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Kidneys and urinary system

The kidneys filter out the waste products from the blood that the body does not need. Every kidney has a million small filters, that constantly separate out part of the blood and fluids flowing through the body's circulation. Essentials like salt and nutrients then flow back into the body. Wastes are sent through the bladder and urinary system until they are released from the body as urine. At the same time kidneys also help regulate blood pressure.

Feature: Bed-wetting in children and young people

Bed-wetting in children and teenagers is more common than you might think. About one in six five-year-old children sometimes notice too late that their bladder is full. But because nobody likes to talk about it, these children often feel like they are the only ones with this problem. A child’s bed-wetting is often burdensome for parents and siblings too.

Feature: Cystitis in women

First of all: there is no one remedy that will prevent cystitis. There are a number of different strategies – like drinking a lot of water or avoiding stress – but they have not been studied enough in scientific research. Yet it still might be worth paying attention to some factors when going about your daily routine. And there is help if you have acute symptoms.

Fact sheet: Cystitis in women

Feature: Enlarged prostate

Many men over 50 know the problem: a frequent urge to urinate, having to go to the toilet several times a night, but never really feeling relieved. These problems are usually caused by an enlarged prostate, also known as "benign prostatic hyperplasia". In our feature you can find out about the treatment options and what men can do themselves to manage with the symptoms.

Feature: Overactive bladder

Overactive bladder is usually caused by bladder muscles being too active and contracting too often. This makes people with overactive bladders feel like they have to urinate. But some simple strategies may help stop this urge. This feature tells you about them and why keeping a diary can be helpful. You can also read about the pelvic floor and how to feel and strengthen it.

Feature: Urine tests

Urinary tract infection, pregnancy or doping – a urine test can be used for a great number of different things. The color, odor or amount of urine can already help to determine if something is wrong. We explain what types of urine tests there are, what they can be used for and what the results can mean.

Research summaries

Urinary tract infections: Do antibiotics help?

Three or more days of antibiotics almost always ensure that the symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection will go away quickly. Taking antibiotics over five days or more can get rid of the last of the bacteria causing the infection, but the longer the treatment, the more adverse effects there are. more...

Benign prostatic hyperplasia: How do newer procedures compare with standard surgery?

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a standard surgical procedure for the treatment of benign enlarged prostates, has the best proven effect in relieving the associated symptoms. However, some other procedures might work just as well and cause fewer adverse effects. more...

Overactive bladder: What helps women who have the urge to urinate very frequently?

Bladder training and pelvic floor muscle exercises can reduce leaks and visits to the toilet in women with an overactive bladder. Medication can also help a little. Surgery for this condition has not been studied enough. more...