Urinary health is important and should be monitored regularly. But often, men overlook or dismiss symptoms that could be a sign of a more serious condition.
If you experience one of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your urologist for a checkup.
Blood in Urine
This is not normal and could be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer. Even one incident of blood in the urine deserves a visit to the urologist for basic screening tests and exams such as urine tests, X-rays or a look inside the bladder with a fiber optic scope (cystoscopy).
Elevated or Changing PSA Levels
Prostate-specific antigens (PSA) are produced by the cells of the prostate gland. Your doctor may measure these levels during regular screenings to help determine your prostate health. PSA levels are among the most sensitive indicators of prostate cancer. If your PSA level increases—even if still within “normal” levels—it may suggest cancer and should be evaluated.
Abnormal Prostate Exam
Abnormalities in the prostate like firmness, irregularities or small nodules may indicate prostate cancer. That’s why it’s critical that all men 55 and older get a yearly exam—ideally by the same doctor year after year.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. Luckily, prostate
Abnormal Kidney X-Rays
Finding any abnormalities on your kidney x-rays can be alarming. See a urologist before you schedule a biopsy for a kidney mass, because such biopsies can actually cause more harm and may not provide the desired information.
Testicular Masses or Persistent Pain
If you find a testicular mass or have persistent pain in the area, you should seek out a urologist. It might indicate a ruptured aneurysm, meningitis or cardiac cephalgia, when blood supply to the heart is reduced.