Introduction
As men age, priorities also tend to shift. Families, children, and careers can take more time and attention. With the shift in priority, men’s health often takes a backseat. Most men visit a urologist when they have a severe issue in the urinary tract or a concern with sexual health. This article tells why men should prioritize visits to a urologist, especially those over 40.
Who Is a Urologist?
A medical professional specializing in diagnosing and managing conditions related to the urinary and reproductive systems, especially in men, is termed a urologist. A urologist treats anything from minor reproductive problems like infertility to disorders with the urinary tract, such as low urine production. The urinary system and reproductive system are closely interlinked. Any issue with the urinary system can affect the reproductive system as well.
When Should Men See a Urologist?
As one age, health becomes a matter of increased concern due to the decreased quality of life. Men also have changes in the reproductive system as they age, probably 40 years or older. This tends to take a toll on urinary health as well. Consulting a urologist allows them to diagnose these conditions and treat them better. In the early stages, these conditions can be made better by medication and lifestyle changes. It also helps them to analyze if there is some underlying cause for these conditions. Treating the underlying conditions can reverse the urinary or reproductive health.
Other conditions are often overlooked and considered a natural aging process. Urologists, being medical experts, can find them and provide appropriate treatment. Hence, it is recommended that men, especially those over forty, should make routine visits to a urologist.
What Are the Common Urological Problems in Men?
The common issues with the urinary tract in men can include:
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Enlarged Prostate: This condition is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia. A condition where the cells in the prostate multiply more than normal causes the enlargement of the prostate gland. Men can find it difficult to urinate as they age. An enlarged prostate can have symptoms like incomplete voiding, frequent urination, especially during the night, and a burning sensation while passing urine. Medication, along with specific lifestyle changes, can address this concern. A urologist can help men find out if they have this condition and get it treated appropriately.
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Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is a common condition among men these days. Studies show that men over seventy are more prone to prostate cancer. The probability of men getting prostate cancer doubles over 70 years than among the young. They are four times more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Regular visits to a urologist, especially for men over forty, can provide them ample chance to identify any such condition and get it treated early.
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Testicular Cancer: It is normal to see changes in the body as one age. However, bumps and swellings are never a normal part of aging. A urologist should be consulted if something abnormal is found. This can include any fluid-filled cysts (spermatocele), hernia (a condition where an organ pushes through an opening in the body), swollen veins in the testicle, any signs of infection, or any signs of inflammation. An organ that produces male sex hormones and sperm is called the testicle. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. This can be an alarming reason for men to visit a urologist regularly. A painless mass in the scrotum that increases in size can be an early sign of prostate cancer. This can be found in men by regular examination of testicles.
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Erectile Dysfunction: A condition in which a man is not able to get or maintain his erection during a sexual encounter is called erectile dysfunction. This is one of the most common reasons men often visit a urologist. Stress, low levels of testosterone, some medication that is taken, or some underlying condition could be some of the reasons for erectile dysfunction. Mild cases might require medicines that can be taken orally and lifestyle changes to manage them. However, more severe problems might require injections or even a surgical procedure. A urologist will analyze the condition and suggest appropriate treatment.
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Low Testosterone Levels: Testosterone is a male hormone that affects a man’s sex drive, appearance, bone mass, muscle development, and sperm production. Reduction in testosterone levels is a common finding as men grow old. This could be the reason for fatigue, muscle loss, low libido (low sex drive), erectile dysfunction, and increased body fat. Regular urologist visits can help get this condition diagnosed and treated appropriately.
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Male Infertility: When couples fail to conceive despite properly timed unprotected sexual intercourse, they are said to be infertile. Studies show that one in six couples are found to be infertile. Male infertility is the cause in about one-third of them. The production and delivery of the sperm are affected in male infertility.
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Vasectomy: It is a surgical procedure that prevents the sperm from reaching the semen. The tubes that carry sperm to the semen are cut and tied to prevent the transport of the semen. It is planned when a couple wishes to stop bearing children or does not want them. It is a safe, effective, and one-stop solution for male birth control. It is permanent and can not be reversed. Hence, a wise decision should be made after proper consideration.
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Prostatitis: This is the medical term for an infection in the prostate. When the prostate and its surrounding tissues get inflamed, the condition is called prostatitis. This is a very common condition among men and occurs at least once in a lifetime. The treatment of the condition will depend on the type of infection. Hence, consulting a urologist during the early stages will help identify the type of infection and get it treated appropriately.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections: It is a common type of infection that is common among men who have multiple sexual partners. Painful bumps and erosions are the early findings seen in a sexually transmitted infection. However, all sexually transmitted infections may not have any symptoms. Hence, consulting a urologist can be beneficial in identifying such infections.
Conclusion
Men must pay attention to their health, especially those above 40 years. Detecting medical conditions early helps to treat them early and get a better prognosis. A urologist helps in identifying and treating urologic and reproductive abnormalities in men at an early stage. Hence, a visit to the urologist should never be compromised. Conditions like prostate enlargement, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and low testosterone can be managed appropriately if diagnosed early.
