A urologist is a medical specialist focused on conditions affecting the urinary system in both men and women, as well as the male reproductive organs. This professional diagnoses and treats a range of issues, from urination problems to fertility concerns. Many men encounter urological concerns, making a consultation an important step for managing their overall health.
Urinary and Bladder Concerns
Men often seek urological care for various urinary and bladder symptoms that impact daily life. Frequent urination (polyuria) or a strong urge to urinate (urgency) are common reasons for a visit. Pain or a burning sensation during urination (dysuria) also prompts consultation. Blood in the urine (hematuria) requires prompt medical evaluation.
Urinary incontinence, the involuntary leakage of urine, can manifest as an inability to control urination, particularly with a sudden urge. Difficulty fully emptying the bladder, or feeling it remains full after urinating, also indicates a problem. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men can cause symptoms such as frequent and painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and abdominal pain. Overactive bladder (OAB), characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, increased frequency, and nighttime urination (nocturia), is another bladder issue managed by urologists.
Prostate-Related Health Issues
The prostate gland, unique to men, is a frequent source of urological concerns, particularly as men age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition causing bothersome urinary symptoms. These include a weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty initiating urination, straining, and frequent nighttime urination. BPH can also lead to incomplete bladder emptying and dribbling.
Urologists are central to prostate cancer screening, which typically involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and sometimes a digital rectal exam. Screening usually begins around age 50 for men at average risk, with earlier screening for those with a family history of prostate cancer or of Black ancestry. A PSA level below 2.5 ng/mL may allow retesting every two years, while levels of 2.5 ng/mL or higher often warrant annual screening.
Male Reproductive and Sexual Health
Urologists address conditions impacting male reproductive and sexual function. Erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity, is a common condition managed by urologists. They diagnose underlying causes of ED, which include cardiovascular issues, diabetes, low testosterone, or nerve damage, and recommend various treatment options. These treatments range from lifestyle adjustments and oral medications to vacuum devices or surgical implants.
Male infertility is another area where urologists provide specialized care. They investigate causes such as low sperm production, hormonal imbalances, or blockages in the reproductive tract. Diagnosis involves a review of medical history, physical examination, semen analysis, and blood tests to check hormone levels. Urologists also perform vasectomies, a surgical procedure for permanent male birth control where the tubes carrying sperm are cut or sealed to prevent sperm from entering semen.
Kidney and Other Urological Conditions
Urologists manage other conditions affecting the urinary system, including those related to the kidneys and testes. Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and cause significant pain as they move through the urinary tract. Symptoms include severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Urologists provide treatment options ranging from pain management and encouraging natural passage for smaller stones to surgical removal for larger or obstructing stones.
Testicular pain or the presence of lumps warrants evaluation by a urologist. These symptoms indicate conditions such as epididymitis, an inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicle, or testicular torsion. Such signs also raise concerns for testicular cancer.