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Overview of Kidney Disorders How do the kidneys work? The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has used all the food components that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidneys and urinary system help

Claudication What is claudication? Claudication is pain in your thigh, calf, or buttocks that happens when you walk. It can make you limp. It may be a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce the blood flow to your legs. At

Methods of Surgery What are the different methods of surgery? Surgery doesn't always mean large cuts (incisions) and long healing times, as in the past. Depending on the type of surgery, several methods may be used. People with the same diagnosis won't always be advised to have

Traveling with a Chronic Condition Take care when traveling with a chronic condition Chronic conditions should not prevent you from enjoying travel. As with other medical conditions, if you have a chronic disease, you should see your healthcare provider as early as possible

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) What is benign prostatic hyperplasia? Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is also called benign prostatic hypertrophy. It means that the prostate gland has become very large and may cause problems passing urine. BPH is not cancer. It's a common

Kidney Failure What is kidney failure? Kidney failure happens when damage results in loss of normal kidney function. There are 2 types of kidney failure—acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure starts abruptly. It can sometimes be reversed. Chronic kidney failure progresses slowly

Glomerulonephritis What is glomerulonephritis? When the kidneys' filters (glomeruli) become inflamed and scarred, it is called glomerulonephritis. The kidneys slowly lose their ability to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make urine. How to say it gloh-MAYR-yoo-loh

Male Infertility What is male infertility? Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. It makes a person unable to have children. It can affect a man, a woman, or both. Male infertility means that a man has a problem with his reproductive system. It means you can't start