Whether you’re going to see a urologist to have a men’s health checkup or to have a specific health issue addressed, it’s a good idea to be prepared so that you don’t leave the office wishing you’d asked the doctor more questions. Urologists specialize in treating both the urinary tract system and the reproductive system in men, so have a list of questions ready. You can even ask about health issues that are not related, because the urologist can give you advice or a referral to another medical specialist.
Let’s talk about a few key questions you can ask the urologist during your appointment:
Are There Any Health Screenings I Should Have?
A yearly prostate screening is recommended for men starting at age 50 for those who have a normal risk of developing prostate cancer. However, for men who have prostate cancer in their family (brother, father, or grandfather), prostate screenings are usually recommended beginning at age 40.
The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a blood test that detects your levels of the antigen in your bloodstream. PSA can come from noncancerous issues with the prostate, so your urologist will likely order further testing if your PSA level is high. The main factor is what PSA level is “normal” for your own body, because if your PSA level is suddenly becoming higher, your doctor will perform other tests to find out whether the rising PSA numbers indicate prostate cancer.
The urologist will also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE), which is a manual check of your prostate. The urologist can feel any lumps or unusual shaping of your prostate by detecting it through your rectum.
What Is Causing My Symptoms?
Symptoms that warrant a visit to the urologist include:
· Swelling or a lump in the genital area
· Frequent urination
· Trouble passing urine
· Blood in the urine or semen
· Pain during urination or sex
· Urinary incontinence
· Low sex drive
· Erectile dysfunction
· Infertility
An accurate diagnosis will usually require a physical exam and other tests. Many men’s health issues have overlapping symptoms, so your urologist may order more than one test in an effort to narrow down your particular issue.
What Is My Diagnosis? What Are My Treatment Options?
If you do have an issue that needs to be addressed, the doctor will provide a diagnosis and discuss your options regarding treatment. Whether the issue is low testosterone (low-T), erectile dysfunction (ED), infertility, a urinary problem, Peyronie’s disease, an enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), or prostate cancer, the urologist will explain the surgical and nonsurgical solutions that will work for you.
Male Urologist in Phoenix, Arizona
If you are looking for a skilled urologist who specializes in men’s health here in the Phoenix area, Dr. Desi Avila has many years of successful experience in treating men’s sexual health issues and prostate issues. Dr. Avila is a fellowship-trained urologist who regularly treats male infertility, erectile dysfunction, prostate issues, and Peyronie’s disease.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Avila, contact our friendly staff by calling us at (480) 961-2323 or by filling out our easy-to-use online request form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner.
