4 Common urologic diseases specifically affecting men
A man’s urologic health should always be a priority. When urological health is going well, life is good. However, symptoms of certain urologic conditions that target men should be addressed sooner than later by a urologist to prevent future severe medical complications.
4 Common urology problems specifically affecting men
To have an understanding of what specific urologic diseases affect men, here is a list of four conditions every man should be aware of:
Problems with urination
The ability to pee without problems is usually a given for most men. But, there are three urine problems men should pay attention to: painful urination, difficulty or frequent urination, and seeing blood in their urine.
Numerous conditions can cause painful urination. For example, a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes or Chlamydia, or even prostate cancer, are possible causes of men experiencing pain when urinating. Whatever the cause, men with painful urination should get accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from their doctor.
Men having difficulty peeing or a more noticeable frequency to urinate, is likely from an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. The majority of men past 50 will likely experience these symptoms. However, once they do, seeing a urologist to diagnose the symptoms and get treatment advice, can find relief from these annoying issues.
It is crucial to seek medical attention if you notice any blood in your urine. This symptom might be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. Once the doctor confirms hematuria (blood in urine) through a urine sample, it is necessary to determine the underlying cause. A CT scan, x-ray, or cystoscopy can help accurately diagnose the problem.
Kidney abnormalities
The main kidney issues men can be affected by are kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, or problems with irregularities of the ureters or urethra. Therefore, scheduling a visit with a urologist or nephrologist is crucial since both specialties understand the overall functioning of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Penis performance issues
Surprisingly, the penis can have many problems during a man’s lifetime. The most common problem men experience is erectile dysfunction or ED. The best doctor to see for treating this condition is a urologist, who can recommend medication and lifestyle changes to improve performance. Urologists can also rule out sexually transmitted diseases that can affect the penis.
Priapism is another condition that affects the penis. This condition is a persistent and very painful erection of the penis, often caused by trauma or an injury to the penis, pelvis, or perineum (the area between the base of the penis and the anus). It is imperative that any man with a prolonged, painful erection that won’t go away should go to the emergency room to prevent irreversible damage to the penis.
Peyronie’s disease is due to a buildup of fibrous scar tissue along the penis, causing a noticeable curvature when the penis is erect. It may also be caused by repeated injury to the penis during sex, sporting events, or the result of an accident. Several effective treatment methods to treat Peyronie’s disease include non-surgical therapy, such as medications, and in severe cases, surgery.
Prostate abnormalities
As men age, their prostate can begin to cause problems. One is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, which is an enlargement of the prostate. This condition is common in older men and is manageable with medication and lifestyle adjustments.The other main prostate problem is prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer among American men. Beginning at age 40, all men should have a prostate-specific antigen blood test (PSA test) to help screen for this disease. The PSA test is vital for early detection as the earlier this cancer is found, the greater the survival rate long-term.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.