Pelvic floor muscles work to support the organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder and rectum. When these muscles are weakened—naturally through age, an injury, or some other contributing factor—it can result in urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor exercises (i.e. Kegel exercises) can help to enhance the strength of these muscles and improve symptoms.

Women experiencing stress and/or urgency incontinence may find lifestyle modifications (such as weight loss, fluid management, avoiding constipation, and scheduling voiding), bladder training, pelvic muscle exercises, and topical vaginal estrogen helpful. More information about treatments specific to these two types of urine leakage in this source.

Women who are not at risk for ovarian cancer should avoid ovarian screening. Ovarian screening can give false-positive results which can lead to unnecessary surgery. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and preferences before making a decision about cancer screening.

Blood in your urine and mid-back pain are common symptoms of bladder cancer. See your doctor to have your kidneys, bladder and urethra checked if you have any of these symptoms.

The risk of enlarged hemorrhoids increases as you get older. Symptoms include bleeding, itching, mucus and burning at the anus. Treatment of hemorrhoids can range from a lifestyle or diet change to surgery.

Urinary incontinence is when you pass urine (pee) without meaning to. Treatment depends on the cause. Cut down on caffeine, avoid drinking late at night, lose weight if overweight, avoid constipation and ask your doctor about what might be causing incontinence.

An enlarged prostate can cause you to urinate (pee) frequently. Limit fluids before bed, consume diuretic drinks (e.g., alcohol and caffeinated drinks) in moderation, and review your medications.

If you have an enlarged prostate keep watch for any changes, and talk to your doctor about potential medications.

Urinary incontinence or bladder leakage impacts millions of women but is not a normal part aging. There are different types of urine leakage; stress incontinence and urgency incontinence (i.e., overactive bladder) are the two most prevalent forms in women. Talk to your health care provider if you are experiencing urine leakage, as there are strategies such as weight management, pelvic floor exercises, and medications that can help. More information on diagnosis techniques and discussions to have with your health care provider in the resource.

Bladder training, which involves a combination of behavioural strategies and drinking and bathroom schedules, can help people with a weak or overactive bladder attain some degree of bladder control. To try bladder training, keep a diary of information related to your drinking and urination activities, follow a bathroom schedule to promote regular bathroom visits and avoid unnecessary or premature visits, use distraction techniques, and drink adequate amounts of fluid regularly.

Some medications (detailed in this resource) can help bladder control problems and urinary incontinence. Talk to your doctor to see which medication is right for you, and to learn about possible side effects.

A new guideline suggests that most healthy women do not need a pelvic exam every year. If you are pregnant or have symptoms (eg. pain), you may need more frequent pelvic exams. Decisions about having a pelvic exam should consider a woman's needs and preferences.

Kidney infections require prompt medical attention. Talk to your doctor if you experience fever, back/side/groin/abdominal pain, frequent urination, strong urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, or pus or blood in your urine.

Behaviour therapies (or lifestyle modifications) can help improve bladder control problems. Avoid drinking too little or too much fluid and cut back on bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, acidic fruits). Some medications, excess weight, smoking and physical inactivity also affect bladder control.

Surgery to remove the tumour is the most common treatment for bladder cancer, often followed by chemotherapy. Close follow up by your doctor is important as bladder cancer often comes back.

There are many causes of pelvic pain in women, including bowel, bladder, muscle and bone problems. Visit your doctor if you have recurring or severe pelvic pain.

See your doctor if you see blood in your urine. This resource includes questions to ask at your appointment. Blood in urine can be caused by urinary tract infections, kidney stones and bladder cancer and there are effective ways to prevent these conditions.

Bladder control problems are common after menopause. Changes to your lifestyle (exercise, weight loss, limiting caffeine) can help. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

Fecal incontinence (leaking feces or loss of bowel control) can be caused by muscle or nerve damage, constipation, or diarrhea. Treatments include diet changes, medications or surgery. See your doctor if you are having this issue. Try Kegel exercises and avoid caffeine, dairy, greasy or spicy foods.

Problems of the penis include issues with erections, with the foreskin, discharge or blood from the penis, pain, rash or swelling and can be a sign of other health conditions or medication side-effects. Practice good hygiene, safe sex and stay active to maintain your penis health.

Reduce the symptoms of enlarged hemorrhoids. Prevent constipation, relax and take your time on the toilet. Try a warm bath, ointment or a suppository.

Talk to your doctor about other options for severe enlarged hemorrhoids if treating the symptoms does not give you relief. Treatment options include sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation (banding), hemorrhoid removal and stapling.

To prevent an overactive bladder, avoid caffeine and alcohol, drink a normal amount of fluid each day, and go to the toilet only when you need to. Bladder training, medication, and/or pelvic floor exercises may also be helpful.

Seventy percent of bladder cancer cases are not invasive. Surgery to remove the bladder is the most common treatment for invasive bladder cancer. This resource provides details, including answers to the common question, "Where will the urine go?"