Understanding Urology

Urethritis occurs when the urethra is red and swollen (inflamed). This is the tube that passes urine from the bladder to outside the body. The urethra can become swollen and cause burning pain when you urinate, pain with sex, and other symptoms.

Dysuria is when you have pain when peeing. It's often described as a burning feeling. Learn more about this problem and how it can be treated.

Your healthcare provider has told you that you have overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Why OAB occurs is not known. But treatments are available to help control the bladder muscle and manage OAB. Read on to learn more.

A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is an infection of the urinary system. CAUTI is caused by germs that get into the urinary tract when a urinary catheter is used. This is a tube that's placed into the bladder to drain urine.

Testicular cancer most often affects men between the ages of 15 and 39. The good news is that a simple monthly self-exam can help find trouble before it gets serious.

During the development of a fetus, the testicles (male sex organs) form near the kidneys. Normally, they're in the scrotum before the baby is born. An undescended testicle doesn't fully move down into the scrotum.

Behind each testicle is a coiled tube called the epididymis. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. When the inflammation spreads to a testicle, it is called orchitis.

The penis is made up of spongy tissue that holds blood. During sexual excitement, extra blood flows into the tissue. Read on to learn more about the stages of an erection.

Blood in your urine is a condition called hematuria. Most of the time, the cause is not serious. But blood in the urine should never be ignored. Read on to learn more.

A look at the many kinds of problems that can lead to blood in the urine. Some of the most common causes--such as kidney or bladder stones, enlargement of the prostate, and infection--are often easily treated.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and painful condition of the bladder. People with IC have a bladder wall that is tender and easily irritated, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Although IC currently has no cure, the symptoms can be managed to help you feel better and live more comfortably.

A diagram and explanation of the main parts of the male reproductive anatomy.

Your urinary tract helps to get rid of your body's liquid waste. Here's a look at how it works, along with a diagram.

A slight natural curve to the erect penis is usually normal. But curvature that causes pain and trouble having sex is a problem. The development of painful curvature is called Peyronie's disease.

A core needle biopsy will be done if your healthcare provider thinks you have prostate cancer. Read on to find out how the biopsy is done, and how to care for yourself at home afterward.

This procedure is done to help ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Read on for details on the different types of this surgery, and what to expect.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is ongoing pain in the area of the prostate gland. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, often causing swelling or pain. Learn more about this condition.

Men can get different kinds of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Knowing which kind of infection you have may help you prevent future UTIs.

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. But they may also be caused by viruses or fungi. Bacteria from the bowel are the most common source of infection. Here's what you need to know.

Urodynamic studies may be done in your healthcare provider's office, a clinic, or a hospital. The studies may take up to an hour or more, and they are generally painless. Read on for details.

Urodynamics studies are a series of tests that give your healthcare provider a close look at the working of your bladder and urethra. The tests can help your provider learn about any problems you have storing urine or urinating.

Read on to learn details about varicocele, from symptoms to how it can affect sperm count.

Many people with a penis have ED sometime during their lives. It can be discouraging, but it can also be treated. Work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment for you.

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem that can be treated--but only if you tell your healthcare provider about it. Read on to learn more about what to expect from your provider's evaluation, including a physical exam, possible tests, and treatment.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets your healthcare provider look directly inside your urethra and bladder.

The prostate gland is part of the reproductive system for people who are assigned male at birth. Here are images of and details about the prostate gland.

Stress urinary incontinence is a common type of bladder control problem in people who were assigned female at birth. Read on to learn more.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in men over age 60. It can cause problems with urination. Read on for helpful information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Testicular appendage torsion is the twisting of a small piece of tissue above a testicle. The appendage doesn't have a function in the body. But it can twist and cause pain and swelling that gets worse over time. It's not the same as testicular torsion.

An anal stricture is a narrowing of the end of the tube (anal canal) that takes stool out of the body. This can cause pain and other problems with passing stool.

A straddle injury is when injury occurs to the groin area between the thighs. It can happen from straddling a hard object, or accidents such as falling onto a bicycle crossbar.

Bladder stones are small deposits of crystals made from minerals and proteins that form in the urine. They may form when a small amount of urine stays in your bladder after urinating.