamon, artichoke, blessed thistle, bilberry, etc.) and others will increase urination (green tea, orthosiphon, dandelion, etc.). Physical exercise is also a great help as it strengthens the pelvic wall.

6. Genital prolapse (organ descent).

It is defined by a loss of elasticity of the muscles and fibres that support the organs. The reasons are varied:

- Numerous and/or difficult deliveries or systematic perineal reeducation will be advised after each pregnancy.

- Age - if the problem is too serious, a ring can be used to support the muscles or a surgical operation can be performed.

- Menopause - plants such as sage, soya, hops, omega 3 (flaxseed oil which contains lignans) can be given

- Overweight/Obesity or obesity treatment may be advised

- History of surgery in the pelvic area - usually a ring or operation will be required.

- Occupations or physical exercises that place a lot of stress on the pelvis (carrying or pulling heavy loads, etc.)

- pelvic rehabilitation

- Hereditary factor (family history)

- Chronic constipation which should be accompanied by a change of diet and the use of pre- and probiotics to restore the intestinal flora.

- In some athletes, overdevelopment of abdominal muscles.

7. Taking certain medications (anticholinergics, morphine).

Discuss with your doctor to find either another product or a more natural replacement for your chemical medication but always under medical supervision.

8. Excessive weight gain that increases pressure on the abdomen.

In these cases there is only one thing to do: change your diet, favour fruit and vegetables, give up sweets, greatly reduce the consumption of meat, dairy and flour products and take physical exercise.