Trouble starting or sustaining a urine stream (also called urinary hesitancy) can affect men and women, but it’s more common in older men with an enlarged prostate. You’ll want to see a doctor to evaluate this as there are many effective treatments.
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The Kidneys
What they do: Every day, your kidneys filter more than 30 gallons of blood and produce 1–2 quarts of urine, which helps the body eliminate waste products and extra fluid. Kidneys also regulate salt, potassium and acid content, and release hormones that affect blood pressure and the production of red blood cells.
What could happen: Stones form in many kidneys and can cause pain and bleeding — and slowly loss of the kidney itself. Kidney cancers occur in many patients without any symptoms at all.
Discover your options for
a variety of urologic needs.
The Bladder
What it does: The bladder is a stretchy hollow organ that stores urine and slowly relaxes to hold more as it comes down from the kidneys.
What could happen: Bladder control problems include urinary incontinence, when urine leaks involuntarily during stress, and retention, when the bladder doesn’t fully empty because of muscle or nerve failure, or obstructions in the urinary tract. Bladder cancers are particularly worrisome, and painless blood in the urine is a typical sign.
What it does: The gland, about the size of a walnut, supplies enzymes that help sperm survive and reach the egg during intercourse. It also acts as the valve that keeps urine in the bladder when a man ejaculates and relaxes to permit emptying the bladder.
What could happen: The most common cancer in men is prostate cancer, which could necessitate full or partial removal of the gland. With benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, the gland enlarges and is not cancerous, but can restrict urinary function. And prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate, is the most common cause of urinary tract infections in men.
The Prostate
The Ureters
What they do: Two tiny, muscular tubes constantly flex and relax to transport urine out of the kidneys and down to the bladder. Every 10–15 seconds, ureters empty a small amount of urine into the bladder.
What could happen: If urine stands still or backs up, kidney infections can develop. Stones from the kidney can get stuck here, and cause pain or worrisome infections as they get stuck along the way out. Cancers can arise in the lining of the ureters typically with bloody urine as a sign.
The Testicles
What they do: Testicles are mainly responsible for testosterone production and the formation of sperm. They are connected to the other organs through long cords that pass down to the scrotum through the groin area.
What could happen: In younger men, testicular cancer is a concern and should be considered if unusual enlargement occurs. Older men suffer low testosterone as a reduction in output occurs with age. Older men can also get masses of a different kind in the kidney. Varicoceles can form due to dilated testicular veins. Many men ask for vasectomies to become sterile.
Treatment options for all these conditions are available at Ochsner, with several providers accepting new patients.
Find urology care close by at:
Ochsner Health Center – Urology
401 Dr. Michael Debakey Drive, 2nd Floor
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Ochsner Health Center – Jennings Urology
1636 Elton Road, Suite 205
Jennings, LA 70546
You’re Having Difficulty Urinating
You Suspect You Have Kidney Stones
Symptoms include back and/or side pain, nausea and vomiting. You might also notice blood in your urine. For those with a family history of kidney stones, you’re at higher risk of getting them. Your doctor will conduct tests to see if you do in fact have kidney stones and, if so, where and how big they are. This will help determine the treatment plan, which could include passing them naturally, breaking them into small pieces for easier passage or removing them. Learn more.
You’re Experiencing Loss of Bladder Control
Also known as urinary incontinence, this condition is more common in older adults and affects women twice as much as men. Some causes include diabetes, obesity and weakened pelvic muscles. Your doctor can recommend treatments based on the type of urinary incontinence you’re experiencing. It might be dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, medication or surgery.
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You’ve Noticed Blood
In Your Urine
This is a reason to schedule a visit with a urologist immediately. Your urologist will want to rule out anything serious. Most likely, your doctor will start with a urine test to see if additional exams are necessary. These might include a blood test, CT scan, or bladder examine. Schedule Now.
Here are a few signs you need to see a urologist:
Guys: You’ve Experienced Erectile Dysfunction for Weeks.
If you’re having difficulties keeping or maintaining erections, don’t shrug it off or chalk it up to getting older. It could be a sign of heart disease or complications from diabetes, among other things. A urologist can help get to the root of the issue and offer solutions, including medication, lifestyle changes and more.
Bumps in the testicles or scrotum can be caused by a number of things, including injury and cancer. If you notice a lump (whether it’s painful or not), get it checked — the earlier the better.
Guys: You Feel a Lump.
Complete this form to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment online.
Our urology team provides comprehensive urologic care, emphasizing the needs of the individual patient in a compassionate setting. We treat patients with erectile dysfunction, incontinence, low-t, kidney stones, difficulty urinating and more. In-person and virtual appointments are available!
