The kidneys quietly do some of the body’s most important work — filtering waste, balancing fluids and minerals, and helping regulate blood pressure. When something goes wrong, it isn’t always obvious, which is why understanding the signs of a kidney problem matters. From kidney stones and blockages to cysts, masses, and blood in the urine, many kidney conditions are highly treatable when caught early.
Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified urologist, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He provides comprehensive care for the structural and surgical kidney conditions that fall within urology — diagnosing the cause of a symptom such as flank pain or blood in the urine and treating it with the least invasive approach that will work. When a kidney concern needs prompt, thorough evaluation, his focus is clarity and a clear plan.
I was sent to Dr. Houman from another Urologist that was pretty confused about my situation. Dr. Houman’s team scheduled me quickly, and once we met, Dr. Houman took action immediately. He has a great team that is very nice. He is very personable, listens, jumps right into the trenches, explains everything, and is very responsive. I love working with Dr. Houman, definitely the best Doctor I’ve had!
What Do the Kidneys Do?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, producing urine that carries it out of the body. Along the way, they help balance electrolytes, regulate blood pressure, and support red blood cell production. Because they’re so central to overall health, problems with the kidneys — whether a stone, a blockage, or a growth — are worth identifying and addressing promptly.
Common Kidney Conditions
A urologist focuses on the structural and surgical conditions affecting the kidneys, including:
Kidney Stones
Hard mineral deposits that can cause severe pain and block urine flow — explored in detail on the
Hydronephrosis
Swelling of a kidney caused by a backup of urine, often from a blockage that needs to be relieved.
Kidney Cysts
Fluid-filled sacs that are usually harmless but sometimes require monitoring or treatment.
Kidney Masses and Tumors
Growths that need prompt evaluation to determine whether they’re benign or require treatment.
Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
Blood in the urine always warrants evaluation, as it can signal stones, infection, or more serious conditions.
Warning Signs of a Kidney Problem
Kidney problems don’t always cause obvious symptoms, but certain signs should never be ignored:
- Pain in the side, back, or flank
- Blood in the urine, whether pink, red, or found only on a urine test
- Frequent or recurrent urinary tract infections
- Changes in how often or how easily you urinate
- Unexplained high blood pressure or swelling
Blood in the urine in particular should always be evaluated, even if it happens only once and isn’t painful, because it can be the first sign of a treatable but serious condition.
Diagnosing Kidney Conditions
Pinpointing a kidney issue usually starts with imaging — an ultrasound or CT scan — along with a urinalysis and blood work to assess kidney function and check for infection or blood. These tools allow Dr. Houman to identify the cause precisely, whether it’s a stone, a blockage, a cyst, or a mass, and to recommend the right next step with confidence.
Protecting Your Kidney Health
Many kidney problems are preventable or manageable with healthy habits:
- Stay Well Hydrated: Adequate water helps the kidneys flush waste and lowers the risk of stones.
- Manage Blood Pressure and Diabetes: Both are leading contributors to long-term kidney damage.
- Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Moderating sodium and excess animal protein eases the load on your kidneys.
- Be Cautious With Pain Relievers: Frequent, heavy use of certain over-the-counter pain medications can harm the kidneys over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Health
-
Common signs include flank or side pain, blood in the urine, recurrent urinary infections, and changes in urination; some kidney issues cause few symptoms until found on imaging.
-
It always deserves evaluation — even a single, painless episode — because it can signal stones, infection, or more serious conditions that are very treatable when caught early.
-
A urologist treats structural and surgical kidney conditions like stones, blockages, and masses, while a nephrologist focuses on kidney function and diseases such as chronic kidney disease.
-
Most simple kidney cysts are harmless and simply monitored, though some require further evaluation or treatment depending on their characteristics.
-
Typically through imaging such as ultrasound or CT, along with urine and blood tests to assess function and identify the cause.
-
Yes — staying hydrated, managing blood pressure and diabetes, eating well, and using pain relievers cautiously all help keep your kidneys healthy.
Why Choose Dr. Houman for Kidney Care in Los Angeles
- Comprehensive Kidney Care: Evaluation and treatment for stones, blockages, cysts, masses, and more.
- Prompt, Thorough Evaluation: Fast answers for concerning signs like blood in the urine.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: The least invasive effective treatment whenever possible.
- Board-Certified Urologic Expertise: Experienced care focused on protecting your kidney health.
Meet Dr. Houman
Expert in Men’s Health with Tower Urology and Cedars Sinai
Dr. Justin Houman, MD, FACS is a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained microsurgeon at Tower Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His subspecialty training in male reproductive medicine and microsurgery is held by fewer than 2% of practicing urologists in the United States.
His clinical focus is narrow by design. Varicoceles, chronic testicular pain, male infertility, vasectomy, testosterone optimization, erectile dysfunction, penile implant surgery, and Peyronie’s disease are not add-on services here. They are the practice. Patients travel from across the country and internationally for procedures, particularly microsurgical varicocelectomy, spermatic cord denervation, and inflatable penile implant surgery, that require a level of subspecialty training and surgical volume most urology practices do not have.
Kidney Care in Los Angeles
Whether you’re dealing with a specific kidney concern or simply want to stay ahead of one, expert evaluation makes all the difference. Dr. Houman offers thorough, prompt kidney care for men across Los Angeles and Southern California — and never takes a sign like blood in the urine lightly. Contact the Los Angeles office to schedule a consultation and protect your kidney health.
