Urology is the branch of medicine which addresses diseases and conditions affecting the urinary tract system in both men and women. The field of urology also addresses problems with male reproductive organs. It’s important to know some of the most common male urology issues because if these conditions are left untreated, they can lead to pain, discomfort and more serious health issues.
Most Common Male Urology Conditions
Urology issues encompass many different conditions that affect the urinary tract system and reproductive organs. Some of the most common urology problems that affect men include:
- Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH): A non-cancerous swelling or enlargement of the prostate, usually occuring in men over the age of 50. BPH can cause frequent urination, as well as difficulty urinating
- Erectile Dysfunction: Occurs when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection for intercourse.
- Incontinence: Involuntary or unintended urination and is often a symptom of other urology disorders. Incontinence can happen while walking, jogging, laughing, coughing and other normal activities.
- Infertility: The inability to conceive after 1 or more years of unprotected intercourse.
- Prostate Cancer: Cancer which affects the prostate gland, the gland which produces a fluid that protects sperm.
- Prostatitis: A non-cancerous inflammation of the prostate gland that often causes difficulty urinating, pain, chills and discomfort or pain in the genitals.
- Testosterone Deficiency: When a man’s body does not produce enough testosterone. Usually marked by loss of sex drive, depression and difficulty concentrating.
See your doctor if you suspect you may have any of these conditions. The sooner you treat urological conditions, the better you will feel in the long run.
Symptoms of urology problems include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Blood or other discharge in urine
- Fever
- Chills
- Lower back pain
- Pain in genitals
Common Urology Tests and Procedures
Because urology diseases encompass so many conditions, the exact urology tests and procedures used vary depending on the nature of the specific issue. Common urology tests and procedures include:
- Abdominal/renal ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging procedure which allows urology doctors to examine organs in the abdomen, usually the kidneys and bladder. During an abdominal ultrasound, gel is applied to the skin and a hand-held device called a transducer is used to scan the abdomen.
- Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) Symptom Score: A scored questionnaire which aims to identify the mildness or severity of a patient’s symptoms, but does not determine the size of the prostate.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: CT (or “CAT”) scans use imaging technology to create images of the inside of the body. Often used to examine kidney lesions or masses.
- Cystoscopy: An examination of the interior lining of the urethra and bladder using a cystoscope, a small and flexible fiber-optic telescope. Used in cases of recurring urinary tract infections, painful or bloody urination, in cases where growths or tumors are found on other imaging procedures.
- Cytology: An in-depth examination of a urine sample. Identifies abnormal cells, especially cancer cells, and other organisms within the urine.
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) or Urogram (IVU): An examination of the upper urinary tract – the kidneys and ureters. Dye is injected into a nearby vein, and a series of images taken to record the spread of the dye through the kidney and ureter.
- Prostate Biopsy: Samples of the prostate are taken for biopsy, usually in cases of abnormal rectal examinations.
- Urodynamics: Tests which aim to evaluate the function of the lower urinary tract – the bladder and urethra.
Florida Medical Clinic Urology Department
Early detection of common male urology problems can help prevent complications and worsened conditions in the long run. The Florida Medical Clinic Urology Department is your resource for diagnosis, treatment and answers to any questions you may have about your health.
Make an appointment at one of our convenient locations today.