The article in brief
The article describes urological emergencies and stresses the importance of prompt consultation in the event of alarming symptoms.
- Signs requiring immediate consultation intense testicular pain, prolonged erection, blood in the urine
- Urgent conditions : acute retention of urinetesticular trauma, recurrent urinary tract infections
- A early diagnosis helps prevent complications and broadens treatment options
- Rapid consultation with a urologist is essential to preserve quality of life
Urology is a medical speciality that treats disorders of the urinary and reproductive systems. As a urologist, I am often faced with emergency situations that require rapid intervention. It's important to know how to recognise the signs that indicate an urgent consultation is required. In this post, I'll guide you through the most worrying symptoms and explain why it's vital not to ignore them.
Alarming signs requiring immediate urological consultation
In the course of my career, I have seen many patients who could have avoided serious complications if they had consulted earlier. Here are the main signs that should alert you:
Sudden, intense testicular pain
Sudden, intense pain in the testicles, particularly in a young man, may be a sign of testicular torsion. This condition requires surgery within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms to avoid irreversible damage. Do not hesitate to go immediately to emergency if you feel this type of pain.
Prolonged and painful erection
An erection that lasts for more than 4 hours or becomes painful is a medical emergency called a priapism. This condition can lead to permanent damage to the penis if it is not treated quickly. I had one patient who waited too long to seek treatment and unfortunately suffered significant after-effects.
Blood in the urine and back pain
The presence of blood in the urine (haematuria) combined with severe back pain may indicate a serious urinary tract infection or a attack of renal colic. If these symptoms are accompanied by a fever, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as this may be a sign of acute pyelonephritis.
Urgent urological conditions and their management
As an urologist, I am trained to treat a variety of urgent conditions. Here are the most common ones and how we treat them:
Acute retention of urine
The inability to urinate despite a pressing urge is an emergency called acute urinary retention. This condition can be extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous if not treated quickly. Immediate treatment usually involves the insertion of a urinary catheter to relieve the bladder.
Testicular trauma
A direct blow to the testicles can cause serious damage. It is essential to see a urologist quickly to assess the extent of the damage using ultrasound. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damage and preserve testicular function.
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Although not all urinary tract infections are emergencies, repeated infections may indicate an underlying problem that needs attention. It is essential to seek medical advice to identify the cause and implement appropriate treatment.
Here is a summary table of the main urological emergencies and their symptoms:
| Urological emergencies | Main symptoms | Consultation period |
|---|---|---|
| Testicular torsion | Sudden, intense testicular pain | Less than 6 hours |
| Priapism | Prolonged (>4 hours) and painful erection | Immediate |
| Acute pyelonephritis | Fever, back pain, blood in urine | Within 24 hours |
| Acute retention of urine | Inability to urinate despite the urge to do so | Immediate |
The importance of early diagnosis in urology
Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential in urology. Over the years, I have found that patients who consult early generally have better results and often avoid serious complications.
Preventing long-term complications
Some urological conditions, if not treated promptly, can have long-term health consequences. For example, an untreated urinary tract infection can spread to the kidneys and cause permanent damage. That's why it's vital not to ignore persistent urinary symptoms.
Extended treatment options
Early diagnosis often offers more treatment options. In some cases, early intervention can help avoid major surgery. For example, in the case of testicular torsion diagnosed early, a simple manipulation can sometimes be enough to resolve the problem.
Quality of life preserved
Urological problems can have a significant impact on quality of life. By consulting a specialist early on, you can increase your chances of preserving urinary and sexual function. I have seen many patients return to a normal life thanks to early treatment.
It is important to note that consulting a urologist does not always require a prescriptionespecially in an emergency. Don't hesitate to go straight to emergency or to contact a urologist if you have any of the symptoms mentioned in this post.
As a specialist, I cannot stress enough the importance of listening to your body. Urological problems can be embarrassing for some, but you mustn't let embarrassment get the better of your health. Early diagnosis can make all the difference to your care and recovery.
Don't forget: if in doubt, it's always best to seek advice. Your urological health is precious, so take care of it!
Sources :
wiki urology
urology department
