Get answers for your urinary concerns
The urinary tract is your body’s drainage system, which creates, stores and removes urine. If a problem develops, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, as well as inconvenient. It can also lead to serious health concerns.
If you suffer from urinary tract disorders, you’re not alone:
- An estimated 25%–30% of adults age 20 and older have had at least one urinary tract or bladder infection.
- Incontinence (leaking urine) affects about 50% of women ages 65 and older and 7%–10% of women under age 65.
- 26% of men over 50 will have urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate.
You don’t need a referral to see our urologists at Optum Care Washington. We care for a wide range of urinary tract and urogenital disorders. But it might be best to see your primary care doctor first. That way, you can rule out any other possible causes of your medical issues.
Advanced treatments from expert urologists
Treating urologic diseases
If you need support with any of the following conditions or procedures, we can help:
- Blockages in one or both tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
- Blood in the urine
- Enlarged, noncancerous prostate gland
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bladder, kidney & ureter stones
- Pelvic floor prolapse
- Problems with urinating and getting infections
- Prostate problems
- Urinary incontinence
- Vasectomy
Treating cancer
Our urologists also help to diagnose and treat:
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
Urology care FAQ
UTIs are infections that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. They are more common in women but can affect men as well.
Common causes of UTIs include:
- Bacteria (germs) entering the urinary tract
- Catheter use
- Certain medical conditions, including diabetes or kidney stones
- Holding urine
- Menopause (when a woman's monthly cycle stops as part of the aging process)
- Poor hygiene (not cleaning genital area properly)
- Sexual activity bringing bacteria into area
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Using products like spermicide or feminine hygiene sprays
- Weakened immune system
A UTI care plan may include:
- Antibiotic medicines that clear infections caused by bacteria
- Drinking more fluids
- Taking pain relievers, if needed
In some cases, your doctor may suggest long-term preventive antibiotics or lifestyle changes.
An enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms in men, especially as they age. Signs of an enlarged prostate may include:
- Difficulty, straining or pushing when urinating
- Weak urination stream
- Stopping and starting several times when urinating
- Dribbling or leaking when done urinating3
A care plan for an enlarged prostate may include:
- Encouraging appropriate hydration while avoiding excessive nighttime fluids
- Medicine
- Minimally invasive procedures (a surgery that uses the smallest amount of incisions needed)
You may prevent prostate issues from getting serious if you have yearly exams. Talk to your doctor about any issues you’re experiencing.
ED is the inability to have an erection for sexual activity. It can be caused by physical or psychological factors. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you think you have ED.
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain as they move through the urinary tract.
Signs or symptoms may include:
- Blood in urine
- Pain while urinating
- Severe pain in the side and back
If you have these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as you can.
Your doctor will give you a care plan for kidney stones which may include:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Medicine to help you pass stones
- Pain management (ways to handle pain)
- Surgery to remove stones, if needed
Incontinence means not being able to start and stop urine and bowel movements. This can be caused by various factors, including:
- Age
- Childbirth
- Other medical conditions
Talk to your urologist to learn about care options for urinary incontinence.
Insurance coverage options and support
See which insurance plans are accepted and find further assistance.
Accepted insurance plans in Everett & Eastside
The insurance plans we accept depend on the location of the office where you receive care. Explore the accepted insurance plans for Optum Care Washington locations in Everett and Eastside.
Accepted insurance plans in Seattle & Tacoma
The insurance plans we accept depend on the location of the office where you receive care. Explore the accepted insurance plans for Optum Care Washington locations in Seattle and Tacoma.
Patient help
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Related urology resources
Article
Understanding bladder leaks
Talking openly about bladder leaks and other urinary issues is the first step toward a solution.
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Find out how prostate health changes as men age
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Kidneys are essential to your overall health
Article
Improving your habits with medicine can help boost your health
1. Urology services vary by location. Check with your local Optum care team to see what’s available in your area.
3. WebMD, What Are the Symptoms of BPH? September 9, 2024. Accessed March 24, 2026.
Optum Care Washington and The Polyclinic d/b/a Optum Care Washington (the “Practices”) are both physician owned and led practices having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through their physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its management organizations (“Optum”) provides non-clinical administrative services to support the Practices and their physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or exercise of medical judgment or health care provided by the Practices or by any of their licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that the practices are part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives.