Urology and Cancers in Plain Language

Difficulty urinating in men is a common problem, especially with age. It may involve a weak urine stream, trouble starting, frequent urination, or a feeling that the bladder is not fully empty. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they may signal an underlying medical condition. The most common cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. As men get older, the prostate gland—which surrounds the urethra—can grow larger. When it presses against the urethra, it narrows the passage for urine and makes it harder to empty the bladder completely. This is often seen in men over 50, but it can begin earlier. Another possible cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Though less common in men than in women, UTIs can cause inflammation and swelling, making it painful or difficult to pass urine. Symptoms may include burning, urgency, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate, may also cause difficulty urinating. It can be acut...

Yes, an enlarged prostate can significantly affect bladder function, especially in men over the age of 50. The medical term for this condition is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer, but it is very common and can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms. The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate grows larger, it can press against the urethra and partially block the flow of urine. This makes it harder for the bladder to empty properly and can lead to several urinary problems. Men with an enlarged prostate often experience: A weak or slow urine stream Difficulty starting urination A feeling that the bladder is not completely empty Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia) Sudden urges to urinate Dribbling after urination In some cases, complete inability to urinate (urinary retention) Over time, if the bladder has to work harder to push urine ...

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a condition in which the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor are too weak, too tight, or do not coordinate properly. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that stretch like a sling across the bottom of the pelvis, supporting important organs such as the bladder, uterus (in women), and rectum. When these muscles do not function as they should, they can affect bladder control in several ways. One of the most common effects of pelvic floor dysfunction is urinary incontinence, where urine leaks without control. This may happen when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or during physical activity—referred to as stress incontinence. In other cases, it may cause a sudden and strong urge to urinate, called urge incontinence, even if the bladder is not full. On the other hand, if the pelvic floor muscles are too tight or do not relax when needed, it can lead to urinary retention, where the bladder does not empty completely. Some people may feel as though they st...

Yes, menopause can affect bladder health in several ways. As women age and go through menopause, their bodies experience a natural decline in estrogen, a hormone that plays an important role in maintaining the strength and elasticity of the urinary tract and pelvic floor muscles. When estrogen levels drop, it can lead to a range of bladder symptoms that may affect daily life. One of the most common changes is increased urinary frequency. Women may feel the need to urinate more often, even if only small amounts of urine are released. Some may experience urinary urgency, a sudden, strong need to urinate that can be difficult to control. In some cases, this may lead to urge incontinence, where urine leaks before reaching the bathroom. Another common issue after menopause is stress incontinence. This occurs when urine leaks during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy. The weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and the thinning of the tissues around the...

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...