When Should I See a Urologist?

Urological symptoms can be embarrassing. The director of USC Urology at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital shares his advice.

Sensitive areas make for sensitive topics. When you experience urological problems or issues with your genitals, it can be hard to talk about them.

Some people might avoid seeking health care and try to tough it out alone instead. But that is never ideal.

When seeking care, it can also be difficult to decide whether to see a primary care physician or a urologist. Leo Doumanian, MD, director of USC Urology at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH), shares insights on when to seek urological care.

Which common conditions do urologists treat?

• Enlarged prostates
• Urinary problems, including infections and incontinence in men and women
• Kidney stones
• Sexual dysfunction in men

Which other conditions, including more serious ones, do urologists treat?

• Inability to urinate
• Blood in the urinary tract
• Severe genitourinary pain
• Blockage or obstruction of the genitourinary drainage system
• Cancers of the genitourinary tract

What are some urological symptoms that should be seen by a urologist?

Generally, always consult your primary care provider first with any issues. From there, they can refer you to a urologist if necessary.

Seek care if you experience blood in your urine, pain in your flanks or sides, unusual sensations when urinating, or abnormal growths or bleeding from your genitals.

These symptoms might prompt referral to a urologist. Symptoms might be related to a more serious issue like cancer, so it’s safer to get checked out.

Why is it important to get consultation and treatment for urological problems?

Urological problems should be dealt with earlier rather than later because they can affect more than just the patient’s physical health. They can also impact intimate relationships, self-esteem and psychological well-being.

Seeking treatment sooner can also optimize results. The earlier you mitigate urological issues such as urinary retention, kidney failure, bladder stones and other specific maladies or pathophysiological conditions, the better your outcome will usually be.

What mindset should patients have when it comes to evaluating symptoms?

Some urological disorders, such as sexual dysfunction or incontinence, impact self-esteem. To alleviate fear or embarrassment, find a health care provider you feel comfortable with.

It’s important that you feel free to ask your health care provider any questions you have about these issues. It’s better not to have to live with discomfort — both physically and emotionally — so the sooner you find a provider you can trust, the better.

Why should men be proactive about their urological health?

Men can often ignore their health care, but they shouldn’t put off seeing a urologist.

A good proportion of men’s general health care and well-being falls under the realm of urology, because as men age, they can experience sexual dysfunction, urination problems, prostate enlargement and prostate cancers.

Also remember that urological issues happen to younger men, too. Don’t hesitate to see a urologist if issues occur so you can maintain a good quality of life.

How can patients navigate around the stigma of urological problems?

Nobody should be ashamed of any sexual, genital, renal or urinary dysfunction. You have every right to feel confident in seeking out a urologist who can help you and educate you about your situation.

Don’t resign yourself to living with maladies just because you are getting older. At the very least, find a provider whom you trust to listen to you, empathize with you and help lead you to a better quality of life.

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