Many doctors specialize in unique areas. A urologist, for example, can help treat issues related to the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureter, prostate, testes, penis, and scrotum. If you would like to know more, check out these four common issues treated by urologists.
1. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard collections of minerals and salts from the kidneys. Having a poor diet and being overweight can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Kidney stones may present with no symptoms until they start to move into the ureter. In some patients, the stones pass and are released when the patient urinates. However, if the stones get stuck in the ureter, it can cause severe pain around the kidneys and groin. You may also have to urinate more often and have cloudy, discolored, or bad-smelling urine. If you can't pass the stones, your urologist may need to break up the stones or remove them.
2. Urinary Incontinence
There are multiple types of urinary incontinence. Some patients only leak when they laugh, cough, sneeze, etc., but others have urge incontinence, which means they will suddenly have the urge to urinate. This is usually followed by an uncontrolled release of urine. Regardless of the reason, however, there are many treatments. Some treatments involve lifestyle changes, such as exercises or scheduled bathroom trips. However, your urologist may be able to help with special devices and surgeries. Medications can also help some patients.
3. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction occurs when the patient cannot get and keep an erection for intercourse. Some patients with erectile dysfunction may also have a reduced sexual desire. The cause of erectile dysfunction can be hard because it may be psychological. Some possible causes of erectile dysfunction may include heart disease, diabetes, MS, tobacco use, alcoholism, low testosterone, depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship problems. Your urologist can prescribe medications that can help, but they may also suggest penis pumps, penile implants, or testosterone replacement.
4. Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate can cause many issues, such as a weak urinary stream, frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, continued dribbling of urine, and straining to urinate. It is often caused by age, especially if you also have a family history of enlarged prostates. Changes in hormones may also trigger it. In severe cases, an enlarged prostate could be a sign of prostate cancer.
Treatment begins with making some changes to improve bladder function. This includes stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, learning Kegel exercises, and making scheduled bathroom trips. Some medications can help, but there are also surgical procedures that can get rid of some of the excess prostate tissue.
If you have any of the above issues, it's time to talk to a urologist. Treating conditions now may prevent them from getting worse in the future. If you would like to know more, contact a medical center, such as Nashville Healthcare Center.
Share24 March 2022
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