Urologists are highly-trained specialists that have expertise in diagnosing and treating a number of conditions that affect both men and women. However, not everyone knows if or when they should see one. To help you get the care you need, we’ve come up with ten great reasons to see a urologist.

1. You Have Trouble With Bladder Control

Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the top reasons to see a urologist. This condition can range in severity from person to person. Some people leak a little while some lose bladder control and can’t make it to the restroom in time. There are four main types of urinary incontinence and they are all caused by different things:

  • Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
  • Overactive Bladder (OAB)
  • Overflow Incontinence
  • Mixed Incontinence (SUI and OAB)

The type of UI will also dictate which treatment options are best.

2. You Have Difficulty or Pain While Urinating

Difficult urination can be a sign of many different urological conditions. This symptom can present itself in multiple ways including:

  • Trouble emptying the bladder
  • Pain during urination
  • Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream

The list of conditions that may cause difficult urination is long and includes:

3. There’s Blood in Your Urine

Blood in your urine or semen is a sure sign you should see a urologist. This could be a symptom of something mild like a urinary tract infection to something much more serious like prostate or kidney cancer. That’s why it’s important to get it checked out.

4. You Have To Urinate Frequently

Are you going to the bathroom more often than usual? Do you feel like you have to go urgently even if your bladder is not full? Are you waking up during the night? These are all reasons to see the urologist. Increased urinary frequency and urgency may be symptoms of several conditions that your urologist can diagnose and treat, including:

5. You’re Experiencing Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not something a lot of men want to talk or even think about. However, it is a common problem in the US. The American Urological Association estimates that as many as 30 million men are affected by ED. There are several things that can cause erectile dysfunction and a urologist can help diagnose and treat them. Common causes of ED are diabetes, certain medications, radiation cancer treatments, and nerve damage or injury to the pelvic area.

6. Your Sex Drive Has Decreased

If you are experiencing a lack of desire or sex drive, a urologist can help. Loss of libido and depression may be symptoms of low testosterone. Low T can also cause erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and sleep disorders. None of those things are conducive to an active sex life. 

7. You Notice Penile or Testicular Abnormalities

If you have noticed a difference in the way your penis or testicles feel, that’s one of the most urgent reasons to see a urologist. These abnormalities could be symptoms of penile cancer or testicular cancer, in which case early detection is highly beneficial. You may also be seeing symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease, which causes lesions of thickened skin to form on the penis.

8. You Have Pain in Your Lower Stomach or Groin Region

Pain in the groin, lower stomach, or the side of the back may be symptoms of kidney stones. These symptoms could also indicate another urologic condition. If you have this type of pain, make an appointment to see a urologist. This is especially important if you have accompanying symptoms like:

  • Blood in your urine
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Fever
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

9. You Need Circumcision Services

Urologists are trained and qualified to perform circumcisions. There is even a subspeciality for pediatric urology. Pediatric urologists perform most newborn circumcisions, but other urologists may also offer this service. In cases where adult circumcision is recommended due to medical or religious reasons, an adult urologist can provide the service.

10. You Want to Be Tested for Male Infertility

If you are a male and you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving a child, then your urologist can test you for male-factor infertility. Infertility is not just a female problem, and it’s not just a male problem. According to the CDC, in 35% of couples struggling with infertility, a male factor is part of the equation. Urologists can perform the following tests:

  • Hormone testing
  • Scrotal ultrasounds
  • Post-ejaculation urinalysis
  • Testicular biopsy
  • Genetic testing
  • Sperm function testing

If you need to see a urologist, Alliance Urology Associates in Greensboro is here to help. Our providers are experts in providing quality care to adult patients with urologic disorders. If you have questions or concerns about any of the above issues, call our office at (336) 274-1114 to make an appointment.