Urology

Microscopic Haematuria: A Practical Guide for GPs

Microscopic haematuria is a subtle finding that can reflect causes ranging from benign transient conditions to serious renal or urological disease. Formal urine microscopy is essential to confirm haematuria and assess for glomerular features such as dysmorphic red blood cells, casts and proteinuria. A systematic, risk-stratified evaluation is required, as it may indicate urological or glomerular disease despite often being asymptomatic and benign. Referral to a urologist is indicated for intermediate- or high-risk patients, whereas referral to a nephrologist is required when glomerular features are present or renal disease is suspected.

Benign Prostatic Enlargement and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: An Update on Treatment

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common among older men and often linked with benign prostatic enlargement, but they may not always correlate with prostate size. GPs play an important role in conducting a detailed patient history, physical examination and appropriate investigations to rule out other causes of LUTS. LUTS are categorised into storage, voiding and postmicturition symptoms. These symptoms can significantly affect quality of life, leading to an increased healthcare burden. In recent years, the number of newer treatments for benign prostatic enlargement has increased dramatically. As a result, management of the condition requires a comprehensive, individualised approach and continual evaluation of treatment efficacy and patient preferences.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4, 2025

The Bacteriostatic Effect of Hibiscus in UTIs

Antibiotic therapy has traditionally been chosen for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI). Long-term use of antibiotics however not only increases medical expenses but also promotes antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Hence, an alternative therapy for UTI is required to replace the long-term usage of antibiotics. Hibiscus sabdariffa has been shown to have a bacteriostatic effect against the uropathogenic bacteria isolated from UTIs.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2024.

Clinical Management of Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic condition characterised by pelvic pain or pressure which is perceived to be originating from the bladder, accompanied by one or more urinary symptoms, including frequency, urgency and nocturia. The precise aetiology of BPS is not fully understood. Treatments targeted at each of these mechanisms have been developed with mixed outcomes. This is a shortened version of the original open-source article.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022

Help Children to Stop Wetting Their Beds

Parents often worry about bed-wetting in their children, a problem defined as “involuntary urination in children five years of age or older.” In reality, approximately 15% of children in the US are still wetting the bed at age five. Most parents want practical, real-world assistance to help them deal with the issue of bedwetting.

Modern Medicine – Issue 3 2020

Promoting Urinary Continence
in Older People Proactive primary care

GPs and practice nurses are important primary care partners for patients with urinary incontinence, who often require care co-ordination and long-term management. Urinary incontinence in an older person often arises because of more than one reason, with some factors being reversible while other factors are not, so a careful individualised basic evaluation can be rewarding. Multidisciplinary care through a continence clinic may also be valuable.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2020

Urinary Tract Infections in Children Diagnosing and Treating

Acute UTIs are relatively common in children. By seven years of age, 8% of girls and 2% of boys will have at least one episode. It is important for primary care doctors to appropriately diagnose and treat UTIs in children as some underlying aetiologies can lead to considerable morbidity later in life.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2019