When Should You See a Urologist?

Urologic conditions have a significant impact on public health, causing adverse quality of life and health outcomes for patients. Urologic diseases affect patients globally, with prostate and bladder cancer being the second and sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in men globally in 2020, respectively. 

While some urinary symptoms may be temporary or benign, others could indicate underlying health concerns that require prompt attention from a specialist. In this blog, we will explore various signs and symptoms that may indicate the need to consult a urologist and some common urological conditions and treatments.

What Signs and Symptoms May Require Urological Evaluation?

While some urinary symptoms may resolve on their own, others may indicate an underlying urological condition that requires medical attention. Here are some signs and symptoms that may require a visit to a urologist:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Symptoms of a UTI may include a pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. While mild UTIs can sometimes be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter medications, recurrent or severe UTIs may require evaluation by a urologist.

• Blood in Urine: Hematuria (blood in the urine) can be a sign of various urological conditions, including UTIs, kidney stones, bladder or kidney cancer, and prostate problems. Any unexplained or persistent blood in the urine requires a visit to a urologist for further evaluation.

• Difficulty Urinating: Difficulty urinating, such as weak urine flow, straining to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder, or frequent urination, may be indicative of prostate enlargement [benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)], urethral stricture, or other urinary obstruction issues.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse) can be caused by various factors, including underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or psychological factors. 

• Testicular Pain or Swelling: Testicular pain or swelling may be caused by conditions such as epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), testicular torsion (twisting of the spermatic cord), hydrocele (fluid buildup around the testicle), or testicular cancer. Any persistent or severe testicular pain or swelling requires a visit to a urologist.

• Prostate Problems: Symptoms of prostate problems, such as difficulty starting or stopping urination, frequent urination, weak urine flow, or pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, may indicate BPH or prostate cancer. A urologist can perform a comprehensive assessment to evaluate prostate health and recommend appropriate management strategies.

What are Some Common Urological Conditions and Treatments?

In addition to the signs and symptoms mentioned above, several other common conditions may require evaluation and treatment by a urologist:

• Kidney Stones: Kidney stones may cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. Treatment options may include pain management, hydration, medications, or surgical procedures such as lithotripsy or ureteroscopy.

           Watch the video below to learn about the successful kidney stone treatment of a Fiji patient.

• Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of bladder control leading to urine leakage, can significantly impact quality of life. Treatment options for urinary incontinence may include lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, medications, or surgical procedures such as sling placement or artificial urinary sphincter implantation.

• Prostate Cancer: Early detection of prostate cancer is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes. Treatment options may include active surveillance, surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or genital herpes can affect the urinary tract and reproductive organs and require evaluation and treatment by a urologist.

Conclusion

Knowing when to see a urologist is essential for maintaining optimal urological health and addressing potential issues or concerns. You can take steps to manage your urological health and improve your overall well-being by seeking timely evaluation and treatment from a qualified urologist. Early detection and intervention are crucial to effectively managing urological conditions and minimizing their impact on your health and quality of life.