Bladder & Bowel Archive

Articles

Urine and your health

A urine test, also known as a urinalysis, can reveal a great deal about a person's health. The kidneys produce urine to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body. But urine also contains various chemicals, minerals, toxins, bacteria, and red and white blood cells. Analyzing a urine sample with visual, chemical, and microscopic exams can reveal the presence and amounts of these substances, which can provide clues to specific conditions.

You don't say? Can your bladder burst from "holding it" too long?

While men sometimes hold off urinating until absolutely necessary, waiting too long won't cause serious damage to their bladder. Still, over time, the practice could possibly raise the risk for urinary tract infections and make urinating difficult.

What can I do about urinary dribbling?

Dripping urine after going to the bathroom is common as men age, but a simple "milking" technique can help prevent this.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The online course Inflammation and Diet: How food can lower disease risk is your absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive health information from Harvard Medical School.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to lessen digestion problems…keep inflammation under control…learn simple exercises to improve your balance…understand your options for cataract treatment…all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus get a FREE on-line course Inflammation and Diet: How food can lower disease risk. No purchase necessary.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus get a FREE on-line course Inflammation and Diet: How food can lower disease risk. No purchase necessary.