Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is best known for causing progressive stiffness, weakness and spasticity of the legs. However, the neurological pathways controlling the bladder travel through the same spinal cord neighbourhood, and bladder dysfunction can therefore become an important and sometimes underestimated part of HSP. Studies of patients with HSP have reported lower urinary tract […]
An anterior vaginal prolapse, often called a cystocele, develops when the tissues supporting the bladder and the front wall of the vagina weaken. The bladder then descends and pushes into the vaginal wall, sometimes producing a noticeable vaginal bulge. A cystocele is not cancerous and is not usually dangerous. However, it can cause pressure, discomfort, […]
Vaginal dryness after menopause is common, but it is not “just part of getting older” and does not need to be silently tolerated. The modern medical term is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This recognises that falling oestrogen levels affect not only the vagina and vulva, but also the urethra, bladder and pelvic floor. Symptoms […]
Bridge to Brisbane 2026: Running in Blue for Prostate Cancer On Sunday, 13 September 2026, Brisbane will once again come alive with runners, walkers, families, friends and more than a few wonderfully questionable costumes for the annual Bridge to Brisbane. This year’s event includes the RBWH Foundation Blue Run 5 km, raising awareness and support […]
A prostate abscess is a collection of pus within the prostate gland. It usually develops as a complication of acute bacterial prostatitis when infection progresses despite treatment or when treatment has been delayed. Prostate abscesses are uncommon, but they can become life-threatening if the infection spreads into the bloodstream. Early diagnosis, intravenous antibiotics and, when […]
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins surrounding the testicle. It is similar to a varicose vein in the leg, although it occurs within the scrotum. Varicoceles are common and often harmless. However, in some men they may cause discomfort, reduce the size or function of the affected testicle, or contribute to fertility problems. […]
Erectile dysfunction, often shortened to ED, is the persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity. An occasional unreliable erection is common and may simply reflect tiredness, stress, excessive alcohol or relationship pressures. When the problem becomes persistent, however, it deserves proper assessment. ED can affect confidence, intimacy and relationships, […]
A distal ureteric calculus is a stone located in the lower part of the ureter—the tube carrying urine from the kidney to the bladder. These stones are often close to the ureterovesical junction, where the ureter enters the bladder. As the stone moves towards the bladder, it can cause severe intermittent pain known as renal […]
Balanitis xerotica obliterans—usually abbreviated to BXO, is the traditional urological name for male genital lichen sclerosus. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the foreskin and head of the penis. It can cause whitening, inflammation, splitting and progressive scarring of the foreskin. In some men it also narrows the urinary […]
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, usually called BPH or benign prostate enlargement, is a common cause of urinary symptoms as men get older. An enlarged prostate can compress the urethra and interfere with bladder emptying, causing symptoms such as: A slow or intermittent urinary stream Difficulty starting urination Straining to urinate A feeling that the bladder has […]