Many people suffer from urinary problems at some stage in their lives. Urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are very common and can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics. However, repeated or prolonged infections can cause problems, including kidney infection which is why it is important to identify and treat an infection quickly. Other urinary problems include urgency, frequency, feeling unable to empty the blader fully as well as pain and blood in the urine. Certain cancers can also produce these symptoms which is why it is important to rule them out when investigating a urinary problem.
Irritable bowels are on the rise and doctors offices are full of people who have problems with their digestion causing mild to severe symptoms. Some conditions are serious and others less so, so it is important to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Bowel cancer is a big killer in the UK, being the third most common type of cancer in men and women. It is essential to catch it early, or even before it has started to develop.
The problem with diagnosing gut and bowel discomfort is that the symptoms can be similar for innocent conditions like IBS, and more serious conditions like bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. This is why many of our tests are used to rule-out the more serious conditions, especially if you suspect IBS.
If your symptoms include blood in your stool, then please see your doctor – it is important that this is investigated early.
