Why urination is important

Urea is produced when foods containing protein such as meat, poultry, and certain vegetables are broken down in the body.

Urea is carried in the blood to the kidneys. This is where it is removed, along with water and other wastes in the form of urine. The kidneys have other important functions. They control blood pressure and produce the hormone erythropoietin. This hormone controls red blood cell production in the bone marrow. The kidneys also control the acid-base balance and conserve fluids. Two kidneys. This pair of purplish-brown organs is located below the ribs toward the middle of the back.

Their function is to:. The kidneys remove urea from the blood through tiny filtering units called nephrons. Ions, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, etc. Osmolarity helps control the amount of water filtered out of the blood so that the cells in your body can grow, function, and maintain an electrolyte balance. Your kidneys produce hormones that play an important role in systems outside of the urinary tract. There are a lot of factors that cause problems in your urinary system —most of them are associated with aging.

Your systems become less efficient, muscles tend to weaken, and your body is more susceptible to infection. To make sure that you maintain a healthy urinary system, keep an eye out for any signs or symptoms of problems. Some signs and symptoms of urinary system problems include:. Normal, healthy urine is a pale or clear yellow color.

If you experience a dark, brownish color, you should see a urologist as it could indicate signs of liver problems or very severe dehydration. If you notice any signs or symptoms of urinary problems, contact a urologist today.

They will start with a urinalysis to study the chemical makeup of your urine and look for any signs of infection. There are also urodynamic tests available that will help your urologist better understand how your bladder is working. Throughout your life, you will likely experience at least one type of urinary system disorder.

Some of the most common types of urinary system disorders include:. Urinary tract infections are one of the most common types of urinary system conditions. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life. Griffin P. Rodgers explaining the importance of participating in clinical trials. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Smith, M. How does urination occur? Why is the urinary tract important? What affects the amount of urine you produce? How can you keep your urinary tract healthy?

Clinical Trials What is the urinary tract? All parts of the urinary tract—the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra—must work together to urinate normally. The internal sphincter muscles of the bladder neck and urethra stay closed until your brain sends signals to urinate. The external sphincter muscles surround the internal sphincter and provide extra pressure to keep the urethra closed.

You can consciously squeeze the external sphincter and the pelvic floor muscles to keep urine from leaking out. You can help keep your urinary tract healthy by following some basic tips.

You can promote both bowel health and bladder health by making healthy food choices. Different specialists treat urinary system ailments. Nephrologists treat kidney diseases , while urologists treat problems with the urinary tract, including the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, bladder and urethra, according to the American Urological Association AUA. Urologists also treat the male reproductive organs, while gynecologists often treat urinary diseases or disorders in females, including yeast infections.

Nephrologists and urologists often work with endocrinologists or oncologists, depending on the disease. Urinary tract infections UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract; they can affect the urethra, bladder or even the kidneys. While UTIs are more common in women, they can occur in men. UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, according to Dr. Oscar Aguirre , a urogynecologist in Denver. In the United States, about 8. Incontinence is another common disease of the urinary system.

This is usually due to an enlarged prostate causing obstruction of bladder emptying. Problems can come in the form of a pelvic prolapse, which can result in leakage and can be the result of a vaginal delivery.

Then there is the overactive bladder, "which we see a lot and is not related to having children or trauma," Aguirre said. A third condition involves overflow, in which the bladder does not completely empty.

These problems in turn may lead to UTI [urinary tract infection], cystitis and deterioration of kidney function.