Urology
At the CMH-OHSU Health Urology Clinic, we understand that a urologic condition can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. But you don't have to put up with discomfort that limits how you live your life.
Skilled and sensitive urologists
We offer a full range of care for conditions that involve the urinary tract or the genitals. And our urologists are skilled at talking about sensitive issues. They are professional and compassionate — and will strive to put you at ease. So you can rest easy bringing up whatever is bothering you. If you're more comfortable with a provider of a certain gender, just let us know.
Our CMH-OHSU Health urology team includes board-certified and board-eligible doctors, as well as a highly skilled physician assistant. Whether you are having symptoms of a prostate problem or kidney stones, incontinence or erectile dysfunction, we partner with you to manage your health. That's part of our approach as a person-centered hospital. We also take the time to teach you about things you can do to maintain or improve your well-being.
Reviewed 9/7/2022
Bladder cancer: True or false?
Your bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ that sits in the lower part of your abdomen. There is one main type of bladder cancer—called transitional cell carcinoma—although rare types can develop. Take this quiz to learn more about transitional cell carcinoma.
True or false: Experts know what causes bladder cancer.
False. Although researchers don't know exactly what causes bladder cancer, some things can increase your risk of developing it. These risk factors include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, older age and family history.
True or false: Smoking is the biggest risk factor for bladder cancer.
True. Smokers are at least three time more likely to get bladder cancer than nonsmokers. In fact, it's estimated that smoking is responsible for half of all bladder cancer cases in the U.S.
True or false: You're at increased risk for bladder cancer if people in your family have it.
True. This can be true for several reasons. For example, it's possible that multiple family members were all exposed to the same cancer-causing chemical. Or you may share genetic changes that put you at higher risk for developing bladder cancer.
True or false: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin cause bladder cancer in humans.
False. Fears about artificial sweeteners causing bladder cancer in humans arose after early studies in laboratory rats suggested there was a link. However, additional studies found no clear evidence of an association between artificial sweeteners and cancer in humans.
True or false: Regularly drinking water might lower your risk for bladder cancer.
True. People who drink a lot of fluids every day have a lower rate of bladder cancer. This may be because drinking fluids—particularly water—makes you urinate more frequently. That keeps potentially dangerous chemicals from building up in your bladder.
Some occupations may carry a higher risk for bladder cancer because of the chemicals related to the job. These include hairdressers, machinists, printers, painters and truck drivers. If you work at one of these jobs, ask your doctor what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Find more bladder cancer facts
Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute
Conditions our urologists treat
No matter what your needs, you can be confident our team has the knowledge to help you heal. We see patients with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Blood in the urine.
- Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
- Enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Kidney stones.
- Pelvic prolapse.
- Prostate and bladder cancers.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Urinary tract infections.
The right treatment for you
We can help you find solutions for almost any kind of urological problem.
If you need a prostate doctor, for instance, we can monitor your PSA levels; perform prostate biopsies; or help you cope with symptoms of BPH, such as late-night trips to the bathroom and a weak stream. We also offer the UroLift procedure. This same-day procedure rapidly relieves BPH symptoms without major surgery and does not affect sexual function.
If you are having bladder leakage, we can provide treatments to help you live life to the fullest. Depending on your needs, that could include exercises, medications or surgery. If you might benefit from pelvic physical therapy, we can refer you to CMH Physical Therapy, which is conveniently located within our same building.
Our urologists also perform vasectomies and surgeries for bladder and prostate cancers.
And should you need a procedure not offered at CMH, our affiliation with OHSU means that we can easily connect you to specialists who provide that care.
Make an appointment with a CMH-OHSU Health urologist
Most people are referred to our clinic by a primary care provider. But you don't need a referral to see one of our urologists. To schedule an appointment with the CMH-OHSU Health Urology Clinic, just call 503.338.4075.