Urological diseases affect the urinary system and male genital tract. The most common include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. They can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and other related issues. Learn more!
Urological diseases are conditions that affect the male urinary tract and reproductive system. These problems can arise in different parts of the body—such as the kidneys, bladder, urethra, prostate, and genitals—and can significantly impact quality of life.
Urology is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing and managing these conditions. Its importance lies in the potential consequences urological diseases may bring, such as infertility, erectile dysfunction, recurrent infections, and even loss of organ function.
Understanding where these diseases occur, their common symptoms, and how to prevent them is essential to keep your urological health up to date. Keep reading to learn more!
See also: What does a urologist treat?
What are the main urological diseases?
After knowing which urological diseases deserve attention, the next step is to understand how they present so you can seek medical help at the right time.
1. Kidney stones
Also known as renal calculi, this condition is caused by hardened deposits formed from mineral substances that clump together.
Stones form in the kidneys but may move to the urethra and bladder to be expelled.
The disease is common, especially among men. Low water intake combined with an unbalanced diet is a key factor.
Symptoms: in rare cases there are no symptoms. More often, patients report low back pain (when the stone is in the kidney) and intense colicky pain when the stone starts to move—often getting stuck in the ureter.
It can also cause urinary infections, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
2. Bladder cancer
According to Brazil’s National Cancer Institute (INCA), between 2020 and 2022 about 7 in every 100,000 men were diagnosed with bladder cancer, a disease strongly associated with smoking.
Bladder cancer occurs mainly in patients over 55 and is often detected at an early stage, which can allow timely management. However, it may recur and, in some cases, metastasize.
Symptoms: the presence of blood in the urine is the main sign that brings men to the clinic. Other symptoms include pain when urinating, increased frequency, urgency, weak stream, and urinary retention.
Non-urinary signs can also occur, such as back pain, loss of appetite and weight, weakness, leg swelling, and bone pain.
3. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria multiply in a segment of the urinary tract. When it affects the bladder (most common), it’s called cystitis. Infection in the urethra is urethritis, and in the kidneys, pyelonephritis.
Most of the time, microorganisms enter via the ascending route (from outside to inside). Although UTIs are more prevalent in women, men—especially older men—may also be affected.
Symptoms: difficulty urinating, increased frequency, and possible purulent discharge. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and chills are more likely when the kidneys are involved.
See also: 7+ causes of urethral pain and what to do
4. Kidney failure
In kidney failure, the kidneys lose their ability to perform basic functions. It can occur suddenly (acute) or progress over years (chronic). Untreated acute disease can evolve into chronic disease.
Consequences include issues with blood pressure regulation, red blood cell production, bone health, and waste/fluid elimination. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the main causes.
Symptoms: in its acute form, urine output may drop, fluid retention occurs—with swelling in the lower limbs—plus drowsiness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
In chronic disease, early symptoms include increased need to urinate (including at night) and may progress to fatigue and reduced mental sharpness. Impotence can also occur.
Anemia, bruising, muscle cramps, sensory changes, and even seizures can appear in advanced stages.
5. Prostate cancer
Tumor formation in this reproductive gland results in prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among Brazilian men, according to INCA.
This cancer mainly affects older men. Advances in diagnostic methods and awareness campaigns such as “Novembro Azul” have contributed to earlier detection and better clinical management.
Symptoms: many localized tumors are asymptomatic because they grow slowly and are found during routine urology visits.
In more advanced stages, men may have difficulty urinating, a sensation of incomplete emptying, and blood in the urine. If metastasis occurs, back pain may be present.
6. Penile cancer
Penile cancer is rare but worrisome, as it can lead to partial or total amputation.
Cancer cells form in penile tissues. Poor hygiene is a major risk factor, and the disease is also associated with certain HPV types, phimosis, and smoking.
There are five variants; the three most common are less aggressive and progress slowly. Benign tumors may evolve into malignant ones.
Symptoms: skin changes on the penis—color, thickness—or lesions such as blisters or lumps (including in the groin).
