Urology

A kidney stone (renal calculus) is a hard mineral deposit that forms in the kidney from concentrated urine. Stones vary in size and type, and small ones may cause no symptoms at all. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Recurrent UTI means two or more infections in six months, or three or more in a year, confirmed by urine culture. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Hydronephrosis is swelling of the kidney from urine that can't drain properly due to a blockage further down. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue, restricting urine flow. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can slow urine flow. It is not cancer, though the two can occasionally coexist. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A UTI is a bacterial infection of the bladder or urinary tract that inflames the lining, causing the classic burning sensation. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

OAB causes a sudden, hard-to-control urge to urinate, along with increased daytime and nighttime frequency. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Blood in urine, or hematuria, can be visible or found only on testing, and always needs evaluation. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Incontinence is involuntary urine leakage, with main types being stress, urge, mixed, and overflow incontinence. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A kidney cyst is a fluid-filled sac on the kidney. Most are simple, benign, and harmless. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Bladder stones form directly in the bladder, usually because it isn't emptying fully, unlike kidney stones which form in the kidney. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Urinary retention means the bladder can't empty properly, either suddenly and painfully (acute) or gradually over time (chronic). When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Neurogenic bladder is bladder dysfunction caused by nerve damage affecting how the bladder stores or empties urine. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

This is a blockage where the bladder meets the urethra, restricting the outflow of urine. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Acute retention is most often triggered by an enlarged prostate, certain medications, alcohol, or constipation on top of existing narrowing. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Sudden hydronephrosis causes severe flank pain; gradual cases can be silent and found incidentally on a scan. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A progressively weak or spraying urine stream, straining, and incomplete emptying are the classic signs. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Often no single cause is found, but neurological conditions, obstruction, caffeine, and aging can all contribute. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Causes range from infections and stones to prostate enlargement and, less commonly, tumors. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Symptoms include either urgency and leakage or difficulty emptying, and sometimes a mix of both. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Common symptoms include a weak stream, hesitancy, straining, frequent urination, and waking at night to urinate. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Burning urination, frequent urgent trips to the bathroom, cloudy urine, and mild pelvic discomfort are typical symptoms. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Simple cysts form from small pouches in kidney tubules over time and become more common with age. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Classic stone pain starts suddenly in the flank or back and radiates to the groin, often in waves, with nausea and sometimes blood in the urine. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Watch for an interrupted urine stream, lower abdominal pain, blood in urine, and recurring urinary infections. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Causes include weak pelvic floor muscles, overactive bladder, prostate surgery, obstruction, and nerve-related bladder problems. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Weak stream, straining, incomplete emptying, and frequent urination are the typical symptoms. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Bacteria, usually E. coli, travel into the urethra. Women are more prone due to a shorter urethra. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Common causes include kidney stones, strictures, an enlarged prostate, tumors, or, in children, a congenital narrowing. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Causes include injury, prior catheter use or surgery, infections, and certain inflammatory skin conditions. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Diagnosis includes a bladder diary, physical exam, cough stress test, and sometimes urodynamic studies. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and long-standing diabetes are common causes. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

The most common cause in men is an enlarged prostate; others include strictures, bladder neck narrowing, and stones. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Stones form when urine is too concentrated with calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. Low water intake, salty or high-protein diets, obesity, and family history all raise the risk. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

The main cause is incomplete bladder emptying, often from an enlarged prostate, stricture, catheter use, or a bladder affected by nerve problems. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A catheter is inserted to drain the bladder immediately; the underlying cause is then evaluated and treated. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Most are found incidentally on ultrasound; complex-looking cysts need a CT or MRI for closer evaluation. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

The prostate enlarges with age due to hormonal changes involving testosterone and DHT. Genetics, obesity, and diabetes can also play a role. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Urine culture, ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, and sometimes cystoscopy help find an underlying cause. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A bladder diary, urine test, and ultrasound rule out other causes; urodynamic studies help in complex cases. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A urine test, CT urogram, and cystoscopy are the key tests used to find the cause. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Diagnosis uses a urine test, blood test, ultrasound, and usually a CT KUB scan, the most accurate way to see stone size and location. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A urine dipstick test screens for infection, followed by a culture to confirm the bacteria and best antibiotic. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Ultrasound detects the swelling; CT, MRI, or a renogram scan pinpoint the cause and check kidney function. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A flow test, retrograde urethrogram X-ray, and sometimes cystoscopy confirm the stricture's location and length. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Treatment starts with bladder training and pelvic floor therapy, then medication, and, if needed, Botox or nerve stimulation. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Treatment depends entirely on the cause, from antibiotics for infection to surgery for stones or tumors. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

