Why So Many Older Women Develop UTIs

MONDAY, May 20, 2019 -- Urinary tract infections are one of the indignities many women face as they age. One reason why is because their bladder walls can be invaded by several species of bacteria, a new study finds.

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are among the most common type of bacterial infections in women, accounting for nearly 25% of all infections. UTI recurrence rates can range from 16%-36% in younger women to 55% in postmenopausal women.

Quitting Smoking Helps Shield Women From Bladder Cancer: Study

MONDAY, May 6, 2019 -- If you're an older woman who smokes, quitting may bring a health benefit you haven't considered: A new study suggests it lowers your risk of bladder cancer.

The largest decline in risk was in the first 10 years after quitting, with a modest but steady decline in following years.

FDA Halts All Sales of Pelvic Mesh Products Tied to Injuries in Women

TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday announced a ban on the sale of all pelvic mesh products.

The surgical mesh is typically used to repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and incontinence, but reported side effects have included permanent incontinence, severe discomfort and an inability to have sex.

Itchy Skin Common Alongside Kidney Disease

THURSDAY, April 11, 2019 -- Itchy skin can make you miserable. And it's a common problem for many people with chronic kidney disease, even those not on dialysis, a new study finds.

"One of the main goals of managing chronic disease is alleviating symptoms; however, this is only possible when we are aware of the suffering patients endure," said study author Dr. Nidhi Sukul, a nephrologist from the University of Michigan.