Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys, often causing severe back or side pain and sometimes blood in the urine. They can be linked to dehydration or diet. While painful, many pass with increased fluids, or medical procedures may be needed for larger stones. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for prevention.

Kidney stones

Kidney stone patient guide

How to prevent kidney stones

What is ureteroscopy?

What is a PCNL?

What is shockwave?

Dr. Kasman's Publications

Elevated PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a blood test used to screen for prostate issues. Often asymptomatic, an elevated PSA doesn't necessarily mean cancer; it can be due to benign enlargement or inflammation. Further evaluation helps determine the cause and guide next steps. A healthy lifestyle supports prostate health.

Prostate cancer screening and biopsy

Some prostate cancers (low risk) do not have the ability to spread or invade. For these, we recommend something called active surveillance to reduce treatment side effects and improve quality of life while keeping a close eye on the cancer.

Prostate cancer - active surveillance

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, affecting the walnut-sized prostate gland. Early stages often have no symptoms, though risk increases with age and family history. Treatment options vary, from active surveillance to surgery or radiation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

Prostate cancer

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition causing a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom trips day and night, and sometimes accidental leakage. This occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily. Lifestyle adjustments like managing fluid intake and diet, along with bladder training and various medications, can effectively help manage symptoms and improve daily life.

Overactive bladder

Vasectomy is a highly effective, permanent form of male birth control. It's a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from reaching the semen, thus preventing pregnancy. This procedure does not affect sex drive, hormone levels, or ejaculation volume, offering couples peace of mind about family planning.

Vasectomy

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the unintentional leakage of urine during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting. It often occurs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or a less effective urethral sphincter, common after childbirth, with aging, or due to other factors. Management typically involves lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and various medical options, offering significant improvement and restored confidence.

Stress urinary incontinence - female

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This common condition can be caused by physical factors like diabetes or heart disease, psychological stress, or lifestyle choices. Effective treatments and lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise, can often help improve ED.

Erectile dysfunction

Penile prothesis (e.g. inflatable penile prothesis) is a surgical option for management of erectile dysfunction to restore great erections.

ED - Penile Prothesis

Information about post-operative care from surgery for kidney stones

Kidney stones - I just had surgery

Enlarged Prostate (BPH) is a common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in older men. It can cause bothersome urinary symptoms like frequent urges, a weak stream, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Management often involves lifestyle adjustments, medications, or procedures to improve urine flow and enhance quality of life.

Enlarged prostate (BPH)

Kidney cancer involves abnormal cell growth in your kidneys, often showing no early symptoms but later presenting with blood in urine or back pain. Key risk factors include smoking and obesity, while treatment typically involves surgery, alongside options like targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly help reduce your risk.

Kidney cancer

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in your bladder's lining. The most common symptom is blood in urine, sometimes with frequent or painful urination. Smoking is a key cause, along with certain chemical exposures. Treatment options often include surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer stage. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, especially quitting smoking, is important for prevention and management.

Bladder cancer

Alex Kasman

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Board Certified Urologist

Surgery (Urology)

Board Eligible Urologist

Staff Urologist - PAMF

Conditions that don't fit into other main groups. A mixed collection of health issues.

Other

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Cancers that start in the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ.

Prostate Cancer

Problems that stop urine from flowing freely from your kidneys, bladder, or tubes.

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

Conditions from hard, stone-like deposits in kidneys and urinary tract.

Kidney Stones

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

Conditions affecting your bladder, kidneys, and how you urinate.

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

Health conditions affecting sex organs, fertility, & sexual well-being.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Problems with bladder, bowel, pain, or pelvic organ support.

Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Health

Conditions causing accidental urine leakage or loss of bladder control.

Urinary Incontinence

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Surgical and Post-Surgical Care

Tests to find what's wrong or to check for health problems.

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Kidney Cancer

Symptoms are changes in how you feel or how your body works, such as pain, fever, or fatigue. They are your body's way of signaling an underlying health condition. Understanding your symptoms helps healthcare providers identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Symptoms

Conditions where your body bleeds too easily or can't stop bleeding.

Bleeding Concerns

Health problems causing physical aches, soreness, throbbing, or sharp pain.

Painful Conditions

Health issues impacting women's bodies and well-being, including reproductive health.

Alex Kasman, MD

Kidney stones

Recommended Videos

Recommended Resources

Related Resources from Dr. Kasman

Meet Dr. Kasman

Locations

Find me online