Frequently Asked Questions

Blood in the urine, painful urination, difficulty emptying your bladder, recurring urinary problems, frequent or urgent urination, urine leakage, and severe kidney-stone symptoms are all reasons to seek medical evaluation.

Yes. Blood in the urine can have many causes and should be evaluated. Possible causes include infection, kidney or bladder stones, and cancers of the urinary system.

Yes. Treatment depends on the type and cause of the leakage. Options can include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor therapy, medication, bladder treatments, nerve stimulation, or surgery. Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics offers specialized bladder testing and a range of nonsurgical treatments for urinary incontinence. 

Yes. A urologist can evaluate kidney stones and determine whether a stone is likely to pass on its own or needs treatment. Larger stones, severe pain, urinary blockage, or other complications may require more urgent care.

Yes. Urologists treat urinary and bladder conditions in both men and women. Women may see a urologist for urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, recurrent urinary problems, pelvic organ prolapse, kidney stones, and other conditions.

Screening should be based on individual risk and a discussion of benefits and potential harms. AUA guidance identifies men ages 50 to 69 as those most likely to benefit from routine screening discussions, while men at higher risk may consider beginning those conversations around ages 40 to 45.