When Should You See a Urologist?
Deciding to see a specialist, like a urologist, can be difficult. Sometimes signs and symptoms can be confused or missed, leading to a misdiagnosis. Understanding signs indicating a urologist appointment is necessary can keep you safe and healthy.
- Pain or Lumps in the Testicles
If you are experiencing pain in your testicles or feel a lump, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a urologist. A scrotal mass can be benign but sometimes could indicate a severe health condition, like cancer.
- Blood in your Urine
Finding blood in your urine could indicate a problem with your urinary tract or kidneys. Common causes of blood in the urine include kidney stones, an infection, cancer or an enlarged prostate.
- Elevated Bloodwork
Men have a protein in their blood called PSA, or prostate-specific antigen. When these levels become elevated, it could indicate an issue with the prostate.
- Infertility
If you struggle to conceive with your partner, a trip to the urologist may help. Male infertility can often be addressed with a visit to the urologist.
- Difficulty Urinating
When the prostate is enlarged, it can block the urinary tract, making it difficult to urinate. Some may find it challenging to maintain a urine stream or experience dribbling afterward. With simple, non-invasive procedures, a urologist can help address issues connected to an enlarged prostate.
- Painful Urination
If you are experiencing pain when urinating, you should see a urologist. Painful urination indicates a problem with the urinary tract, like a possible infection.
- Male ED
Experiencing sexual dysfunction is frustrating, but a quick trip to the urologist can help. A urologist can assist with male sexual dysfunction and provide non-invasive treatment options.
- Urinary Retention
Sometimes, people have trouble emptying their bladder rather than holding it. Urinary retention symptoms could include the inability to start urination or empty the bladder.
- Urinary Incontinence
The opposite of urinary retention, urinary incontinence occurs when people have difficulty holding their bladder. Symptoms include frequent urges to urinate or leakage.
- Severe Lower Back Pain
In some cases, kidney stones are to blame for severe lower back pain. Usually, bloody or cloudy urine accompanies severe pain.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it could indicate that you should see a urologist for treatment. A quick diagnosis can lead to better treatment, allowing you to return to your usual self. Call the CHWC Urology Clinic at Bryan Hospital at 419-633-7482 or the CHWC Urology Clinic at Archbold Medical Center at 419-633-7596.