Just like every woman has a gynecologist, every man should have a urologist. Urologists monitor, diagnose, and treat issues of not only the urinary tract but also the male reproductive system, and they are highly trained to practice men’s healthcare from prostate issues to urinary issues.
Urological issues that can affect men include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and bladder problems. These doctors also address prostate issues (including enlarged prostate and prostate cancer), fertility issues, and Peyronie’s disease.
Dr. Desi Avila of Ironwood Urology is a board-certified and fellowship-trained Phoenix urologist specializing in men’s health, and he is a leader in reproductive and sexual health for men. Below, he shares with you important tips for maintaining a healthy urinary tract and reproductive system.
Tips for Male Urological Health
For optimum urological and sexual health:
● Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 14 cups of water daily to help prevent kidney stones.
● Drink cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections.
● Keep your salt intake to a minimum. It is best to consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
● Maintain a normal weight. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for developing prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction (ED).
● Quit smoking. This habit has been linked to kidney cancer and bladder cancer. Smoking also affects circulation which leads to ED, and it can exacerbate urinary incontinence.
● Do Kegel exercises. Strengthening your pelvic muscles can help prevent urinary incontinence, because it improves your ability to control your bladder and urine flow.
● Do not hold urine in. By not urinating when you need to go, you are putting yourself at risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
● Get prostate screenings regularly. Preventive health treatments, such as prostate cancer screenings and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, should be an annual occurrence once you reach the age of 40. If someone in your family has ever been diagnosed with prostate cancer, then you may be advised to begin these screenings even earlier.
Leading Urologist in Phoenix, Arizona
Men often wait for unusual symptoms to begin before seeing a doctor, but it is in your best interest to have a healthcare partner to keep any potential health problems at bay. One of the most common cancers diagnosed in men is prostate cancer, and it usually produces no symptoms until it’s in its advanced stage. However, a skilled urologist can detect prostate cancer early through physical examinations and PSA tests. Prostate cancer is almost 100% treatable when caught in its early stages.
If you have any concerns about your urinary or sexual health, or if you would like to schedule a men’s health checkup, contact the friendly staff today at Ironwood Urology to schedule an appointment with Dr. Avila. You can call us at (480) 961-2323 or fill out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your healthcare provider for a lifetime of total health and wellness.