Some lesions may produce whitish, strong-smelling discharge and heal slowly or not at all.
7. Androgen deficiency in aging males
Andropause, or age-related androgen deficiency, typically begins around age 40, when hormones such as testosterone decline.
Not all men experience significant impact, and there is no fixed end date.
Comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes) and unfavorable lifestyle (sedentary behavior, smoking, alcohol abuse) increase risk. Unlike female menopause, men remain fertile.
Symptoms: mainly changes in sexual function.
It’s also common to observe reduced libido, fewer spontaneous erections, and even testicular shrinkage. Physical changes (notably increased body fat) and emotional effects may occur.
8. Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction is the repeated difficulty to obtain and/or maintain an erection sufficient for penetration. It’s common between ages 40 and 70 and usually relates to reduced penile blood flow.
Causes vary: circulatory problems, hormonal disorders, anatomical changes—such as narrowing, penile size reduction, or curvature—structural issues, priapism, and substance or medication use.
ED may also be linked to anxiety, depression, and stress.
Symptoms: difficulty or inability to get and/or maintain an erection from penetration through orgasm is the hallmark sign.
Some men may also have premature ejaculation and reduced libido.
9. Peyronie’s disease
Fibrotic plaques in the tunica albuginea (a membrane inside the penis) can reduce tissue elasticity, altering penile anatomy and leading to curvature, narrowing, or size reduction.This condition is known as Peyronie’s disease. Depending on severity, it may impact sexual function.
Fibrosis most often results from trauma or microtrauma during sexual activity. Poor-quality erections, aging, diabetes, and prior prostate surgery also contribute.
Symptoms: penile curvature, narrowing, and/or size reduction are typically noticeable during erection.
In some cases, men can feel a nodule on the shaft.
There may also be difficulty achieving/maintaining erections and pain during erection.
Because it can affect sexual life, psychological distress may occur.
10. Phimosis
In phimosis, the foreskin cannot be fully retracted to expose the glans (penis head). In some cases, exposure is impossible.
It is common in infants and young children and often resolves naturally by age five. If not, surgery may be indicated.
Adults can also develop phimosis due to infections or skin conditions.
Symptoms: pain and inflammation in the area, sometimes with fever, in addition to difficulty exposing the glans.
Hygiene becomes difficult, which may lead to complications such as balanoposthitis and, in some cases, penile cancer.
Where do urological diseases occur?
Urological diseases can affect several areas of the urinary and reproductive systems—kidneys, bladder, prostate, and urethra.
Kidney problems (stones, kidney failure) can cause intense pain and serious complications, while UTIs, bladder cancer, and urinary incontinence significantly affect comfort and urinary function.
Prostate conditions such as BPH, prostatitis, or cancer may cause urinary difficulty and sometimes require surgical management.
Urethral strictures and genital issues—such as penile spasms, erectile dysfunction, and curvature—also impact sexual and reproductive health.
What are the most common symptoms of urological diseases?
Common symptoms include pain or discomfort when urinating, increased frequency, and urgency.
Changes in urine color/odor and visible blood may occur, as well as pelvic or lower back pain—signs that can indicate UTIs, stones, or bladder issues.
Other signs include difficulty starting or maintaining the urinary stream, incontinence, and in men, changes in sexual function such as ED—possibly linked to BPH, prostatitis, or prostate cancer.
How to prevent urological problems
Adopt healthy habits that support the urinary and reproductive systems. Hydration helps kidney function and reduces infection risk. Good intimate hygiene, especially after sex, is essential to prevent UTIs.
Balanced nutrition and regular exercise also matter. Routine checkups with a urologist support prevention and early detection.
Consult a urologist you trust
Urological diseases deserve attention because they can deeply affect quality of life. Early evaluation and appropriate management help reduce complications.
Dr. Paulo Egydio, urologist and andrologist, treats penile curvature cases, offering individualized assessment and approaches according to each clinical situation.
If you have urological symptoms or want a specialist’s opinion, schedule a pre-assessment with Dr. Paulo.
