Urology Cancers: All about bladder, kidney, prostate, and Cancers

Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a condition where harmful bacteria enter parts of the urinary system—most often the bladder and urethra—causing discomfort, inflammation, and sometimes serious complications if left untreated. UTIs are much more common in women than men. This is because the female urethra is shorter, allowing bacteria easier access to the bladder. However, men, especially older men with enlarged prostates, can also get UTIs. Children and older adults may also be at risk. The most common cause of UTI is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which lives in the bowel. When it travels from the rectum to the urethra and up into the bladder, it can multiply and trigger infection. Poor hygiene, dehydration, sexual activity, holding urine for too long, or catheter use can all increase the risk. Common symptoms include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, lower abdominal pain, and sometimes blood in the urine. Some ...

Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming—but what does it actually mean? In medical terms, this is called hematuria, and it can range from harmless to serious, depending on the cause. Sometimes the blood is visible to the eye (called gross hematuria), and at other times it can only be seen under a microscope (microscopic hematuria) during a urine test. There are many possible reasons for blood to appear in your urine. One of the most common is a urinary tract infection (UTI), especially in women. Infections irritate the lining of the bladder or urethra and can cause bleeding. Another frequent cause is kidney or bladder stones, which may scratch the inner walls of the urinary tract as they move, leading to visible bleeding or microscopic traces of blood. In men, enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and lead to blood in the urine. In both men and women, more serious conditions like bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or even ureteric tumors may present with blood in the urine as an ea...

Urine is usually clear and pale yellow. If it suddenly appears cloudy or has a strong smell, it may require attention. While this does not always mean something is wrong, it can be an early sign of several possible issues—some harmless and others more serious. One of the most common causes of cloudy or foul-smelling urine is a urinary tract infection (UTI). When bacteria infect the bladder or urethra, they trigger the release of white blood cells and byproducts that can make the urine appear cloudy and smell unpleasant. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges to go, or pelvic discomfort. Another common reason is dehydration. When you do not drink enough fluids, your urine becomes more concentrated. It may appear darker, more cloudy, and have a strong odor due to the buildup of waste substances like urea and ammonia. Simply increasing water intake can often improve the appearance and smell of urine. Diet also plays a role. Foods like asp...

Waking up once in the night to urinate is fairly common, especially as people age. This condition is called nocturia. In many cases, it is normal and not a cause for concern. However, if you wake up multiple times every night to urinate, it may affect your sleep and signal an underlying issue. Several factors can cause nighttime urination. One of the most common is aging. As the body gets older, it produces less of the hormone that helps concentrate urine during sleep. This leads to increased urine production at night. At the same time, bladder capacity may decrease slightly, making it harder to hold urine until morning. Fluid intake plays a major role. Drinking too much water or other fluids in the evening—especially beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol—can increase urine production. These substances also irritate the bladder and make symptoms worse. Medical conditions can also lead to frequent nighttime urination. These include: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Overactive bladde...

Leaking urine during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy is a common condition known as stress urinary incontinence . This type of incontinence occurs when physical pressure is placed on the bladder, and the pelvic muscles are not strong enough to keep the urethra closed. In a healthy urinary system, the bladder holds urine, and muscles in the pelvic floor and urethra help control when it is released. When those muscles are weakened or stretched, even a small increase in pressure—such as from a sudden cough or sneeze—can cause urine to leak involuntarily. This condition is especially common in women, particularly after pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. During childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues can stretch or weaken, affecting bladder control. Hormonal changes after menopause may also reduce the strength of these muscles and the tissue around the urethra. In men, stress incontinence is less common but may occur after prost...

A weak urine stream happens when the flow of urine is slower or less forceful than normal. It may take longer to empty the bladder, and the stream may feel thin, interrupted, or dribbling. This is a common concern, especially among older adults, and it can affect both men and women. In men, the most frequent cause is an enlarged prostate , also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate grows, it may press against the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body—making it harder for urine to pass. This narrowing leads to a slower, weaker stream, often accompanied by difficulty starting urination or the feeling of not fully emptying the bladder. In women, weak urine flow may result from bladder muscle weakness , pelvic floor disorders, or bladder prolapse, where the bladder drops into the vaginal space and presses against the urethra. These conditions can make it harder to push urine out effectively. Another possible cause for both men and women...

Feeling like you still need to pee after just going to the bathroom can be frustrating and uncomfortable. This sensation is known as post-void urinary urgency or incomplete bladder emptying. In many cases, it means the bladder has not fully emptied, or that the bladder is sending signals to urinate again, even when it is mostly empty. One of the most common causes is a urinary tract infection (UTI) . Infections irritate the bladder lining, causing inflammation and triggering the urge to urinate frequently, even when very little urine is present. This is often accompanied by burning, cloudy urine, or discomfort in the lower abdomen. Another possible cause is overactive bladder (OAB) . This condition affects how the bladder muscle contracts and can lead to a strong, sudden need to urinate, followed by the feeling that you need to go again. Overactive bladder is more common with age but can affect anyone. In men, the feeling of incomplete emptying may be related to an enlarged prostate . ...