Urological and reproductive conditions

Many of the body’s waste products are passed out of the body in urine. The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, bladder, ureters (tubes which take urine from kidneys to the bladder) and the urethra which takes urine from the bladder to the outside.  Some of the more common problems of the urinary system include:

• urinary tract infections usually caused by bacteria
• enlarged prostate in men which can make it difficult to empty the bladder
• incontinence when urine leaks out of the urethra
• kidney infections when a bladder infection ‘backs up’ the ureters
• kidney stones caused by infection and high blood levels of calcium.

Reproductive conditions

The female reproductive system is made up of the vagina, womb (uterus), fallopian tubes and ovaries. The male reproductive system is made up of the penis, the testicles, the epididymis, the vas deferens and the prostate gland. Some common problems of the reproductive system include:

• for women:
• endometriosis where the womb lining grows outside of the womb
• fibroids or non-malignant tumours of the womb
• infertility due to many causes, including a failure to ovulate
• painful periods due to a number of different causes, such as inflammation
• premenstrual tension symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness and mood swings
• sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria or viruses
• for men:
• infertility
• prostate problems which can make urination difficult
• sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria or viruses.

Symptoms and characteristics:

Symptoms and characteristics will vary depending on the condition.  Please see the links below for information on specific urological and reproductive conditions:

• Kidney disorder
• Endometriosis
• Urinary tract conditions

Workplace adjustments and solutions:

In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with urological and reproductive conditions to better manage their symptoms and can include strategies such as:

For urological conditions:

• allowing more frequent bathroom breaks or the capacity to use the bathroom whenever required
• close proximity to toilet facilities
• time off work for a day or two in severe cases, due to the urgent need to constantly urinate.

For reproductive conditions:

• flexible work conditions such as enabling time off due to pain or times of lethargy if required
• if suitable to the work role, the capacity to work from home through the use of equipment such as a mobile phone and laptop on days when unable to attend the workplace due to symptoms
• proximity to toilet facilities
• a supportive work environment.

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:

• energy and stamina
• managing episodic fluctuations in conditions
• managing pain associated with injury or illness 

References:

Better Health Channel 2012, Reproductive system, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 14 February 2012, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Reproductive_system?open.

Better Health Channel 2012, Urinary system, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 14 February 2012, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Urinary_system?open