If your bathroom habits change or you’re noticing changes or concerns in your pelvic region, our award-winning urology specialists are here to help. We use the latest research and technology to treat the full range of urologic conditions in men and women. And with 12 locations in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, it’s easy to find urology specialty care near you.

Our urologists provide expert treatment for conditions that affect urinary or reproductive health, including:

• Bladder control issues – There are many conditions that can affect bladder control, including incontinence, overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder (inability to control the bladder caused by neurological conditions). In men, a common cause of urinary symptoms is an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Our incontinence specialists provide personalized care for bladder control symptoms.
• Erectile dysfunction – The inability to get or maintain an erection is called erectile dysfunction. It’s one of the most common sexual health conditions that affects men and it’s highly treatable. We’ll work with you to determine the possible causes of your symptoms and find treatments for erectile dysfunction that make sense for you.
• Kidney stones – Your kidneys filter waste and minerals from your body, but when those minerals build up, they can form painful kidney stones. These hard deposits often cause lower back pain and discomfort during urination and can return if not properly treated. We’ll provide expert care to treat your symptoms and prevent kidney stones from coming back.
• Prostate cancer – Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, and the 5-year relative survival rate is more than 99% when it’s found in a localized or regional stage, according to the American Cancer Society. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan using the latest treatments.

Many conditions can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as changes in urination, back or pelvic pain, changes during sex, and swelling or lumps. Our urology specialists are experts at identifying the cause and creating a personalized treatment plan just for you.

During your first urology appointment, we’ll usually ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. If more information is needed to make a diagnosis, we might order additional tests or perform a procedure in the clinic.

Here are some of the most common tests used to diagnose urologic conditions:

• Biopsy – During a biopsy, we’ll carefully remove some tissue so that it can be examined in a lab. Biopsies can be used to test for a variety of conditions that affect the bladder, kidneys and prostate.
• Cystoscopy – A test that uses a small camera to see the inside of the urethra and bladder. Cystoscopy is commonly used to diagnose the causes of incontinence, chronic UTIs and blood in the urine.
• Imaging tests – Ultrasounds, CT scans and X-rays can help identify cysts, tumors and other changes in the kidneys and pelvic region.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – A PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer. It can help detect prostate cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Talk to one of our primary care doctors about when you should start prostate cancer screenings. The age for prostate cancer screening is usually between 55-69 years old, but your doctor may recommend you start as early as 40 years old.
• Urinalysis – We may use a sample of your urine to check for things like infections or blood.
• Urodynamic testing – These tests check your bladder, urethra and sphincter (the muscles that control urine flow) to see how well they’re working. We use these tests to diagnose bladder control issues, such as overactive bladder and a weak urine stream.

Once we identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, our urology specialists develop a personalized treatment plan using the most advanced options available. When needed, we’ll partner with other experts, such as urogynecologists, nephrologists (specialists who focus on kidney function), oncologists and other specialists to find the best treatment options for you.

Common urologic treatments include:

Pelvic floor physical therapy can be particularly effective for treating urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and other pelvic floor disorders. Our pelvic floor physical therapists will guide you through exercises that will strengthen your bladder and pelvic muscles. Strengthening these muscles can help manage your symptoms and make you more comfortable.

This is a simple procedure done to prevent pregnancy by blocking the vas deferens to keep the sperm inside the testicles. Vasectomies don’t affect sexual pleasure. This procedure is quick to perform and usually done in a clinic. You’ll be able to go home right after the procedure is finished.

Our doctors work with you to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment and choose the most minimally invasive surgery possible for the quickest recovery.

We perform a variety of urologic surgeries from the common to more complex, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, often using the da Vinci Surgical System.

Our urologists are also some of the first in the Twin Cities to offer high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer treatment. HIFU uses noninvasive ultrasound waves to precisely target affected areas without damaging surrounding tissue.

We offer one of only two reconstructive urology programs in the state of Minnesota. Our urologists are skilled in treating traumatic injuries to your kidneys, bladder, ureter or genitals. We can repair and reconstruct your urinary system after complex injuries caused by falls, car accidents and other situations. We’ll work with you to create a unique treatment plan and let you know what to expect during the reconstruction process.

If you’re experiencing uncomfortable urinary symptoms or are interested in a vasectomy, don’t wait to get help. Our urologists are ready to provide personalized care and support at one of our 12 urology clinics.

At HealthPartners, you don’t need a referral to see a urologist. This can help you get expert urological care more quickly, without extra appointments and costs. Just check with your insurance company to make sure they don’t require a referral to see a specialist.