Should I See My Urologist Regularly Or Only When I Have Symptoms?
Some people go their whole lives without seeing a urologist. Others start seeing them later in life for prostate exams or pelvic exams–some children have medical conditions that require a urologist’s attention.
Many people may think that only men of a certain age need to see urologists for their prostate issues, but urologists see people of all genders and ages for many different reasons.
Here are some reasons you might need to see a urologist, regardless of age or gender.
Urinary Incontinence
Difficulty or Pain While Urinating
Blood in Urine
Frequent Urination
Erectile Dysfunction
Decreased Libido
Penile or Testicular Abnormalities
Pain in Your Lower Abdomen or Groin
Infertility Questions
Not everyone needs to see a urologist regularly. One good way to know if you need to is if you see a urologist for a problem and they tell you to come back regularly. Once you have been seen by a urologist, they will know how often they want to see you and when depending on your issue and how they want to approach it.
Men Over 40
One group that definitely should see a urologist regularly is men over the age of 40. Multiple conditions can occur in men over 40 that can be treated with a urologist’s help.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common problem for aging men. Because the prostate never stops growing, almost 90% of men will experience some symptoms of an enlarged prostate by age 85. This could cause discomfort or inconvenient symptoms, including a slow or weak urine stream, increased urges to urinate, or getting up during the night to urinate. If you notice any of these signs before you begin seeing a urologist regularly, schedule an appointment.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction means you’re unable to maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. It can be caused by different factors and affect men of any age; however, it occurs more frequently in men who are in their 40s and early 50s. Talking to a urologist about it can help men on the road to recovery.
Urinary Conditions
Urinary conditions are common in men over 40 due to the continued growth of the prostate. This could manifest as changes in the urinary stream, frequency, getting up at night to urinate, or difficulty starting and/or stopping your urine stream.
Testicular Changes
Testicular changes, like prostate changes, are not uncommon in aging men. Men should perform testicular exams on themselves once they get older so they can catch any problems early, including signs of testicular cancer, which include breast growth, soreness, and lower back pain.
Prostate Cancer Screenings
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, and because it doesn’t present severe symptoms until it’s severely advanced, it’s a very dangerous kind of cancer. According to the American Urological Association, starting at age 40, all men should have prostate cancer screenings annually.
Adult Women
There are several common pelvic floor disorders affecting women that require the care of a urologist, including urinary incontinence, dysuria, cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, and uterine prolapse. Most of the time, a woman will be referred to a urologist by her PCP if the PCP thinks the issue is something that requires urological care. If a woman is having problems with her reproductive or urinary systems, no matter what her age, she may benefit from seeing a urologist. Urological care usually stems from a referral by a PCP, so talking to your PCP about any issues you’re having is a good place to start.
Norman Urology Associates Can Help
If you’re having any of the symptoms listed in this article, or you’re having other symptoms related to your urinary or reproductive systems, you may need a urologist. Schedule an appointment with Norman Urology Associates, and the team at Normal Urology can help you identify the problem and help you feel better soon.