Urology and Cancers in Plain Language

Kidney cancer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to find clear, reliable information. This page brings together easy-to-understand answers to common questions about kidney cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery—all explained in plain language.  Whether you have been recently diagnosed, are caring for someone with kidney cancer, or simply want to learn more, these articles will help you understand what is happening, one question at a time.  New posts are added regularly and written without medical jargon. To explore further, click on any of the titles below to read the full article. Introduction and Basics What is Kidney Cancer? Is Kidney Cancer the Same as Renal Cell Carcinoma? How Common Is Kidney Cancer? What Are the Types of Kidney Cancer? What Is Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Wilms Tumor? Causes and Risk Factors What Causes Kidney Cancer? Who Is at R...

Your kidneys do much more than make urine. They filter your blood, balance your fluids, control blood pressure, and support bone and red blood cell health. But how exactly do they do all this? This page is your one-stop resource for understanding how the kidneys work—one question at a time. Whether you are curious about how much urine is normal, what kidneys remove from the blood, or what happens with only one kidney, you will find simple, science-backed answers here. Each topic below links to a short article that explains one key question in plain language. These articles are designed for anyone to understand—no medical background needed. As new articles are published, they will be added to the list below. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates. What do the kidneys do in the human body? How do the kidneys filter blood? Where are the kidneys located in the body? Can you live a normal life with one kidney? How much urine do healthy kidneys produce in a day? What ...

The urinary bladder acts as a temporary storage tank for urine and plays a vital role in bladder health and urinary function. This page is your one-stop resource for understanding everything about the bladder. Each article answers a common question in simple, easy-to-understand language, covering topics such as how the bladder works, where it is located, how much urine it can hold, and what causes bladder problems. Each topic below links to a short article that explains one key question in plain language, free of medical jargon. These bladder health articles are written for everyone—no medical background required. To learn more, simply click on any of the titles below. New bladder-related articles are added regularly. As new topics are published, they will appear in the list below. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates on bladder function and urinary health. What is the Urinary Bladder? Where Is the Bladder Located in the Body? What Does the Bladder Do? How Muc...

Stress incontinence in women refers to the unintentional leakage of urine during activities that put pressure on the bladder. This may happen when coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or even lifting something heavy. It is one of the most common types of urinary incontinence in women and can affect women of all ages, although it is more common after childbirth or menopause. This condition occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra become weakened. These muscles are part of the pelvic floor, which acts like a sling to hold the bladder in place and keep it closed during physical movement. When the pelvic floor is not strong enough, any sudden pressure in the abdomen can cause the bladder to leak small amounts of urine. There are several factors that may contribute to stress incontinence in women. Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth can stretch or damage the pelvic floor muscles and the nerves that control the bladder. Women who have had multiple pregnancie...

Pregnancy affects the bladder in many ways, especially as the baby grows and the uterus expands. These changes are completely natural, but they can lead to symptoms that may be uncomfortable or inconvenient. Understanding how pregnancy influences the bladder can help expectant mothers manage these symptoms and know when to seek medical advice. One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is frequent urination. In the first trimester, hormonal changes—especially rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone—cause increased blood flow to the kidneys. This leads to more urine being produced, which fills the bladder more often than usual. As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus starts to press against the bladder. This added pressure reduces the amount of urine the bladder can hold, making pregnant women feel the need to urinate more frequently—even during the night. Some women may also experience an urgent need to urinate, or a sensation that the bladder is never full...

Women are more likely than men to experience bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is due to several physical and biological differences between male and female urinary systems. Understanding why these infections are more common in women can help with prevention and early treatment. One major reason is female anatomy. In women, the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body—is much shorter than in men. It measures about 3 to 4 centimeters (1.5 inches), while the male urethra is about 20 centimeters (8 inches). Because of this short distance, bacteria from outside the body can travel more easily to the bladder, where they can multiply and cause infection. The location of the urethra is also a factor. It sits close to the anus and vaginal opening, both of which are areas where bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) are commonly found. Simple activities such as wiping after using the toilet, sexual activity, or even wearing ...

Yes, bladder stones can cause infections, especially when they are not treated in time. A bladder stone is a hard mass made of minerals that form inside the bladder, often when urine becomes too concentrated or when the bladder does not empty completely. These stones may irritate the bladder lining, block the flow of urine, and create an environment where bacteria can grow easily. When urine is held in the bladder for too long or cannot flow freely, bacteria that would normally be flushed out can multiply. This can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). The presence of a bladder stone increases this risk because it can cause damage to the bladder wall and interfere with normal emptying. Stones may also carry bacteria on their surface, making it harder to clear the infection with antibiotics alone. Infections related to bladder stones may cause symptoms such as: A burning or stinging feeling during urination Cloudy or strong-smelling urine Blood in the urine Frequent or urgent need to...