No, simple cysts usually need no treatment; complex cysts may need surveillance or surgical removal. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Yes, acute retention is a true emergency needing prompt catheter drainage to relieve pain and pressure. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Urodynamic studies, ultrasound, and regular kidney function tests confirm the pattern and monitor for complications. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A flow test, ultrasound, and sometimes urodynamic studies or cystoscopy confirm the diagnosis and cause. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan usually finds the stone; cystoscopy confirms it directly and can guide treatment. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Diagnosis involves a symptom questionnaire, prostate exam, PSA blood test, urine flow test, and ultrasound. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Treatment targets the root cause, and may include preventive low-dose antibiotics or non-antibiotic strategies for frequent reinfections. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Treatment ranges from pelvic floor therapy and medication to slings or other surgery, depending on the type. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A short course of targeted antibiotics, plus fluids and pain relief, clears most uncomplicated UTIs within days. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Treatment relieves the blockage, sometimes urgently with a DJ stent, then treats the specific cause, such as a stone or stricture. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Options range from dilation and internal urethrotomy for simple strictures to urethroplasty for longer or recurrent ones. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Management includes intermittent catheterization, medication, Botox, or, rarely, surgery, depending on the pattern of dysfunction. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

No, polycystic kidney disease is a separate inherited condition causing many cysts and progressive kidney damage. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Small stones under 5-6mm often pass with fluids and pain relief. Larger or blocking stones need ESWL, RIRS, or PCNL depending on size and location. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Most stones need a minor scope procedure called cystolitholapaxy to break them up. Treating the underlying cause, like BPH, prevents recurrence. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Yes, prolonged untreated retention can cause back-pressure on the kidneys and lasting kidney damage. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Usually not from bladder infections alone, but repeated kidney infections from an unaddressed obstruction can cause scarring. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

No, OAB is urgency and frequency; incontinence is any leakage, which can happen with or without OAB. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Heavy bleeding with clots, inability to urinate, or dizziness from blood loss need immediate hospital care. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

No, it's common with age but not inevitable, and effective treatments exist at any age. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Treatment targets the cause, from medication for BPH to surgery for strictures, stones, or bladder neck narrowing. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Mild cases are watched; moderate symptoms are treated with medication; larger or resistant cases benefit from procedures like TURP or HoLEP. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Fever, chills, back pain, or persistent vomiting signal a kidney infection and need urgent care. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Untreated strictures can worsen and cause bladder stones, infections, retention, and eventually kidney damage. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

No, most cases are due to infections, stones, or prostate enlargement, though cancer must be ruled out. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

See a urologist whenever leakage affects daily life or doesn't improve with basic exercises. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

A stone becomes an emergency with fever and chills, complete inability to urinate, uncontrolled pain or vomiting, or blockage in a single kidney. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Untreated BPH can lead to bladder stones, infections, urinary retention, and, in severe cases, kidney damage. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Older men with BPH, people with diabetes or neurological conditions, and those with long-standing strictures are at highest risk. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Yes, due to shorter female anatomy and hormonal changes, especially around menopause. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

See a urologist once symptoms affect daily life or don't improve with basic lifestyle changes. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Fever, sudden worsening retention, new blood in urine, or autonomic symptoms need urgent evaluation. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Surgery or drainage is considered for large symptomatic cysts or higher-risk complex cysts on imaging. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Left untreated, stones grow larger, cause repeated infections, and can damage the bladder or, over time, the kidneys. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

It's an emergency with fever, severe pain, inability to urinate, or when it affects a single functioning kidney. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

It's an emergency with complete inability to urinate, fever, or rapidly worsening kidney function. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Sudden, sharp flank or back pain — often radiating toward the groin — is the most common first sign, sometimes accompanied by blood in the urine or nausea.

