When Should a Man See a Urologist?

It’s tempting to ignore problems “down there” instead of going to the doctor. But this approach can actually be harder on you in the long run. Not only is early detection crucial when it comes to treating health issues, but many urinary and reproductive symptoms are highly treatable.

At Arizona Urology, our team of skilled urologists takes a comprehensive and personalized approach to your urological health. If you’re a man, here’s what you need to know about urology and when to see a specialist at one of our locations in Goodyear, Glendale, Gilbert, or Phoenix, Arizona.

What sets a urologist apart from a general medical provider?

Having regular physicals with your primary care physician is an important part of protecting your overall health. But, unlike a general practitioner, a urologist specializes in medical issues associated with your urinary tract and the male reproductive system, including the: 

• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Urethra and ureters
• Adrenal glands
• Penis 
• Prostate
• Testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles

Because of this advanced medical training, our providers can address a wide variety of issues, ranging from stones, urinary tract infections, or an enlarged prostate to more serious problems like kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer.

There are several reasons to see a urologist, but some of the most common include urinary issues, erectile dysfunction, and prostate care.

Urinary issues

Problems in your urinary tract — including infections, stones, or prostate issues — can cause a variety of symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored, including:

• Difficulty urinating
• Leaking urine (incontinence)
• Blood in your urine (hematuria)
• Radiating groin pain

Urinary issues can also cause severe back pain, especially near your kidneys.

Erectile dysfunction

Having erectile dysfunction (ED) from time to time usually isn’t cause for concern. ED symptoms include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection and having a decreased libido. However, signs that become more pronounced or chronic can indicate an underlying issue.

While it’s difficult to talk about ED, we can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and offer several effective treatments that can help restore your sexual vitality.

As specialists in the male reproductive system, we can also help with all of your reproductive health needs. Our services include performing permanent sterilization procedures (vasectomy), vasectomy reversals, and male infertility treatments.

Prostate care

The best way to protect your overall health is through preventive medical screenings. For men, that means regular prostate cancer exams. This form of cancer impacts approximately one in nine men during their lifetimes. Fortunately, with early detection, we can often successfully treat this potentially serious disease.

In the early stages, prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms. So having regular screenings can help detect any issues before your condition progresses. We often recommend beginning these exams at age 50, but we work closely with you to determine your individual risks and when to start these tests to protect your health.

In addition to getting regular prostate cancer screenings, it’s essential to see a member of our team if you notice any changes with your urinary or reproductive health.

To schedule an appointment with one of our urologists, contact us by calling the location nearest you today.