Urinary Conditions & Diseases
Medical conditions affecting the urinary area or system
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
MildAn infection that can involve any part of the urinary system, most commonly the bladder and urethra.
- Burning during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Cystitis
MildInflammation of the bladder, usually caused by bacterial infection.
- Pelvic pain
- Urgent need to urinate
- Blood in urine
Pyelonephritis
ModerateAcute bacterial infection of the kidney tissue and renal pelvis.
- Flank pain
- High fever
- Nausea or vomiting
Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)
ModerateHard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys and may travel through the urinary tract.
- Severe flank pain
- Hematuria
- Nausea
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
VariableNoncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that compresses the urethra.
- Weak urine stream
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
Prostatitis
VariableInflammation of the prostate gland, which can be bacterial or non‑bacterial.
- Perineal pain
- Difficulty starting urination
- Fever (if bacterial)
Prostate Cancer
SevereMalignant growth of cells within the prostate gland.
- Weak urine flow
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pelvic discomfort
Bladder Cancer
SevereCancer that begins in the cells lining the bladder.
- Hematuria
- Frequent urination
- Pelvic pain
Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)
VariableChronic condition causing bladder pressure, pain, and urinary urgency without infection.
- Pelvic pain
- Urgent need to urinate
- Painful intercourse
Overactive Bladder
MildA syndrome characterized by sudden urges to urinate that may lead to incontinence.
- Urgent urination
- Frequent urination
- Nocturia
Stress Urinary Incontinence
MildLeakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing or lifting.
- Leakage when coughing
- Leakage when sneezing
- Leakage during exercise
Urge Urinary Incontinence
MildInvoluntary loss of urine accompanied by a sudden, intense urge to void.
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Involuntary leakage
- Frequent bathroom trips
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
SevereGradual loss of kidney function over months or years.
- Fatigue
- Swelling in ankles
- Changes in urine output
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
SevereSudden decline in kidney function, often reversible with prompt treatment.
- Decreased urine output
- Fluid retention
- Confusion
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
VariableGenetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys.
- Flank pain
- High blood pressure
- Blood in urine
Glomerulonephritis
ModerateInflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidney.
- Hematuria
- Proteinuria
- Swelling
Nephrotic Syndrome
SevereKidney disorder causing massive protein loss in urine, leading to swelling and other complications.
- Severe edema
- Foamy urine
- High cholesterol
Renal Cell Carcinoma
SevereThe most common type of kidney cancer, arising from the renal tubules.
- Flank mass
- Hematuria
- Weight loss
Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
VariableBackward flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys.
- Recurrent UTIs
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
Urethral Stricture
ModerateNarrowing of the urethra due to scar tissue, obstructing urine flow.
- Weak urine stream
- Straining to urinate
- Urinary retention
Urinary Retention
ModerateInability to completely empty the bladder, which can be acute or chronic.
- Lower abdominal pain
- Difficulty starting urination
- Feeling of incomplete emptying
Bladder Diverticulum
MildOutpouching of the bladder wall that can trap urine and cause infections.
- Recurrent UTIs
- Urinary frequency
- Pelvic discomfort
Renal Artery Stenosis
SevereNarrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to hypertension.
- High blood pressure resistant to meds
- Kidney dysfunction
- Flash pulmonary edema
Gross Hematuria
VariableVisible blood in the urine, often a sign of underlying urinary tract pathology.
- Red or pink urine
- Clots in urine
- Flank pain (if kidney source)
Urinary Tract Fistula
SevereAbnormal connection between the urinary tract and another organ (e.g., bowel, skin).
- Unusual discharge
- Recurrent infections
- Foul odor
Urinary Tract Trauma
SeverePhysical injury to the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra caused by blunt or penetrating forces.
- Hematuria
- Severe abdominal or flank pain
- Difficulty urinating
Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis
SevereCancer arising from the lining of the renal pelvis and ureter.
- Hematuria
- Flank pain
- Weight loss
Nephrocalcinosis
VariableDeposition of calcium salts in the renal parenchyma, often secondary to metabolic disorders.
- Kidney stones
- Flank pain
- Reduced kidney function
Lupus Nephritis
SevereInflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Proteinuria
- Hematuria
- Swelling
When to Seek Medical Help
For urinary conditions, consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Sudden onset of severe symptoms
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
- Signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness)
- Unexplained changes or new symptoms
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.