Urology,one pill at a time.
Clear explanations, in language that is easy to understand even if you are not an expert, of what is normal and what is not in the urinary tract of men and women and in the male genital system.
By Prof. Walter Artibani, former Full Professor of Urology in Modena, Padua and Verona.
A meeting point for anyone with doubts and questions
Urology and Andrology deal with the diseases and disorders of the urinary tract and the male genital system, as well as with issues relating to male sexuality.
This website was created to help all those patients who are looking for a solution to their urological problems. It is not just an information website, but a meeting point for anyone with doubts and questions: every topic is covered and explained in a scientific and pragmatic way.
The pills
Short modules, linked to one another in various ways. They start from the basics and from what is normal, and move on to the most common disorders.
The basics
What urology is and why these pages exist.
Passing urine: what is normal
Knowing what is normal is the first step in prevention.
Urinary frequency: what does it depend on?
How many times we go to pass urine during the day and at night, and which factors come into play.
04A healthy person does not pass urine during sleep
A refined hormonal mechanism reduces urine production at night and allows us to sleep.
05ToolNormal values in numbers
How much urine we produce by day and by night, how much the bladder holds and how much is left behind.
06ToolRecording how often you pass urine is easy!
The voiding diary: a sheet of paper, a clock and a kitchen measuring jug to get to know your own rhythm.
07ToolYou can easily calculate your average flow rate
All you need is a stopwatch and a measuring jug: here is how to calculate it and what the result means.
Disorders and diseases
Recognising the signs and knowing when to see a urologist.
Nocturia: when and how to treat it
Waking up at night to pass urine: why it happens, why it should not be ignored and what can be done.
09Neurogenic bladder
When bladder problems are caused by the nervous system: causes, risks to the kidneys and treatment.
10Interstitial cystitis
Bladder pain and a constant need to pass urine, yet the urine is sterile: bladder pain syndrome.
11Haematuria: blood in the urine
Red urine should always be assessed by a urologist, even if it happens only once and does not hurt.
12Haematospermia: blood in the semen
It is very alarming but usually benign. Here is when you do need to see a urologist.
Tools to get to know yourself
A kitchen measuring jug, a clock and a few days of attention: the most useful information to bring to your appointment.
Your average flow rate
Millilitres divided by seconds: find out how strong your stream is and how to read the result.
Open the tool →Printable chart · calculationThe voiding diary
Note down times and volumes for 3-4 days and find out how much urine you produce at night.
Open the tool →InfographicNormal values in numbers
See the values →Warning signs
Signs that deserve a urology appointment: no need to panic, but no reason to put it off.
- 01Blood in the urineEven just once, even without pain.
- 02Weak stream or difficulty passing urineIf the flow has decreased or the bladder does not seem to empty.
- 03Waking twice or more to pass urineEvery night, with disturbed sleep and tiredness.
- 04Urine leakageWhen coughing, straining or with sudden urgency.
- 05Persistent bladder painWith sterile urine and a constant need to pass urine.
- 06Blood in the semenOver the age of 40, or if it recurs.
- 07Lump or swelling in a testicleAlways get it checked, especially in young men.
- 08Fever with burning or pain in your sideGet it assessed straight away, at A&E if necessary.
Book an appointment
For information and appointments, call Prof. Artibani's secretary. The locations where he sees patients are listed on walterartibani.com.