For most men over the age of forty, the last thing they want to do is to make an appointment with another doctor. While it may seem like regular visits with your primary care physician can serve as a catch-all for all factors of your health, the specialty offered by urologists can help round out your total body wellness. Despite being a more specialized field, urologists actually can help with a variety of issues, including certain cancers, bladder conditions, kidney stones, and erectile dysfunction. Taking charge of your sexual, urinary, and prostate health early on can help prevent more serious issues down the road. In addition to preventing more serious conditions, staying up to date on urologist visits can improve your overall quality of life. If you’re above the age of forty and experience any of these conditions, it’s worth adding another appointment to your calendar to see a urologist.
Regular Prostate Screenings
Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. It is estimated that one out every nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and one out of every 41 men will die from prostate cancer. Fortunately, a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) test administered in your early thirties can help predict your lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer. The results of the PSA will help determine how often you should be screened for prostate cancer. If the PSA level is high, that represents a higher risk of having prostate cancer, but if the reading is .7 or below, you may only need to schedule a prostate screening every five years or so. Whether it’s a life saving action, or if it just helps to create a peace of mind, prostate screenings are just one of the reasons why you should see a urologist.
Enlarged Prostate
As men age, they may experience an increased urinary urgency, or difficulty urinating. These are both symptoms of an enlarged prostate. By taking time to see a urologist, you can discuss which treatment plan works best for your lifestyle. In some cases, limiting caffeine and alcohol can help relieve these symptoms, but in other cases medication or minimally invasive surgeries help to partially shrink the prostate.
Erectile Dysfunction
One out of every ten adult men experience erectile dysfunction. The reasons behind ED vary, but it’s a good idea to see a urologist anytime if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, or a decline in libido. A urologist can offer a variety of solutions including testosterone replacements, medications, or other therapies.
Vasectomy
Whether you already have a family, or if children aren’t in the cards for you, a urologist can answer any questions you may have about this common procedure. At Alliance Urology, we also offer vasectomy reversals for those who have had a change of heart and are interested in conceiving a child. If you’re interested in a vasectomy, or a vasectomy reversal, schedule an appointment to see a urologist and talk through all of the details, from pre-op to post-op and everything in between.
Alliance Urology Specialists is home to an expert team of urologists that are committed to providing comprehensive care to adults with urologic health issues like prostate screening, erectile dysfunction, and more. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a urologic condition call our office at (336) 274-1114 to make an appointment.
