We know it can be difficult to talk about urologic health conditions like urinary tract issues, prostate health, pelvic floor disorders, kidney stones and vasectomies. But we promise there’s nothing to be embarrassed about – these conditions are much more common than you'd think. Our urologists have helped thousands of people, and we’re here to help you too.

At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, our board-certified urologists provide expert care at multiple locations by working closely with our urogynecologists, nephrologists (specialists who focus on kidney function), oncologists and other specialists to find the best treatment options for you.

Since urology covers the bladder, kidneys and male reproductive system, there are many conditions we commonly treat. Our board-certified urologists treat all conditions, from the common to the more complex, including:

• Kidney stones – Our kidneys process waste and minerals that pass through our bodies. When minerals or salt accumulate inside your kidneys, they can stick together and form hard deposits called kidney stones. Kidney stones can cause severe lower back pain and painful urination. They can become a recurring problem if left untreated, so it’s important to diagnose and treat the cause.
• Bladder dysfunction – Bladder dysfunction is any condition that causes problems urinating. This could be incontinence, overactive bladder, infrequent urination, neurogenic bladder (inability to control the bladder caused by neurological conditions) and other conditions. In men, the most common cause of bladder dysfunction is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Prostate cancer – Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland men have located between the bladder and the rectum. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan using the latest treatments.
  
• Erectile dysfunction (impotence) – The inability to get or maintain an erection is called erectile dysfunction. This is one of the most common sexual health conditions that affect men.

A wide variety of conditions might affect the kidneys, bladder or male reproductive system. Some common symptoms include:

• A bulge or a protrusion in the pelvic region
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy or discolored urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Leaking when laughing, coughing, sneezing or exercising
• Pain in the lower abdomen and groin
• Pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Painful urination
• Overactive bladder
• Trouble getting or keeping an erection
• Urinating more or less frequently than usual
  

During your visit, we’ll usually ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. If more information is needed to make a diagnosis, we might order additional tests or perform a procedure in the clinic. Here are some of the most common tests used to diagnose urologic conditions:

This is a simple urine test. We’ll check a sample of your urine for things like infections or blood.

Ultrasound imaging, CT scans and X-rays are used to look for cysts, tumors, obstructions, tears and changes in the appearance in your kidneys and pelvic region.

This is a test that allows urologists to see the inside of the bladder and urethra. Cystoscopy is commonly used to diagnose the causes of incontinence, chronic UTIs and blood in the urine. During this test, a urologist will insert a special camera called a cystoscope into the urinary tract. Most patients only feel a slight discomfort during the test, and we’ll do our best to keep you comfortable.

Urodynamic testing refers to a variety of tests that check how well your bladder, urethra and sphincter function. These tests check the flow of your urine, the proteins in your urine samples and other factors that affect your urine. Our urologists might recommend urodynamic testing for bladder control issues, frequent urination due to an overactive bladder, weak urine flow and other conditions.

During a biopsy, we’ll carefully remove some tissue so that it can be examined in a lab. Biopsies can be used to test for a variety of conditions that affect the bladder, kidneys and prostate. We’ll help keep you comfortable during a biopsy by using local anesthetic, anesthesia or pain medicine when needed.

A PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate gland. It’s normal to have some PSA in your blood, but high amounts of PSA might indicate a risk of prostate cancer. During a PSA test, your blood will be drawn and examined in the lab. This test can help detect prostate cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Talk to one of our primary care doctors about when you should start prostate cancer screenings.

After we determine the cause of your symptoms, we’ll work together to find the best treatment option for you. Common treatments used to treat urologic conditions include:

Physical therapy can be particularly effective for treating urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and other pelvic floor disorders. Our physical therapists will guide you through exercises that’ll strengthen your bladder and pelvic muscles. Strengthening these muscles can help manage your symptoms and make you more comfortable. We may also suggest small lifestyle changes, like improving your posture and changing your exercise routine to help limit pain.

This is a simple procedure done to prevent pregnancy by blocking the vas deferens to keep the sperm inside the testicles. Vasectomies don’t affect sexual pleasure. This procedure is quick to perform and is usually done in a clinic. You’ll be able to go home right after the procedure is finished.

Many people find relief for incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, kidney stones and other concerns through surgery. Surgery can also be a very effective treatment for prostate cancer. At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, we perform a variety of urologic surgeries from the common to more complex, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, often using the da Vinci Surgical System. Our urologists are also one of the first in the Twin Cities to offer high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer treatment. HIFU uses noninvasive ultrasound waves to precisely target affected areas without damaging surrounding tissue. Our doctors work with you to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment and choose the most minimally invasive surgery possible for the quickest recovery.

We offer one of only two reconstructive urology programs in the state of Minnesota. Our urologists are skilled in treating traumatic injuries to your kidney, bladder, ureter or genitals. We can repair and reconstruct your urinary system after complex injuries caused by falls, car accidents and other situations. We’ll work with you to create a unique treatment plan and let you know what to expect during the reconstruction process.