Most of us don’t think twice about peeing until something feels off. That’s when urology care in central Minnesota, like what we offer at Astera Health, can make a big difference.
Urology is the area of medicine that helps with your kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. Basically, everything that helps your body make and get rid of pee. For men, it also includes the prostate and testicles.
At Astera Health, we provide urology care for people right here in central Minnesota who are dealing with urinary pain, frequent bathroom trips, or other bladder and kidney issues. Let’s break down what urology is, why it matters, and how you can keep your “pee system” in top shape.
(Watch our full Bite Size Conversation on Urology from September)
What to Know About Urology Care in Central Minnesota
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- UTIs happen when bacteria sneak into your bladder or kidneys.
- You might feel: burning when you pee, a strong urge to go all the time, or cloudy urine that smells bad.
- Fun (not-so-fun) fact: About half of all women will have a UTI at least once in their lives (The Urology Foundation).
Tip: Drinking plenty of water and not “holding it” too long helps prevent them!
Kidney Stones
- Kidney stones are small, hard “rocks” that form from minerals in your pee.
- You might feel: sharp pain in your back or side, nausea, or blood in your urine.
- About 1 in 11 adults in the U.S. have had kidney stones (UroToday).
Tip: Staying hydrated is your best defense. Water helps flush out those pesky minerals!
Prostate Enlargement (BPH)
- As men age, the prostate can grow and make it harder to urinate.
- You might feel: a weak stream, going often at night, or feeling like you can’t quite finish.
- It’s very common! About 1 in 3 men over 65 experience it (NIDDK).
Tip: Regular prostate checkups are important, especially if you’re having nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Urinary Incontinence (Leaking Urine)
- This means pee leaks out when you laugh, cough, or can’t get to the toilet in time.
- It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and you’re not alone.
- Around 6–8% of adults over 65 deal with it yearly (NIDDK).
Tip: Pelvic floor exercises and bladder training can make a big difference!
Bladder & Kidney Cancer
- These are less common but more serious conditions.
- You might see: blood in your urine, new or painful urination, or back pain.
- About 1 in 55 men and 1 in 130 women will get bladder cancer (The Urology Foundation).
Tip: Don’t ignore blood in your urine. Get checked by our urology care team in Central Minnesota
Why Urology Matters
Here’s the truth: 1 in 2 people will deal with a urology problem at some point in their life (The Urology Foundation).
That means nearly everyone will have bladder, kidney, or urinary trouble at some point, and that’s okay! The key is to get help early. Urology problems can affect sleep, energy, and confidence, but most are treatable with the right care.
When to See a Urologist
Don’t wait if you notice:
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Needing to go all the time (or can’t go at all)
- Blood in your urine
- Leaking or accidents
- Waking up multiple times a night to pee
These are your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not quite right!”
How to Keep Your Urinary System Happy
You can take small steps every day to protect your bladder and kidneys:
- Drink water — especially in warm weather or after exercise.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol — they can irritate your bladder.
- Don’t smoke — it’s the top risk factor for bladder cancer.
- Stay active — exercise helps your body filter waste more efficiently.
- Get checkups — especially if you’re over 40 or have recurring issues.
The Takeaway
Your urinary health affects so much more than bathroom breaks. It affects your comfort, sleep, and confidence.
If something feels off, talk to the caring urology team at Astera Health. We’ll help you get answers, find relief, and get back to living your best life, no holding back!
Meet the Urology Specialists at Astera Health
