Why Men Should See a Urologist

What is a urologist?

A urologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. For men, specifically, urologists treat issues with the male organs, including the penis, testes, scrotum and prostate. A urologist also treats conditions involving the reproductive organs and the adrenal glands.

“Seeing a urologist is essential for men of a certain age to maintain good health. Talk to your primary care physician about when you should start seeing a urologist as part of your annual health checkups and screenings. Factors such as age, family history and ethnicity will inform that decision.”

Edward Loizides, MD, Chief of Urology at Good Samaritan University Hospital

Why should I see a urologist?

Dr. Loizides recommends seeing a urologist as soon as possible if you have urologic symptoms or a history of urologic conditions such as kidney stones, blood in the urine or a urinary infection. Other reasons to seek care from a urologist include the following:

Prostate health

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH—a noncancerous condition in which the prostate grows in size—is the most common prostate problem that men experience. Your prostate changes as you age and continues to grow throughout your life, which can cause complications. Almost all men will develop some enlargement in their prostate as they age.

By the age of 60, about 50% of men will have symptoms of BPH. By the age of 85, about 90% will have symptoms of BPH. Nearly half of all men with BPH will develop symptoms that require treatment by a urologist.

Because an enlarged prostate causes a blockage in your urethra, BPH symptoms typically include trouble urinating.

Prostate cancer and other cancer screenings. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. As part of routine screening, a urologist will order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to measure the protein produced by the prostate gland’s normal cells and cancer cells. A urologist will also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) in addition to the PSA test for more accurate cancer detection. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for prostate cancer.

PSA levels vary because there is no single threshold that distinguishes a normal from an abnormal PSA result. While there is no specific PSA level that means that someone has prostate cancer, the higher the PSA level, the more likely it is that prostate cancer is present. Your urologist will discuss when and how frequently you should begin screening for prostate cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends talking to your doctor about PSA testing starting at age 55.

“If you have a family history of prostate cancer or are of African-American descent, you should talk to your doctor sooner, around the age of 40,” said Dr. Loizides.

Learn more about PSA levels.

In addition to prostate cancer, a urologist can also discuss what you need to know about adrenal gland cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, penile cancer and testicular cancer.

Testicular changes

Testicular cancer is less common than prostate cancer, but testicular changes can happen as men age. A urologist can check for abnormalities like growths or lumps and discuss how you can perform an at-home testicular exam in between visits.
Kidney health

Kidney stones—small stones formed in the kidneys from crystallizing urine—are caused by chemical imbalances and slowly grow over time. Some men experience kidney stones throughout their lives. Others show symptoms as they age. Kidney stones can become extremely painful and may require medical treatment if the stone does not pass through urination.

Make an appointment with a urologist immediately if you have symptoms like blood in your urine.

Sexual health and fertility issues

A urologist can help address concerns such as erectile dysfunction (ED), which occurs most frequently in men in their late 40s and early 50s. They can help determine the cause of your ED and offer treatment options.

A urologist will also help evaluate and determine the next steps for men concerned about their reproductive health.

Hematuria (blood in the urine)

Hematuria should be evaluated immediately by your urologist to determine if the blood in your urine indicates a treatable infection or a more serious condition that requires additional testing.

Diagnosis and Treatments

Diagnostic tools vary depending on the reason for the appointment, but may include imaging tests (MRI, ultrasound), blood tests or a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Treatment methods also vary depending on your diagnosis. A urologist can perform surgery, including minimally invasive surgeries, to treat urinary tract disorders and other conditions.

A urologist will work closely with your PCP and specialists to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Maintaining urologic health is important as you age. Routine checkups can help catch medical issues early, and when they are most treatable. Talk to your PCP about when you should start seeing a urologist.

Learn more about the urology services at Catholic Health.