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Problems of
the Urine
System
There are 2 kidneys.
They make urine by
cleaning waste from
the blood.
The bladder is a bag. It stretches
and gets bigger as it fills with urine,
and gets small after you pass urine.
When you pass urine, the urine
goes down the lower urine tube
and comes out a small hole
in front of your vagina.
There are 2 upper
urine tubes.They carry
the urine from the
kidneys to the bladder.
This chapter describes the most common problems that affect
the urine system. Sometimes these problems are difficult to tell
apart. So if your problem seems different from those described
here, get medical help. You may need special tests to find out
what the problem is.
If you can identify the problem, it may be possible to treat
the problem at home—especially if treatment is started right
away. But remember that some serious problems begin with
signs that do not seem very bad. These problems can quickly
become painful and dangerous. So if you do not feel better
within 2 to 3 days, get medical help.
Female genital cutting
This can damage the urine system and cause serious health problems for a woman
all her life. If you have been cut and have problems passing urine, or infections that
return again and again, talk to a health worker. You may need surgery to correct
the problem. For more information, see the chapter on “Female Genital Cutting,”
page 459.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012