Kidney and bladder
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The kidneys clean the blood and remove waste through urine, which is stored and passed by the bladder. Genetic disorders, lifestyle, diet and infections can affect the kidneys and bladder.
Information in your language
Information in your language about kidneys and
- Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer affects around 3 times as many men as women.
- Cystitis
Cystitis is the most common urinary tract infection in women.
- Pelvic organ prolapse
The ligaments and muscles that support the pelvic organs sometimes stretch and cause these organs to drop down. This is called a ‘pelvic organ prolapse’.
- Prostate gland and urinary problems
Many men experience urinary changes as they age, which may be caused by inflammation or enlargement of the prostate gland.
- Shy bladder syndrome
Severe paruresis (fear of urinating in public) can affect a person's life in a similar way to agoraphobia.
- Urinary system birth defects
Common birth defects of the urinary system include hypospadias, obstructive defects of the renal pelvis and renal agenesis.
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can target the urethra, bladder or kidneys.
- Bedwetting
Bedwetting is a problem for many children and punishing them for it will only add to their distress.
- Dementia - continence issues
Incontinence may occur in people with dementia for many reasons.
- Incontinence - prevention tips
Incontinence can be prevented in most cases.
- Incontinence - tips for carers
A person's incontinence can be a challenging problem for their carer, but help is available from a range of sources, so don't think you must cope alone.
- Incontinence and continence problems
Many things can be done to manage, treat and sometimes cure incontinence and continence problems.
- Pelvic floor
Pelvic floor exercises are designed to improve muscle tone and prevent the need for corrective surgery.
- Bladder
Your bladder is a hollow organ that stores urine from the kidneys.
- Kidney disease
Exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking will help to keep your kidneys working well.
- Kidneys
Well-functioning kidneys are essential to a healthy life.
- Urinary system
Most waste products are removed from the body by the urinary system.
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener granulomatosis is a rare condition that targets the arteries, veins and capillaries of the kidneys and the respiratory system.
- Kidney cancer
Most kidney cancers are found when the doctor is checking for something else.
- Kidney failure
You can lose up to 90 per cent of kidney function before you even feel sick.
- Kidney stones
For most types of kidney stones, the best ways to prevent stone growth or recurrence are to drink enough fluids, avoid urinary infections and treat with medications.
- Kidneys - age-related problems
Early detection of kidney disease and good management can increase the life of your kidneys.
- Kidneys - nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is where the kidneys remove too much protein from the blood.
- Kidneys - polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Polycystic kidney disease is a common cause of kidney failure in Australia and equally affects men and women of different ethnic backgrounds.
- Kidney donation
Kidneys are often donated after death but more people are choosing to donate one of their kidneys while still alive (living kidney donation).
- Kidneys - dialysis and transplant
People with kidney failure need dialysis or a transplant to stay alive.
- Living with kidney failure
Although dialysis or transplant surgery after kidney failure can be challenging, many people go on to live active and productive lives.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022