When your PCP refers you to a urologist, you should understand what this medical specialty involves. At Ironwood Urology, our professional team wants patients well-informed about their genito-urinary tract and its diseases, conditions, and care. Here are 10 important urology facts to know.
1. A Urological Exam Yields Valuable Information
During your appointments, your urology specialist will go over your symptoms, as well as your medical history and medications. Giving a urine sample is standard, and the doctor may order blood work, imaging, and other assessments as needed. This is done to collect as much information as possible about your health in order to give you an accurate diagnosis.
2. Male and Female Urology Are Different
Male and female urology both involve the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, with male urology, the urologist also takes care of the male reproductive organs, focusing on fertility, penile function, prostate health, and more. It’s important to ensure you see the right type of urologist when you need medical care.
3. Prostate Health Requires Some Preventive Care
Men need annual PSA blood tests beginning at age 40 to detect prostate cancer. Also, urologists perform routine digital rectal examinations to check for lumps and for prostate size. Some middle-aged men develop BPH, or benign prostatic hypertrophy, and its related difficulties with urination and UTIs. Routine preventive measures can help keep issues at bay and prevent the worsening of such conditions.
4. Low Testosterone is Common
Contrary to popular belief, low testosterone, or low T, is very common among adult men. In fact, low T affects about 40 percent of men aged 45 and older. Fortunately, your men’s health specialist, Dr. Avila, has many treatment options to boost testosterone levels and reduce symptoms.
5. Penile Curvature Can Be Treated
A common men’s health condition, Peyronie’s disease, causes penile curvature that can cause a host of issues. Fortunately, it can be effectively treated through penile stretching, surgery, or innovative drug therapy (Xiaflex).
6. Your Kidneys Do More Than Produce Urine
As important as eliminating waste is, your kidneys have many more functions. They help regulate your electrolyte levels, promote healthy blood pressure, and play a role in red blood cell production.
7. UTIs Can Happen Anywhere in The Urinary Tract
When bacteria breeds in the kidney, ureters, bladder, or urethra, infection can result. While pain, burning, and urinary frequency are common symptoms, UTIs can be silent, too. If you are prone to these infections, a urologist can treat you and help prevent future episodes.
8. ED Has Many Causes and Treatments
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of issues, such as lifestyle factors like smoking, unhealthy eating, being overweight, and more. Sometimes, medical conditions, like diabetes, can also cause it. As such, finding the underlying cause of ED is important to tackling the problem and finding a workable solution. Fortunately, there are many treatments and solutions available to treat ED with the help of a urologist.
9. An Overactive Bladder Can Be Caused by Lifestyle Factors
A frequent and urgent need to pass urine can develop due to poor diet, smoking, and being overweight, in addition to physical defects, hormonal imbalances, and more. Today’s urology experts have many treatment options for patients wishing to normalize their bathroom habits.
10. Urologists Treat Fertility Issues
If you and your partner are having fertility issues, you are 50% likely to be the cause of it. It’s important to see a men’s health expert discuss this issue and find the underlying cause of it. Urologists can find solutions to many infertility causes, such as low-T, and help you with your family planning. Similarly, urologists also perform vasectomies and vasectomy reversals.
Ironwood Urology in Phoenix And Gilbert, Arizona
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist and men’s health specialist is Dr. Desiderio Avila. His academic and clinical expertise is second to none, and he understands the concerns his patients have about urologic and reproductive issues.
If your PCP wants you to see a urologist, call Ironwood Urology for an appointment: (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment using our online form.