No. Painkillers only reduce pain and do not remove stones.

The earliest signs are usually a burning sensation while urinating, a frequent urge to urinate even when little comes out, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Mild lower abdominal discomfort is also common.

Roughly 6 to 8 times over 24 hours is typical, though this varies with fluid intake. Needing to go significantly more often than that — especially with a sudden, hard-to-control urge — is worth evaluating.

URSL is generally used for stones located within the ureter, while RIRS uses a flexible scope that can reach stones within the kidney itself.

No. Acute kidney injury develops suddenly, over hours to days, and can often be reversed if treated promptly. Chronic kidney disease develops gradually over months or years and is generally not reversible.

The ureter squeezes rhythmically to push the stone along, similar to labor contractions. Each squeeze against the stone causes a wave of sharp pain, followed by a brief lull — this pattern is called renal colic.

No. BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It can share some symptoms with prostate cancer, such as changes in urination, which is why proper evaluation matters — but BPH itself is not cancer.

No. Visible (gross) hematuria turns urine pink, red, or brown, but blood can also be present in amounts too small to see, detected only on a urine test (microscopic hematuria). Both need evaluation.

Yes — physiological phimosis, where the foreskin naturally isn’t yet retractable, is common in infants and young boys and usually resolves on its own with age. It generally doesn’t need treatment unless it’s causing symptoms like pain, ballooning, or recurrent infection.

Neither is universally "better" — the right choice depends mainly on prostate size and individual factors like bleeding risk, not a blanket preference for one technique.

Both are typically short-stay procedures. HoLEP often allows for a shorter catheter duration afterward compared to TURP.

Yes — if a stone completely blocks urine flow (especially in someone with only one working kidney, or when both sides are blocked), pressure builds up behind the blockage and can injure the kidney within days. This is a urological emergency, and relieving the blockage is the treatment.

Occasionally a very mild case improves on its own, but most UTIs need antibiotics to fully clear the infection. Waiting it out risks the infection spreading to the kidneys.

BPH becomes increasingly common after age 50 and affects a large proportion of men by their 70s and 80s, though how severe the symptoms are varies widely between individuals.

Yes, often. A topical steroid cream applied for several weeks, sometimes combined with gentle stretching, is usually tried first and works for many cases, avoiding the need for surgery.

No. Most kidney stones do not dissolve with medicines.

Yes — almost always. The pain occurs on the same side as the kidney or ureter the stone is in, since each kidney drains independently. Pain on both sides at once is uncommon and worth urgent evaluation.

Yes, intense exercise can cause temporary blood in urine that resolves within a day or two. Even so, it should be confirmed to have actually resolved rather than assumed, since the same appearance can have other causes.

No. Small stones often pass on their own with hydration and pain relief. Whether surgery is needed depends on stone size, location, and how it’s responding to conservative management.

Both are no-incision, scope-based procedures with generally quick recovery — most patients return to normal activity within a few days for either.

It can, in advanced cases. A severely enlarged prostate can obstruct urine outflow from the bladder, causing back-pressure that reaches the kidneys over time. This is treatable once the obstruction is addressed.

Often, yes. Pain higher in the flank or back usually means the stone is still in the kidney or upper ureter. As the stone moves lower toward the bladder, pain typically shifts toward the groin, lower abdomen, or genitals.

Yes, for mild to moderate symptoms. Medication — such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors — is often tried first and can effectively manage symptoms without surgery.

Not necessarily — occasional nighttime urination is normal, especially with evening fluid intake. Regularly waking multiple times a night to urinate (nocturia) that disrupts sleep is worth evaluating, since it has several treatable causes.

In some ways, yes. Painless visible blood in urine is a classic warning sign that doctors take seriously, since pain often points to a more obvious cause like a stone or infection, while painless bleeding needs thorough evaluation to rule out other causes.

Both carry a similar risk of retrograde ejaculation, common to BPH surgery generally. Erectile function itself is not typically directly affected by either procedure.

It depends on the number, size, and location of stones — sometimes multiple stones are addressed in a single session, and sometimes treatment is staged, based on the individual case.

Yes, recurrence is common without preventive measures. Adequate hydration and dietary changes meaningfully reduce the risk of forming new stones after treatment.

