Going to the doctor may not be a considerably exciting pastime, but it is necessary. Men are more likely than women to experience early onset health conditions due to lifestyle, social, and biological factors. A number of these health issues are diagnosed and treated by urologists, who specialize in men’s health issues pertaining to the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys.
Men’s Health Issues Treated by Urologists
Here at Alliance Urology, we place a focus on encouraging men to pay attention to their health and better care for themselves. This includes making healthy lifestyle decisions and seeking medical attention when needed. Some men’s health issues need to be treated by a doctor, and urologists can help with many of them.
1. Prostate Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States (the first is non-melanoma skin cancer). The American Cancer Society reports that there are over 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer yearly in the US.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (especially doing heart-healthy things) may decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer. Screening may also help diagnose prostate cancer at its early stages, but screening is not appropriate for all men. Your urologist is the best person to provide you with guidance on screenings and preventive measures.
2. Low Testosterone
Testosterone is a male sex hormone responsible for many bodily functions in both sexes, but is found in much higher levels in males. In men, testosterone is produced in the testicles and contributes to sex drive, muscle growth, mood, and energy. Other symptoms associated with low testosterone include erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, depression, decrease in muscle size and strength, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If you have these symptoms, your doctor can evaluate you and perform tests to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment.
3. Male Factor Infertility
Male factor infertility is the term used to describe a variety of conditions that affect a male’s ability to conceive a child with their partner. Male factor infertility is a contributing factor to around 35% of all cases of infertility. There are other men’s health issues that can lead to male infertility, such as damaged reproductive organs, chromosomal defects, and lifestyle factors. A qualified urologist can perform diagnostic tests if you are a man and think you may have fertility problems. They can also evaluate the best course of treatment for you.
4. Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is not the most common type of cancer that affects men in the US, with roughly 9,600 new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed each year. However, it’s important to be educated on this issue because, according to the American Cancer Society, the incidence rate of testicular cancer has been increasing in the US over the last several decades. Luckily, in most cases, testicular cancer can be successfully treated.
5. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common men’s health issue, but some people do not know how common it is. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around 30 million American men are affected by erectile dysfunction. There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, and some of those causes are lifestyle factors that can cause other men’s health issues. A urologist can help diagnose, evaluate, and treat ED.
Alliance Urology Specialists is home to an expert team of urologists that are committed to providing comprehensive care to adults with urologic disorders as well as other men’s health issues. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a urologic condition or any of the medical conditions listed above, call our office at (336) 274-1114 to make an appointment.
