Regularly seeing your doctor is a good idea as it helps you keep your body in check and gives you an idea of your overall health and fitness. Maintaining your urology health is especially important as it covers so much of our body's functions.
And while both men and women are often embarrassed about having to see a urologist for problems such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction, taking preventative measures when it comes to your urological health can help you minimize the risk for many urologic conditions.
What is Urology?
Urology is the field of medicine associated with the diseases and disorders of the male and female urinary tract. Many people are surprised to learn that urology covers a wide range of conditions for both men and women.
Urologists are health care providers who specialize in caring for conditions, symptoms and diseases related to the urinary organs, including the urinary tract, urogenital system and reproductive organs. In men, they treat all ailments concerning the penis, prostate, epididymis, seminal vesicles and testes.
They also perform surgeries if needed to remove cancer or a blockage in the urinary tract. In addition to this focused area of study, urologists are trained in internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and other medical specialties.
What common conditions do urologists treat?
Six of the most common conditions that urologists treat include:
Urinary Incontinence
Millions of people in the United States suffer from urinary incontinence which is especially common in older people. While it's not harmful to your health, it's burdensome to daily life and can lead to embarrassing moments. Urinary incontinence or the loss of bladder control can affect your emotional, psychological and social life.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a buildup of minerals and salts that harden inside the kidneys. They can range in size and be painful to pass. Some stones can be passed with medication and lots of water, but others may need some medical help from your urologist. Are you at risk for kidney stones?
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be a recurring problem for both men and women, though women are more susceptible to UTIs than men. A UTI can involve any part of your urinary system, including the urethra, ureters, bladder and kidneys. UTIs are caused by microorganisms – usually bacteria – that enter the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and infection.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. However, it is highly treatable in the early stages. It begins in the prostate gland, which sits between the penis and the bladder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate is an increase in the size of the prostate. However, it isn't caused by cancer. The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate affects about 33% of adult males.
Male Reproduction
Male infertility is also considered a urological problem or disease. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble conceiving to better understand the underlying cause.
You should also talk to your urologist if you are considering a vasectomy to prevent future pregnancies.
Are you experiencing symptoms?
If you think you're experiencing any of the common urological problems we've outlined, or have other symptoms that raise concerns, schedule an appointment with a health care provider for a diagnosis and next steps. These problems require a proper diagnosis to ensure that you are receiving the right treatment. When you make an appointment with a urologist, or when your primary provider refers you to a urologist, it may help for you to bring a list of questions or symptoms related to why you made the appointment.
Is urology covered by insurance?
Check with your doctor regarding the insurance plans they accept. To receive the best insurance benefits and pay the least out of your pocket for your care, you may need to choose a urologist who participates in your plan. You should also consider experience, credentials and hospital quality as your select a urologist for your plan.
Tips to improve your overall urologic health
- Drink plenty of water (six to eight cups each day)
- Stay within a healthy weight range
- Choose a smoke-free lifestyle
- Limit alcohol (one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men)
- Manage stress
- Limit fluid intake at night
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