Why men should not be embarrassed to discuss their urologic health

By Dr. David Samadi

For many men, just the thought of entering a doctor’s office can often stir up feelings of stress and discomfort, especially when broaching topics related to their urologic health. Yet, beyond the clinical setting, there’s often a male attitude that discussing urological issues is embarrassing or shameful and should be avoided at all costs.

The reluctance to engage in candid conversations about issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) or incontinence is understandable. However, pausing to reframe the situation reveals that a brief yet open dialogue with a healthcare professional is far less daunting than enduring distressing symptoms without resolution. In other words, men who don’t seek help will eventually have more serious problems that could have easily been fixed when first noticed. 

Many of the symptoms of ED or incontinence are manageable or treatable, underscoring the importance of not depriving oneself of potential relief through collaboration with a medical provider.

It’s time we cultivate a sense of feeling comfortable in addressing these two prevalent conditions associated with embarrassing symptoms: erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

Erectile Dysfunction

Despite its prevalence, erectile dysfunction remains a sensitive topic for many men. Surprisingly common, affecting approximately 52 percent of men, with a higher incidence among those aged 40 to 70, this condition often goes underreported.

Various factors, spanning from physical to emotional and mental health, can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Common culprits include smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, medication side effects, and psychological stressors such as anxiety or depression.

Fortunately, many of these underlying causes are modifiable or treatable. When considering that erectile dysfunction can sometimes signal more serious underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, it becomes even more imperative to address its symptoms.

Incontinence

Contrary to popular belief, urinary incontinence is not an inevitable aspect of life to which one can resign. The first step towards addressing this issue involves initiating an open dialogue with a healthcare provider to discuss specific symptoms, enabling the formulation of a tailored treatment plan.

Urinary incontinence encompasses various types, each capable of causing embarrassment and disruption to daily life:

• Stress incontinence is triggered by activities exerting pressure on the bladder.
• Urge incontinence is characterized by sudden, intense urges to urinate, potentially indicating underlying medical conditions.
• Functional incontinence is often linked to secondary health issues hindering bathroom access.
• Mixed incontinence is a combination of the types above.

When discussing symptoms with a healthcare professional, it is crucial to provide accurate information without downplaying concerns. This facilitates a correct diagnosis, distinguishing between temporary issues and persistent conditions or uncovering potential underlying health problems.

Effective treatments abound for urinary incontinence, with open dialogue as the gateway to discovering suitable interventions.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Men who are hesitant to initiate discussions with their healthcare provider must remember that they have encountered similar symptoms countless times before. Therefore, there is no need to feel isolated in grappling with embarrassing urological issues.

Should concerns persist or symptoms significantly impact daily activities, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a urologist. Urologists are specially trained to offer guidance on lifestyle modifications and medical interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Recognizing that a healthcare provider should serve as an ally throughout the treatment process is imperative. If at any point, a physician’s demeanor fosters feelings of shame or judgment, seeking alternative care is warranted.

By fostering open dialogue and dispelling the stigma surrounding discussions on urological health, individuals empower themselves to address concerns proactively, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.

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 oncology and prostate cancer 911.