Urinary tract infections are common, uncomfortable and sometimes disruptive to everyday life. For some people, however, they keep returning despite apparently appropriate treatment. A recurrent urinary tract infection, or recurrent UTI, is generally defined as: Two or more symptomatic infections within six months; or Three or more symptomatic infections within 12 months. Recurrent UTIs are […]
Interstitial cystitis, now more commonly called bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), is a chronic condition in which pain, pressure or discomfort is perceived to arise from the bladder and is usually accompanied by urinary frequency or urgency. Symptoms commonly worsen as the bladder fills and may improve temporarily after passing urine. IC/BPS is not the same […]
Urinary leakage after prostate surgery can be frustrating, embarrassing and restrictive. When persistent leakage is caused by weakness of the urinary sphincter, an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is often the most reliable surgical treatment—particularly for moderate or severe stress urinary incontinence. However, not every man who leaks after prostatectomy has the same problem. Before inserting […]
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 […]
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 for prostate cancer research and care. Participants are encouraged to […]
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, […]