An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly.

X-rays use beams of energy that pass through body tissues onto a special film and make a picture. They show pictures of your internal tissues, bones, and organs. Bone and metal show up as white on X-rays. X-rays of the belly may be done ...

Taking one or a mix of painkiller medicines daily over a long time may cause chronic kidney problems. This is called analgesic nephropathy. Painkillers that combine 2 or more medicines (such as, aspirin and acetaminophen together) with ...

An antegrade pyelogram is an imaging test to find a blockage (obstruction) in the upper urinary tract. Your urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The ureters are the narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to ...

Blood in the urine means there are red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine. Often the urine looks normal to the naked eye. But when checked under a microscope, it contains a high number of red blood cells. Here's what you need to know.

CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.

When the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, the bladder may drop or sag into the vagina. This disorder in women is called cystocele.

Cystography is an imaging test that can help diagnose problems in your bladder. It uses X-rays. They may be X-ray pictures or fluoroscopy, a kind of X-ray "movie."

Cystometry is a test used to look for problems with the filling and emptying of the bladder. The bladder is part of the urinary tract.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence means you can’t get an erection. It can also mean you aren't happy with the size or hardness of your erections, or how long your erections last. Read on to learn more about this condition.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence means you can’t get an erection. It can also mean you are not happy with the size or hardness of your erections, or how long your erections last.

Exstrophy of the bladder is when a baby's bladder has grown inside out and is sticking through the belly wall. It often occurs together with epispadias. This is when the opening of the tube that carries urine out of the body (the ...

Hypospadias is a problem where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis. With hypospadias, the end of the tube is lower down on the underside of the penis. Or it may be in the scrotum.

Interstitial cystitis is an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. It can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder. The bladder can’t hold as much urine as it did in the past. It is an ongoing (chronic) disorder.

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like deposit that forms in 1 or both kidneys. It may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. Some are as big as golf balls. A stone may be smooth, irregular in shape, or jagged. Most are ...

This type of X-ray may be done to check the stomach for causes of stomach pain. It may also be done to check the organs and structures of the urinary or GI system. The X-ray may be the first diagnostic procedure used to check the urinary...

Lichen sclerosus is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes the skin to become thin, white, and wrinkly.

Male infertility means that a man has a problem with his reproductive system. It means he can't start a pregnancy with a female partner. Read on to learn about causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

A closer look at neurogenic bladder, which causes symptoms such as urinary incontinence, kidney stones, and dribbling urine.

Peyronie disease causes hard, flat plaque to form under the skin on the tissue of the penis. The plaque often starts as an inflammation that may develop into scar tissue. It can cause pain and a sharp curve in the penis during erections.

Phimosis and paraphimosis are problems with the foreskin of the penis. Phimosis is when a foreskin can’t be pulled down (retracted) from the tip of the penis. Paraphimosis is when the foreskin is retracted but can’t move back up.

Posterior urethral valves are a problem with the urethra in a boy. The valves partly block urine flow because not enough urine can get through them to leave the body. This can harm the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys.

A child with prune belly syndrome often can't fully empty his or her bladder. This can cause serious bladder, ureter, and kidney problems.

Undescended testes is when one or both of the male testes have not passed down into the scrotal sac. This is a condition seen in some newborn baby boys.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of urine control. You may not being able to hold your urine until you can reach a restroom. It may be a short-term problem caused by another health issue. Or it may be a long-term problem that you’ll...

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is inflammation of part of the system that takes urine out of the body. It's caused by bacteria.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections in any part of the urinary tract. They are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. Women are especially prone to UTIs.

Varicocele embolization is a type of medical procedure. It redirects blood away from an enlarged vein in your scrotum. Such a vein is called a varicocele. It can cause pain, infertility, and swelling.

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine in the bladder flows in the wrong direction. It goes up into the tubes (ureters) that lead to the kidneys.