Patient Questions • Expert Guidance

Urology FAQ Centre

Find clear, patient-friendly answers to common questions about kidney stones, prostate problems, urinary symptoms, UTIs, men’s health, urological cancers, procedures and recovery. Use the FAQ Centre to understand the basics, then visit the relevant condition page or book a consultation when your symptoms or reports need individual assessment.

How to Use the FAQ Centre

Search by symptom, condition or procedure keyword.
Browse by category when you are not sure which term to search.
Open the relevant FAQ accordion for a concise answer.
Use the linked condition/procedure page for deeper information.
Book a consultation if your question is personal, persistent, worsening or involves reports/treatment decisions.

General Urology & Appointments

When should I see a urologist?

Consider a urology consultation for persistent urinary symptoms, recurrent kidney stones or UTIs, blood in urine, urinary retention, male fertility or sexual-health concerns, an abnormal urology test, or a diagnosed kidney, bladder, prostate or urethral condition. Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms may need urgent local assessment rather than a routine appointment.

What should I bring to my first urology appointment?

Bring a list of current medicines, allergies, previous urology diagnoses or procedures, recent urine and blood tests, and imaging reports such as ultrasound or CT when available. A short timeline of symptoms and your main questions can make the consultation more efficient.

What tests are commonly used in urology?

Depending on the problem, assessment may include urine testing, blood tests, ultrasound, CT or MRI, uroflowmetry, measurement of post-void residual urine, PSA testing when clinically relevant, cystoscopy or other specialised tests. Not every patient needs every test

Can I get a second opinion from a urologist?

Yes. A second opinion can be useful when you have a new diagnosis, have been advised surgery, have recurrent symptoms, or want to understand reasonable alternatives. Bring the original reports, imaging and prior treatment details whenever possible.

Kidney Stones

Can kidney stones pass naturally?

Some smaller ureteric stones may pass without surgery, but the chance depends on size, location and anatomy. Infection, kidney obstruction, persistent pain, vomiting, reduced kidney function or failure to pass may change the treatment plan.

When does a kidney stone need surgery?

Surgery may be considered when a stone is unlikely to pass, causes persistent obstruction or pain, is associated with infection, affects kidney function, or has a size/location that makes active treatment appropriate. The procedure is selected after reviewing imaging and patient factors.

What is the difference between RIRS, URSL and PCNL?

URSL generally treats stones in the ureter using a ureteroscope. RIRS uses a flexible scope passed through the urinary tract to treat stones inside the kidney. PCNL reaches the kidney through a small tract in the skin and is often used for larger or complex kidney-stone burdens. The right option depends on stone size, location, anatomy, infection and other clinical factors.

Why is a DJ stent used after stone treatment?

A DJ stent is a temporary internal tube from the kidney to the bladder. It may be used to support urine drainage, reduce the effect of swelling, or help after selected stone procedures. Not every patient requires a stent, and removal timing should follow the treating urologist’s plan.

Can kidney stones come back?

Yes, stone recurrence is possible. Prevention may involve hydration advice, stone analysis, dietary changes based on stone type and metabolic evaluation in selected recurrent or high-risk patients.

Prostate & Urinary Symptoms

Does an enlarged prostate mean prostate cancer?

No. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. BPH and prostate cancer can both be associated with urinary symptoms, so evaluation may include examination, urine tests, PSA or imaging depending on the individual situation.

What symptoms can BPH cause?

BPH can cause a weak urine stream, hesitancy, straining, frequency, urgency, waking at night to urinate, a feeling of incomplete emptying and, in some cases, urinary retention. Similar symptoms can occur with other conditions, so persistent symptoms should be assessed.

What is PSA?

PSA is a protein measured in the blood that is produced by prostate tissue. The level can be influenced by several factors, including benign prostate enlargement, inflammation and prostate cancer. A PSA result should be interpreted in clinical context rather than used alone as a diagnosis.

When is TURP considered?

TURP may be considered for bothersome urinary obstruction from BPH when medicines are not enough or when complications such as retention, recurrent infection, bladder stones or significant obstruction develop. Suitability depends on prostate anatomy, overall health and clinical assessment.

When is HoLEP considered?

HoLEP is an endoscopic laser procedure used to remove obstructing prostate tissue. It may be considered for men with significant BPH symptoms, including larger prostates, when surgery is appropriate. The choice between HoLEP, TURP and other options should be individualised.

UTI & Blood in Urine

What are common UTI symptoms?

Common symptoms include burning while passing urine, urinary frequency, urgency and lower-abdominal discomfort. Fever, chills, flank pain, vomiting or feeling very unwell may suggest a more serious infection and need prompt medical assessment.

When can a UTI be serious?

A UTI can become more serious when infection reaches the kidneys, occurs with an obstructed urinary system, or is associated with fever, chills, vomiting, severe flank pain, low blood pressure or confusion. These situations may require urgent medical care.

What can cause blood in urine?

Possible causes include urinary infection, kidney or ureteric stones, prostate conditions, trauma, kidney disease and tumours of the urinary tract. The cause cannot be determined from colour alone, so visible blood in urine should be clinically evaluated.

Should visible blood in urine be checked?

Yes. Visible blood in urine should not be ignored, particularly when it is unexplained, recurrent or persists after treatment of an infection. Depending on age, symptoms and risk factors, assessment may include urine tests, imaging and cystoscopy.