Stone medicines should be taken only after medical evaluation.

A urine test — urinalysis and, if needed, a urine culture — confirms the infection and identifies which antibiotic will work best against the specific bacteria involved.

No — forcing retraction can tear the tissue and cause scarring, which often makes the tightness worse rather than better. Retraction should happen gradually and naturally, or with guided treatment, not by force.

Yes — this is one of HoLEP’s key advantages, since it can treat prostate sizes that might otherwise require open surgery, while TURP is generally better suited to small-to-moderate sizes.

A temporary ureteral stent is commonly placed after either procedure to support healing and drainage, and is typically removed within a few days to a couple of weeks.

If imaging shows a blockage — a stone, tumour, or an enlarged prostate obstructing urine flow — that is a urological cause, and a urologist is the right specialist. If there is no blockage and the cause relates to dehydration, infection, medication, or an underlying medical condition, a nephrologist or general physician manages that instead.

Drink water, apply a warm compress to the painful area, and use pain relief as advised by a doctor. Home measures ease discomfort but do not treat the stone itself — persistent or worsening pain still needs evaluation.

Both relieve obstruction by removing excess prostate tissue. HoLEP uses a laser and is generally better suited to larger prostates, while TURP uses an electrical loop and remains a well-established option for smaller to moderate-sized prostates.

Yes — caffeine, alcohol, and simply drinking large volumes of fluid all increase how often you need to urinate. This is often the first thing to review before assuming a medical cause.

It affects adults too. Pathological phimosis — caused by scarring, chronic infection, or a skin condition like lichen sclerosus — can develop or persist in adulthood, unlike the physiological phimosis common in young children.

Pain returns because the stone is still present or blocking urine flow.

Watch for fever, chills, or pain in the back or side (flank pain) along with the usual UTI symptoms — these suggest the infection has spread upward to the kidneys and need prompt evaluation, not just continued home care.

A urine test confirms the blood and checks for infection. Imaging — usually an ultrasound or CT scan — looks at the kidneys and bladder. In some cases, a cystoscopy (a small camera exam of the bladder) is also needed.

A CT scan of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (CT KUB) is the most reliable way to confirm a stone’s size and exact location, though ultrasound is often used as an initial test.

Both are generally well-tolerated, with manageable discomfort — catheter-related discomfort in the days afterward is typically the main issue for most patients, rather than significant pain from the procedure itself.

Not usually. Once the obstruction is relieved — through a stent, a nephrostomy tube, or stone/prostate treatment — the kidney often recovers on its own. Dialysis is reserved for severe cases where kidney function has not yet improved and life-threatening imbalances need to be corrected urgently.

Seek urgent care if pain comes with fever or chills, if you cannot keep fluids down from vomiting, if pain is unbearable despite medication, or if you have only one working kidney — any of these can signal a complication that needs prompt treatment.

Yes, blood thinners can contribute to it — but this shouldn’t be assumed as the sole explanation without evaluation, since an underlying cause can exist alongside medication use.

Bladder training (gradually increasing the time between bathroom trips), reducing bladder irritants like caffeine, and medication are the usual first steps. For cases that don’t respond, more advanced options like nerve stimulation are available.

Yes, in advanced or long-untreated cases. A severely enlarged prostate can obstruct urine outflow badly enough to cause back-pressure on the kidneys — a type of kidney injury that is usually reversible once the obstruction is treated.

When conservative treatment (steroid cream, stretching) doesn’t resolve it, or with recurrent infections or significant scarring, circumcision is usually the next step and effectively resolves the problem.

Stone size and location both factor into the choice between RIRS and URSL, and very large stones may be better suited to PCNL instead of either — the right procedure depends on the specific stone.

Recurrent UTIs can result from incomplete treatment of a prior infection, anatomical factors, certain hygiene or hydration habits, or an underlying condition affecting urine flow — this is worth a proper evaluation rather than repeatedly self-treating each episode.

A nearby multispeciality hospital such as Genesiss Multi-Speciality Hospital, where Dr. Raju R provides urology consultation, is a good option for evaluation and treatment planning.

Not always — small stones can sometimes cause mild symptoms or none at all, particularly if they aren’t currently causing a blockage.