Minor Annoyance or Major Warning Sign?
It is no secret that men are notorious for avoiding the doctor until they absolutely must receive medical care. The notion that subtle symptoms are merely a minor annoyance could be very, very wrong. It is our intent to help men in the Chattanooga area make sense of urologic symptoms; to understand their origin and, most importantly, find an appropriate way to correct the problem.
Here, we want to discuss signs that you or a man you love needs to see a urologist.
- Erectile Dysfunction. Historically, the topic of erectile dysfunction has been one that men have avoided. Only recently has it become recognized as a widespread problem. A urologic examination seeks to understand erectile dysfunction in the wider context of general health. Is the obvious problem linked to another, such as hypertension? Understanding the nature of erectile dysfunction, a urologist can then discuss appropriate treatment.
- Frequent urination. There are several reasons why a man may need to urinate frequently. Whether this occurs primarily at night or becomes disruptive of daytime activities, frequent urination is a problem to explore with a urologist. The underlying issue could be an enlarged prostate, infection, or urinary incontinence. With proper treatment, the problem can become much more manageable.
- Difficulty urinating. Sometimes, urinary difficulty goes hand in hand with a frequent need to urinate. This could relate to an enlarged prostate and the inability to adequately release urine.
- Blood in the urine. If urine is pink-tinged or red, a urologic exam should be scheduled right away. This holds true even if evidence of blood comes and goes. Thorough testing is necessary to determine the cause of blood in the urine, which might be infection or kidney or bladder cancer.
- When a couple has difficulty conceiving, it is important for both partners to undergo a thorough health examination revolving around fertility. Studies suggest that 25% of infertility cases relate directly to a male reproductive issue.
Our medical needs change as we go through life. At some point, men will be best served by the inclusion of a urologist in their general healthcare team. To schedule a visit at UT Urology, call (423) 778-5910.
