The article in brief
Urinary and genital symptoms often require rapid consultation with a urologist. Here are the key points to remember:
- Warning signs Burning when urinating, difficulty in urinatingblood in urine
- Men : erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer screening from the age of 50
- Women prolapse, urinary incontinence
- Urology also concerns children (malformations, enuresis)
- Early consultation is often the key to better care
Urology is a medical speciality that deals with problems affecting the urinary and genital systems. As an experienced etanturologist, I know how delicate it can be for patients to discuss these intimate subjects. But it's important to seek help quickly if you have specific symptoms. Here's a guide to help you identify situations requiring specialist advice.
Urinary symptoms: when to worry?
Urinary problems are often the first signs that should alert you. In the course of my career, I've noticed that many patients wait too long before seeking help, sometimes making their situation worse. When to consult a urologist for specific symptoms related to urination? Here are the main warning signs:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Difficulty urinating or blockages
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Weak or intermittent urine flow
- Urinary incontinence or leakage
If you notice blood in your urine (haematuria), do not hesitate to see a urologist quickly. This symptom may be benign, but it may also indicate a more serious pathology requiring rapid treatment.
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Recurrent urinary tract infections are a frequent reason for consultation. If you suffer from more than three infections a year, it's time to consult a specialist. We can then look for the underlying causes and put in place the appropriate treatment.
Pelvic and kidney pain
Intense pain in the pelvis, kidneys or testicles should prompt you to seek medical advice as soon as possible. These symptoms may reveal a variety of pathologies, such as kidney stones, testicular torsion or a serious infection.
Male intimate problems: breaking the taboo
As a urologist, I often find that men are reluctant to seek help for intimate problems. Yet certain symptoms should not be overlooked. Here are the situations that require the advice of a specialist:
Sexual function disorders
Difficulties with erection or ejaculation, as well as a significant drop in libido, are valid reasons for consulting a doctor. These problems may be the first signs of other more serious pathologies, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Prostate cancer screening
I strongly recommend that men should be screened for prostate cancer from the age of 50, or from the age of 45 if they have risk factors (family history, Afro-Caribbean origin). Consultation with a urologist will generally include a digital rectal examination and a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test.
Other symptoms to watch out for
Unexplained fatigue, sleep problems or mood swings can sometimes be linked to urological problems. Similarly, the presence of a lump or swelling in the testicles requires a rapid examination.
| Symptom | Recommended consultation period |
|---|---|
| Blood in urine | Immediate |
| Intense pelvic pain | Within 24-48 hours |
| Persistent erectile dysfunction | Within a month |
| Recurrent urinary tract infections | Within 3 months |
Urology beyond preconceived ideas
Contrary to popular belief, urology is not just for men. In fact, this speciality treats urinary and genital problems in men, women and even children.
Problems specific to women
For women, urologists treat prolapse in particular. These problems, often linked to childbirth or the menopause, can have a major impact on quality of life. Early treatment can often prevent complications.
Paediatric urology
Children may also need to consult a urologist, particularly in the case of urinary or genital malformations, or for persistent enuresis (bedwetting) problems. Early diagnosis often leads to better treatment.
I remember a young patient aged 7 who had always suffered from enuresis. His distraught parents had tried everything. After a thorough examination, we discovered a minor malformation of the bladder that could easily be corrected. Six months after the operation, the child was no longer wetting his bed, to the great relief of the whole family.
Your urinary health, our priority
As a urologist with a passion for my work, I can only encourage you to pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. Early consultation can often prevent problems from worsening and ensure optimal treatment.
During a urological consultation, we carry out a detailed interview, followed by a clinical examination. If necessary, additional tests may be prescribed to refine the diagnosis. Depending on the results, we may suggest drug treatments or, in some cases, consider surgery.
Don't hesitate to talk to your GP about your symptoms. He or she will be able to refer you to a urologist if necessary. And above all, remember that there's no shame in consulting a doctor about intimate problems. Your health is precious, so take care of it!
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