Question: I am a 71 year old female. My fasting blood test was very good this week except for the 1+ Leukocyte Esterase, 10-20 Range WBC and Moderate Bacteria. My doctor says that it is not in high enough amounts to be concerned. However, I would like another opinion. I had a urinary tract infection about thr . . .

Answer: Your urine may grow out bacteria if cultured. It may be reasonable not to treat even if the culture is positive if you are asymptomatic. I would suggest discussung repeating a culture with your doctor in view of your recent infection and your concerns.

Ask an Expert: Donald Bodner MD, Urinary Disorders View full article

Horseshoe Kidneys

Question: I was wanting to know if horseshoe kidneys can be separated?

Answer: Horseshoe kidneys do not need to be separated in the absence of any specific indication (e.g. such as a large tumor in one of the kidneys that would actually need that particular kidney to be removed). In such a situation the part joining both the kidneys (isthmus) is divided and the kidney which ha . . .

Ask an Expert: Krishnanath Gaitonde MD, Urinary Disorders View full article

Pain three months after open pyeloplasty

Question: Hello. I am a 51 year old female with a long history (years) of re-current UTI`s, small recurrent right renal calculi and chronic right lower quadrant/groin pain. After developing fever, nausea, worsening pain this past December, i was diagnosed through ureteroscopy,with severe right sided UPJ obstr . . .

Answer: It is worth following up with your urologist. It may be worth getting a nuclear scan with Lasix to help confirm that the system is not still obstructed.

Ask an Expert: Donald Bodner MD, Urinary Disorders View full article

Ejaculate Change

Question: I recently read where a man experienced a change in ejaculate from normal "sticky white" to a "watery clear" after a prostate biopsy. The response said this was a normal occurrence. I am experiencing a similar ejaculation but I have not had a biopsy. Why? I am a 48 yr old white m . . .

Answer: The difference that you note in the consistency of the ejaculate is probably normal. The consistency can be effected by some medications and also by the frequency of ejaculation. I would suggest that you be seen by your physician to obtain a more detailed history and to examine you.

Ask an Expert: Donald Bodner MD, Urinary Disorders View full article

Why is my urethra open/dilated?

Question: I was urinating and when I wiped I felt this burning sensation like I had touched myself with something on my hand! It burned at my pee spot! I looked in a mirror at my genital area and noticed my urethra was very open! Up until this, I`ve had no symptoms whatsoever. What would cause this?

I do . . .

Answer: Without examination, one can not assume the problem. Please see your urologist. It could be anything from infection to trauma and ulceration.

Ask an Expert: Ahmad Hamidinia MD, Urinary Disorders View full article