The Most Common Conditions a Urologist Treats

3/12/2026

When most people hear the word “urologist,” they often think of kidney stones or prostate issues. But the field of urology covers a long list of conditions that affect the kidneys, bladder, urinary tract and prostate. Many of these problems are extremely common, especially as people get older, and most are easily treatable when caught early.

Here in Granbury, Bruce Harrell, M.D., board certified urologist with Lakeside Physicians, sees patients every day for a variety of issues that can impact comfort, sleep, health and quality of life.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are one of the most painful conditions a patient can experience. They form when minerals in the urine crystallize into hard deposits.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe flank or back pain
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea, vomiting
• Pain that comes in waves

“Kidney stones are incredibly common in Texas because of our heat and dehydration. The good news is that we have excellent tools to treat them and, in many cases, help prevent them from coming back,” said Dr. Harrell.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH, or enlarged prostate, is extremely common in men over 50. While not cancer, the growing prostate can squeeze the urethra and cause urinary problems.

Symptoms may include:

• Weak urine stream
• Waking up at night to urinate
• Difficulty starting urination
• Feeling that the bladder does not empty

Dr. Harrell evaluates BPH and offers multiple treatment options, including a minimally invasive implant for appropriate candidates.

Urinary Incontinence

Loss of bladder control affects both men and women and can range from mild leakage to sudden strong urges to urinate.

Types include:

• Stress incontinence
• Urgency incontinence
• Mixed incontinence

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are more common in women, but men can experience them as well, especially as they get older.

Symptoms include:

• Burning with urination
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)

Seeing blood in the urine can be alarming. While often caused by something minor, it can sometimes signal a more serious underlying issue.

Overactive Bladder

This condition involves frequent and urgent needs to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.

“When urinary symptoms start affecting sleep, travel, or daily routines, people often suffer in silence. That’s when they should come see us. These issues are common, and most have very effective treatments,” said Dr. Harrell.

Prostate Cancer Screening and Follow-Up

Dr. Harrell evaluates PSA levels, performs prostate cancer screening, and guides patients through diagnostic testing when needed.

Bladder or Kidney Cysts and Masses

Some cysts or masses are harmless and only require monitoring, while others need further evaluation.

When to See a Urologist

Consider scheduling a visit if you experience:

• Persistent urinary symptoms
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent UTIs
• Difficulty urinating
• Severe flank pain
• Nighttime urination that disrupts sleep

Bruce Harrell, M.D., sees patients for many major urologic conditions, including kidney stones, BPH, UTIs, incontinence, hematuria, overactive bladder and prostate evaluation.

To schedule an appointment, call Lakeside Physicians Urology at (817) 573-5983.

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