Urology

When to See A Doctor: Some of the Most Common Urology Conditions

Urology issues affect women and men equally, therefore both genders should pay attention to any related symptoms and get seen by a doctor in order to get diagnosed and treated. Urology is that branch of medicine that addresses everything that concerns the urinary function, from the kidneys to the bladder and the urethra. Urologists are also the specialists that address male genitals, just like gynecologists address the female reproductive system. Urology conditions may evolve very fast, therefore you should see a doctor at the first sign that something may be wrong with any of these organs.

One of the most frequent conditions urologists have to address is urinary incontinence. Incontinence is characterized by a weakening of the muscles surrounding the bladder. This leads to the inability to control the bladder, sufferers being prone to dripping or even leaks. The condition is more frequent in women, but men are also affected, especially at older age. Women may develop incontinence after giving birth, because of the changes that occur in the body during that time of intense stress and effort. The most common treatments for this condition include medication, a special diet or specific exercise routines aiming at strengthening the bladder muscles. Going to the bathroom at scheduled times may also help avoiding unpleasant incidents.

Urinary tract infections are also frequent urology conditions. They affect mostly women and their cause is the development of bacteria in the urinary tract. Such infections can be easily recognized because of the intense burning sensation that appears when urinating. Symptoms are usually annoying, therefore the sufferer tends to go to the doctor in the early stage of the disease. The infection is usually treated with antibiotics, but an increase in the fluids intake may also help it heal faster. By drinking more water, the volume of urine increases, thus flushing out the infection faster.

Erectile dysfunction is another quite common urology condition, especially among older men. This condition is characterized by the impossibility of attaining or maintaining an erection for the entire duration of a sexual intercourse. Medication can help, but sometimes it’s best to investigate and address the cause of the problem instead of treating the symptoms. Among the risk factors of erectile dysfunction there are smoking and low testosterone levels.

Sometimes, male infertility is also addressed by urology. Actually, the infertile couple would first address their family doctor, being referred to specialists only after some preliminary tests are done. The most usual test to start with is the sperm count, which can quickly show whether the male is fertile or not.