Men’s urology needs: 8 reasons you might need to see a urologist

Your urologic health may not be on your list of conversation topics, but perhaps it should be—with your doctor, anyhow.

Urologic health or sexual health symptoms and conditions are among the most common health issues that men face. If you’re experiencing a men’s urology issue, you don’t have to go it alone.

In honor of Men’s Health Month this June, schedule an appointment with a urologist or another West Jefferson Medical Center healthcare provider.

You…yes, you…need to schedule a checkup

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that many men are reluctant to seek medical attention. In fact, a 2022 Cleveland Clinic survey found that 55% of men don’t get regular health screenings.

It’s time to change that statistic! Regular visits with a medical provider offer valuable insight into your health. You can keep an eye on important health metrics like your blood pressure and get age-appropriate screenings for conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

Interestingly enough, the same Cleveland Clinic survey mentioned above found that 32% of men are concerned with their sexual health, with erectile dysfunction a common concern. Loss of sexual function and low testosterone were also areas of concern for many men surveyed.

Since sexual health issues overlap with your urologic health, seeing a urology health specialist can be helpful in many cases.

When to see a urologist

If you are among the millions of American men who aren’t getting an annual checkup, that’s a good place to begin. A primary care provider (PCP) can take an informed look at your overall health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms related to your urologic or sexual health, your PCP may recommend seeing a urologist. There are several reasons why you might want to seek specialized urology care, including:

1. Frequent urination. Many men develop an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia) beginning in their 40s, which can lead to more frequent urination, an inability to fully empty the bladder or difficulty urinating.
2. Erectile dysfunction. Around 30 million American men experience erectile dysfunction to some extent. It’s important to talk with a medical provider since it can be linked to serious health issues, including certain heart or blood flow conditions.
3. Kidney stones. More than half a million Americans visit the emergency room each year for the intense pain caused by kidney stones. Men are slightly more likely than women to develop kidney stones, which can cause symptoms such as digestive issues and bloody urine.
4. Painful urination. While urinary tract infections aren’t as common in men as they are in women, they do still occur. When bacteria make their way into the urinary tract, they can cause fever, an intense need to urinate, and pain or burning when urinating.
5. Urinary incontinence. Many older men experience some type of urinary incontinence, causing a loss of bladder control or leakage. An enlarged prostate or an overactive bladder are common reasons for urinary incontinence in men.
6. Bloody urine. As mentioned above, blood in the urine can be caused by kidney stones. It’s important to always check in with a medical provider about bloody or cloudy urine, as it can also be a sign of prostate cancer or bladder cancer.
7. Ejaculation problems. Any issues, including premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation or an inability to ejaculate, call for a visit to a urologist who can diagnose the underlying issue and suggest treatment.
8. Diminished sex drive. One potential cause of a decline in sex drive is low testosterone, which can also lead to fatigue, irritability, reduced muscle mass, depression and erectile dysfunction.

Beyond offering diagnosis and treatment for the symptoms outlined above, a urologist can also help with other sexual health issues, including male infertility or permanent birth control through a vasectomy. These dedicated specialists are here to get you back to feeling your best.

Dealing with a urologic or sexual health issue? The urology specialists at West Jefferson Medical Center are here to help.