Doctors have heard just about everything and are here to help you lead a healthy life, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious about asking them questions. However, that’s easier said than done, so we asked two urologists, Dr. Salim Cheriyan and Dr. Christopher Kosarek from Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group, some questions you may feel too shy to ask.
Testicular self-exams are an important first step for detecting cancer that men can perform in the shower once a month. Grab one testicle at a time with both hands and roll it between your thumbs and fingers to check for any bumps or abnormalities. If you notice anything unusual, schedule an appointment with a urologist for a full physical exam and evaluation.
The best approach for prostate cancer screening is to discuss it with your physician to understand the risks and benefits. For men with an average risk of prostate cancer, screenings should begin at the age of 55. However, men with an increased risk of prostate cancer, such as Black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer, should discuss screening earlier.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:
Though challenging to discuss, it is essential to bring up these symptoms with a urologist to determine potential causes and treatments.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED). If your ED is due to an underlying condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, your doctor can recommend treatments to help you manage it. Urologists can also suggest medications for ED and even surgery if other solutions are not effective.
Patients can develop severe pain when a kidney stone gets lodged in the ureter, the tube which connects the kidney to the bladder. The increased pressure from this blockage can lead to severe flank or abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical care as soon as possible, especially if you also have a fever or chills.
Many kidney stones under a certain size will pass on their own without any intervention. However, it is important to visit your urologist to see if you have passed your stones. If you haven’t passed them in an appropriate time frame or they are too large to pass on their own, you may need a procedure to break up the stone.
A typical urology appointment will include a health assessment, a physical exam, a urine test, and a period during which you can ask your urologist questions or share any concerns you may have.
It’s important to visit your urologist, as there are a wide variety of medical and surgical conditions associated with the genitourinary tract. This includes the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and prostate. Urologists are specialists in this field and are an essential resource for diagnosing and treating these conditions.
Being proactive about your health is important. Schedule an appointment with a Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group urologist today. If your urologist does detect either prostate or testicular cancer, they can refer you to an oncologist at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at The Woodlands Hospital for treatment.
Sources:
Healthline | Everything You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
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