Men’s Health & Fertility

When should erectile dysfunction be evaluated?

Persistent erectile difficulty can be discussed with a doctor or urologist, especially when it is new, worsening, affecting quality of life, or accompanied by other symptoms. Evaluation may look at medicines, cardiovascular/metabolic health, hormones, psychological factors and urological causes.

Can male infertility have treatable causes?

Yes. Male infertility can be associated with sperm abnormalities, varicocele, hormonal conditions, obstruction, infection, genetic factors or other health issues. Evaluation may include semen analysis, examination and selected blood or imaging tests.

What is varicocele?

A varicocele is an enlargement of veins around the testicle, most commonly on the left side. Some men have no symptoms, while others may have discomfort, testicular size changes or fertility concerns. Treatment is not required for every varicocele.

When should a man discuss sexual-health symptoms with a urologist?

Persistent erectile difficulty, painful erections, penile curvature, ejaculation concerns, testicular symptoms or fertility problems are reasonable topics for urological assessment. A consultation can help identify medical causes and discuss appropriate options.

Female Urology & Bladder Control

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence means involuntary leakage of urine. Different patterns include stress incontinence, urgency incontinence and mixed symptoms. Treatment depends on the type and cause and may involve lifestyle changes, pelvic-floor therapy, medicines or procedures.

When should recurrent UTIs be investigated?

Repeated UTIs may need further assessment when infections are frequent, severe, unusual, associated with stones or obstruction, occur in certain higher-risk situations, or do not respond as expected. Testing should be guided by the clinical history rather than performed identically for everyone.

What is overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder describes urinary urgency, often with increased frequency and waking at night, with or without urgency incontinence. Diagnosis generally requires assessment to exclude infection and other causes, and treatment can include behavioural measures, medicines and selected procedures.

Can pelvic floor treatment help bladder symptoms?

Pelvic-floor muscle training can help selected patients, particularly with stress urinary incontinence and some mixed symptoms. Technique matters, so supervised instruction may be useful when available.

Uro-Oncology

What symptoms may need evaluation for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer may cause no symptoms early. Urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, an abnormal prostate examination or concerning PSA result may prompt assessment. Symptoms alone cannot distinguish prostate cancer from benign prostate conditions.

Can blood in urine be related to bladder or kidney cancer?

Yes, urinary-tract cancers are among the possible causes of visible blood in urine, although stones, infection and other non-cancer causes are also common. Unexplained visible haematuria, particularly when persistent or recurrent, should be assessed rather than assumed to be due to infection or stones.

What tests may be used when urological cancer is suspected?

The investigation depends on the organ and symptoms. It may include blood and urine tests, ultrasound, CT or MRI, cystoscopy, PSA assessment, biopsy or other targeted tests. The sequence should be determined by the treating clinician.

Can I request a second opinion for a urological cancer diagnosis?

Yes. A second opinion can help review pathology, imaging, staging, treatment options and unanswered questions. Bring copies of pathology reports, scans, treatment summaries and current medicines when possible.

Procedures, Stents & Recovery

What is a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy uses a thin telescope to look inside the urethra and bladder. It may be recommended for blood in urine, recurrent urinary symptoms, suspected bladder problems or follow-up of certain conditions. The exact type of cystoscopy and anaesthesia depends on the reason for the test.

Why might I need a urinary catheter?

A catheter drains urine from the bladder and may be used for urinary retention, after certain operations, during hospital care or when accurate urine drainage is necessary. The type and duration depend on the reason it is needed.

What is a DJ stent and how long does it stay?

A DJ stent is an internal tube that supports urine drainage between the kidney and bladder. The required duration varies with the procedure, swelling, obstruction and clinical plan. Patients should have a clear stent-removal or exchange plan rather than leaving it indefinitely without follow-up.

When should I contact the doctor after a urology procedure?

Contact the treating team for unexpected or worsening symptoms such as fever, increasing pain, inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, reduced urine output or concerns about a catheter, stent or wound. Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms may require urgent local care.

Can I book an online urology consultation?

Yes, selected report reviews, follow-up discussions and second-opinion questions may be suitable online. However, online consultation cannot replace physical examination, emergency assessment, imaging or hospital-based tests when these are clinically required.

Can an online consultation tell me which surgery I need?

An online consultation can help review symptoms and available reports, but final procedural planning often requires review of actual imaging, examination, urine testing, anaesthesia assessment or other hospital-based evaluation. A recommendation should not be based on a short online exchange alone.

When to Seek Urgent Urology Care

High fever/chills with severe urinary symptoms, flank pain or suspected infection.
Inability to pass urine with increasing lower-abdominal discomfort.
Severe or rapidly worsening flank pain with persistent vomiting.
Heavy or persistent visible bleeding, large clots, fainting or marked weakness.
Very low urine output, breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening illness after a procedure.

Preparing for a Urology Consultation

Bring current medicines and allergies.
Bring prior urine/blood test reports and relevant imaging reports.
Note the duration, severity and pattern of symptoms.
Record previous urology procedures, stone episodes, infections or surgeries.
Write down your top questions so the consultation remains focused.

Online, Outstation & International Consultation

Selected questions about reports, prior diagnoses, treatment options and follow-up may be suitable for online discussion. However, online review cannot replace physical examination, emergency care, urine testing, imaging or hospital-based evaluation when these are clinically required.

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