It is normal for people to see their dentist, primary doctor, and eye doctor regularly. These healthcare providers ensure that teeth, eyes, and the body are in good general health. But what if something isn’t quite right in a particular part of the body? What is a person to do? The urinary and sexual health of men is naturally related to their overall health and quality of life. If a problem were to affect either of these areas, a man requires care from a trained specialist, his urologist. But rarely are men encouraged to do so. At least not before the age of 50. Here, we point out a few signs indicating a need to schedule a consultation with a urologist.
- Blood in the urine: This condition is called hematuria. To see blood in the urine can be frightening. It is a situation that needs prompt attention because it could indicate bladder or kidney cancer. However, it may also be a sign of an infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics. Men should not overlook blood in the urine. Early treatment can address nearly every situation successfully.
- Erectile dysfunction: This sexual health issue is believed to affect as much as 50 percent of adult males. It may be a common issue but should not be treated without consulting a urologist. Tests should be conducted to ensure erectile dysfunction is not a symptom of other conditions, such as poor vascular health or renal disease. Urologists have the necessary training to diagnose and develop an appropriate treatment plan for this problem.
- Kidney stones: Men may not realize they have kidney stones until seeing a urologist. The signs of this problem include pain in the side, back, or stomach area, odd-smelling urine, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Because men are more prone to kidney stones than women, it is important to know the signs and obtain proper care right away.
- Urine leakage: Urinary incontinence is usually thought of as a women’s health issue. In reality, many men face the accidental leakage of urine at some point. There are several types of incontinence that may develop and also various treatment options to consider based on which type of incontinence is present. This is determined by a thorough consultation and examination by a urologist.
