What do urologists test urine for

Blood in the urine may be from a urinary tract infection UTI or a different urinary tract problem. A urinalysis may be used to help with diagnoses. For a urinalysis you would collect a small amount of urine, midstream, in a sterile cup.

You should tell your doctor if you take any medicine or pills since this can affect test results. The urine sample is looked at by eye, with a dipstick, and under a microscope.

Things like bacteria, blood cells, protein, sugars and more would be evaluated. It mostly affects women. Incontinence : A malfunction in the urinary system can lead to involuntary loss of bladder control. In women, this may result from a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy. Male infertility : This can result from damage to the male reproductive tract and a variety of sperm disorders. One common cause is varicoceles, an enlarged vein in the sac beneath the penis.

Surgery can sometimes help. Kidney disease : Damage to the kidneys can lead to swelling in the hands and ankles, high blood pressure , and other symptoms. If the kidneys no longer work effectively, this is kidney failure. Ultimately, it can be fatal. Renal transplantation : A person may require kidney transplants following kidney failure.

Urologic oncology : Treatment of cancers that relate to the urological or male reproductive system, such as bladder cancer and prostate cancer. Bladder prolapse : when the tissues and muscles of the pelvic floor are no longer able to support the organs in the pelvis, the organs can drop from their usual position. Cancers : the bladder, kidneys, prostate gland, testicles, and any other cancer that affects the urinary system or, in men, the reproductive system.

Enlarged prostate : Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH affects around 1 in 3 men over the age of 50 years. An overgrowth of cells in the prostate gland causes the urethra to constrict, leading to problems with urination.

Erectile dysfunction : The penis is unable to attain sufficient rigidity to fully participate in sexual intercourse. This is often a symptom of an underlying condition. This can lead to bending or curving in the penis phimosis during an erection that can cause pain and lead to difficulties with sexual intercourse. Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome : A chronic inflammatory bladder condition can produce discomfort ranging from mild to severe.

Kidney and ureteral stones : Small, hard deposits made from mineral and acid salts form in the kidneys but can pass through into the ureters. They can affect urination and cause pain, nausea and vomiting. Prostatitis : Infection or inflammation of the prostate can cause painful urination or ejaculation. It can be acute or chronic. Undescended testes, or cryptorchidism : Normally, the testicles form inside the abdomen of a fetus and descend into the scrotum before birth.

If one or both does not descend, sperm production can be impaired, and there is a risk of complications. A urine flow test is safe for most people. The test is often done in a private bathroom or procedure area. There may be risks depending on your specific health condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the accuracy of a urine flow test. These factors include:. Based on your health condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparation.

A urine flow test may be done on an outpatient basis. This means you will go home the same day. Or it may be done as part of your hospital stay. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your situation. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. Why might I need urine flow test? Health conditions that can change normal urine flow include: Benign prostatic hypertrophy BPH.

This is enlargement of the prostate gland. It is not caused by cancer and often happens in men over age The prostate wraps around the urethra. When it is enlarged, it can narrow the urethra and interfere with normal passage of urine from the bladder.

If left untreated, the enlarged prostate can block the urethra completely. Cancer of the prostate or bladder Urinary blockage. A urinary tract blockage can happen for many reasons along any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the urethra. It can lead to a urine backup.