Generally, unless a man is bleeding or is experiencing significant pain, he will put off seeing a doctor. While younger men can usually get away with this and still remain relatively healthy, it becomes increasingly important as men get older.
Once a man reaches his mid-40s, life-saving health screenings should become a priority. If you have a family history of any prostate issues, you should begin having a prostate exam biannually (every 2 years) starting at age 45 by an experienced urologist. If your urologist sees any issues, the doctor may recommend having checkups even more often than that to keep you healthy.
A urologist specializes in conditions and diseases of the urinary tract and men’s health issues, specifically reproductive issues. Health conditions that affect the bladder, kidneys, prostate, and men’s sexual function are best addressed by a skilled urologist.
Why Regular Urology Visits Are Important
A man’s medical needs change as the years go on. Your needs when you were in your 20s are vastly different from your needs in your 40s and beyond.
Your urologist will establish a baseline of your body’s health and functioning, and the doctor will be able to check anything that becomes different during your regular visits. For example, some men’s PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels are naturally high without indicating prostate cancer, and the doctor will understand this. Having biannual appointments is usually an ideal schedule for these checkups.
Any rise in your PSA numbers or any physical lumps that are felt will likely be checked with a screening as prescribed by the doctor. Also, any changes in bathroom habits should be shared with your urologist for evaluation insofar as a possible enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia) or other issue. All of these issues can be successfully addressed if they are caught early.
Prostate and Bladder Screenings
Because of its general lack of indicators or symptoms, it is incredibly important to have prostate cancer screenings annually or biannually as you get older. This is one of the deadliest cancers for men, but it only tends to produce symptoms when it has progressed to an advanced and malignant stage.
Other urinary issues are also important to have medically addressed, such as bladder irritation. While this is seemingly minor, it can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer, which is a very aggressive type of cancer. This is why every symptom that is seemingly out of the ordinary should be examined by a urologist.
Male Urologist in Phoenix, Arizona
At Ironwood Urology, we are committed to providing comprehensive men’s health services. Board-certified urologist Dr. Desi Avila is highly skilled and experienced in both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for a wide range of men’s health conditions, and he understands the importance of addressing all issues related to the well-being of his patients. Just like many women only see their gynecologist every year and no other physician, many men do the same with their urologist.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Avila, contact us today at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to serving you.
