A urologist can help men and women with bladder and pelvic pain, as well as sexual dysfunction and infertility. But how do you know when it’s time to schedule a meeting? It’s not always clear when you need to see a urologist. It might even seem inconvenient. But make no mistake: making an appointment can save you a lot of grief and discomfort, and it might even save your life. Here are several indicators that it’s time to make a decision.
- You have a recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI).
It could be an indication of interstitial cystitis (IC), often known as a painful bladder, if you have burning, painful, and frequent urine that doesn’t improve with antibiotics. To make the diagnosis, a urologist will test your urine and check your bladder with a cystoscope. Anti-inflammatory medicines can be used to treat IC, and it can also be avoided by avoiding certain triggers, including as alcohol, spicy meals, coffee, and chocolate. - You have a lot of urination or pee leakage.
Overactive bladder (OAB) and urine incontinence are managed by urologists in both men and women. If you have OAB, you can control your symptoms with lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical therapies. - You believe you have a kidney stone in your urinary tract.
Kidney stones are characterized by acute discomfort on one side of your lower back, but other symptoms include lingering stomach pain, blood in the urine, and urine that stinks or seems hazy. If you have these symptoms, you should contact your urologist right away for a diagnosis and treatment.
“Kidney stone pain may be excruciating, and many patients describe it as the worst pain they’ve ever had,” says Mike Nguyen, MD, an associate professor of clinical urology at USC’s Keck School of Medicine and a urologist at USC’s Keck Medicine. “How does the pain of childbirth compare?” The level of discomfort reported in both scenarios turns out to be nearly comparable.” - You’re a man who’s suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED).
If a guy is experiencing trouble attaining or keeping an erection, a urologist is frequently the first doctor he consults. It’s possible that the issue is psychological, but more frequently than not, there’s a medical or physical cause. - You’re having problems with your pelvis.
IC, prostate inflammation, prostate infection, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer are all possible causes of pelvic pain. Your urologist can assist you in determining the reason and providing therapy. - You’re a man who’s worried about his ability to reproduce.
If you and your spouse have been trying to conceive for six to a year and haven’t been successful, you should see a urologist for a fertility checkup. Semen testing, blood work, and ultrasounds can all help a urologist determine your fertility. - Blood in your urine.
Urine with blood in it is a symptom that you should see a urologist right away since it could be an early indicator of bladder or kidney cancer. Even if you only get blood in your urine on occasion, it is a warning that something is wrong and you should seek medical help right once. Urine tests, x-rays, or CT scans, and a cystoscopy are all part of a urologist’s checkup (using a fiberoptic scope to see inside the bladder). - Abnormal prostate exam
If feasible, men over the age of 40 should obtain a yearly exam from the same doctor. Any alterations will be more extensively observed, and early diagnosis of prostate cancer will be more likely. If you notice any hardness, tiny nodules, or anomalies, you should consult a urologist to rule out any potentially significant issues. Prostate cancer has a good cure rate if found early. - Cancer
Cancer can strike at any time and in any part of the body. The kidney, testicles, bladder, prostate gland, and any other portion of the urinary system might all be affected. - Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level elevation or change
The PSA test is frequently used to diagnose prostate cancer in its early stages. PSA levels in the bloodstream are typically very low. A Urologist can figure out what’s causing a change or a higher level of PSA in the blood. - Kidney abnormality
You should be referred to a Urologist if your doctor notices anything strange on your X-ray. Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet can result from kidney disease. It can also cause other symptoms such as elevated blood pressure. During the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you may suffer a few indications and symptoms. It may take a long time for a person’s kidney function to deteriorate before they notice anything is wrong. - Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which fibrous scar tissue grows within the penis, resulting in bent and painful erections. Because men’s penises vary in form and size, having a curved erection isn’t always a cause for concern. Peyronie’s illness, on the other hand, can cause considerable pain or penile curvature in certain men. - Stricture of the Urethra
Scarring of the urethra has the potential to limit or block the course of urine flow from the bladder, resulting in irritation, infection, or harm to the area. A decrease in urine output and uncomfortable urination are two of the symptoms. - You and your partner are considering the most effective way of birth control
A vasectomy, which provides permanent effects and is approximately 100% successful in preventing conception. Make an appointment with a reputable urologist to see if a vasectomy is right for you.
You can take measures to maintain the health of your urological system. A healthy lifestyle revolves around maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. Limiting salt, which can promote water retention, drinking water to cleanse your kidneys and bladder, and avoiding caffeine, which can irritate your bladder, are all further ways to keep your system functioning properly.