Bladder issues, pelvic discomfort, difficulties in the bedroom — these problems aren't just disruptive, they can be signs of an underlying health problem.
"Urologic symptoms often get brushed off as part of aging or something to just live with," says Dr. Hazem Elmansy, a urologist at Houston Methodist. "But many of these symptoms are treatable and ignoring them can not only lead to reduced quality of life but significant health issues in some cases."
What is a urologist?
A urologist is a specialist who provides medical treatment to both men and women experiencing problems of the:
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Urinary system
- Reproductive systems
A urologist will review your symptoms, ask about your health history and perform a complete physical exam. Depending on your symptoms, the following may be ordered: blood or urine labs, imaging studies or diagnostic procedures.
When to see a urologist
Here are six reasons you may be referred to a urologist:
1. Incontinence issues
Urinary incontinence can show up as leakage when you cough or sneeze (stress incontinence) or a sudden urge to go (overactive bladder). These symptoms can affect your quality of life and may worsen over time.
"In many cases, lifestyle changes and medications can help improve urinary incontinence," says Dr. Elmansy. "There are also surgical treatments to consider when necessary." (Related: Will Urinary Incontinence Go Away on Its Own?)
2. Blood in the urine
Seeing red or pink in the toilet bowl — or even microscopic blood detected in a routine test — is never something to ignore.
"Blood in the urine, which is called hematuria, can be caused by an infection, kidney stones or enlarged prostate," says Dr. Elmansy. "And while much rarer, it can also be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer, which is why blood in the urine should always be evaluated."
3. Prostate problems
Men experiencing difficulty urinating, a weak stream, painful urination or blood in the urine may be dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.
Left untreated, BPH can lead to complications such as bladder infections or bladder stones, as well as kidney failure over time.
"Benign enlargement of the prostate can be treated with a combination of medications or minimally invasive surgical techniques," explains Dr. Elmansy. "Your urologist will work with you to find the right therapy that alleviates your symptoms, suits the size and shape of your prostate and matches your health and lifestyle goals."
(Related: Enlarged Prostate Treatments: More Exist Than Ever Before)
4. Sexual health for men
Certain urologists are experts in sexual and reproductive health for men, including treatment of:
- Low testosterone
- Erectile dysfunction
- Male infertility
- Vasectomy (surgical contraception)
"These issues can impact not just physical health but emotional well-being and relationships, so don't hesitate to seek care," adds Dr. Elmansy.
5. Kidney stones
Kidney stones can cause intense pain in the lower abdomen or back, burning during urination or frequent urination, and even nausea or fever.
If you notice blood in your urine or experience these symptoms, a urologist can help diagnose and treat the condition — sometimes with medication, other times with procedures to remove the stones.
6. Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
If you're experiencing frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) — defined as two or more in six months or three or more in a year — your primary care provider (PCP) may refer you to a urology clinic.
"For men, any UTI is considered complicated and warrants further evaluation," says Dr. Elmansy.
Men, don't forget to stay up-to-date on prostate cancer screening
Once it's appropriate for your age, prostate cancer screening becomes part of your routine check-up with your primary-care doctor.
- Men at high risk for prostate cancer, including Black men and those with a strong family history of prostate cancer or other cancers diagnosed at a young age, should talk to their doctor about screening starting at age 40 or 45.
- Men at an average risk for prostate cancer should talk to their doctor about screening at age 50.
Prostate cancer screening starts with a simple blood test to check PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels. If your PSA is elevated, your doctor will refer you to a urologist for follow-up screening.
It's important to have conversations about prostate cancer screening and detecting prostate cancer at earlier stages, even before symptoms are present.
