Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Ali Karagöz

There is no single treatment method for kidney stones. The selection is made according to the size, location, hardness of the stone and the structure of the kidney. Some of the small stones may pass spontaneously with medication support and plenty of fluid intake.

Intervention is required for stones that do not pass or cause pain, infection or swelling in the kidney. Stone crushing using sound waves from outside the body, endoscopic methods performed through the urinary tract, and percutaneous surgery performed through the skin into the kidney are the main options.

When making the decision, imaging findings and the patient's previous stone history are evaluated together. Nutrition and fluid intake recommendations to prevent stone recurrence after treatment are part of the process.

Frequent urination, sudden urgency, urinary incontinence or difficulty in voiding urine can significantly affect daily life. The cause of these complaints is not always the same; therefore, evaluation is guided by the type of symptom.

In the first stage, it is evaluated whether the bladder is emptied by urinalysis, daily urine chart and ultrasound. Prostate structures in men and pelvic floor structures in women are also reviewed.

When the findings are not clear, urodynamic examination can be performed. This examination measures the behavior of the bladder during filling and emptying. Treatment consists of behavioral changes, pelvic floor exercises, medication and, when necessary, interventional methods.

Sexual function problems are common and often related to an underlying health condition. Diabetes, blood pressure, vascular diseases, hormone irregularities and some medications can cause this condition. Additionally, anxiety and stress play an important role.

For this reason, the evaluation focuses not only on the complaint but also on the general health condition of the person. Hormone levels are reviewed with history, examination and, when necessary, blood tests. Studies evaluating vascular health can be added.

Treatment is planned according to the cause. Regulation of the underlying disease, lifestyle changes, drug therapy and other methods are used when necessary. Discussing the problem is the first and most important step in the evaluation.