Most people know that urologists deal with the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. But there’s so much more to this specialty than just those basic facts. Urologists are medical professionals who have specialized in the field of urology. 

If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or other concerning symptoms in your urinary tract or genitals, it’s a good idea to see a urologist as soon as possible. These doctors specialize in treating diseases and disorders of the urinary tract, genitourinary system, and prostate gland. 

We All Have to Do Things That We Don’t Want to Do

If you’re like most men, you don’t exactly love visiting the doctor, especially for annual checkups. However, keeping up with your yearly medical appointments is important to staying healthy. They can offer insight into your general health and catch problems before they become something more serious.

Urologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the male reproductive system and urinary tract. This includes the testes, epididymis, prostate gland, and seminal vesicles. If you have any symptoms indicating a need to see a urologist, contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

Red Flags That Indicate You Should See a Urologist

If you have any concerning symptoms, a urologist can tell you whether it would require testing or treatment. Ignoring symptoms of a urological problem can be dangerous which is why it’s important to know what kind of symptoms to watch out for. 

Here are some common warning signs that indicate you should book an appointment with a urologist sooner rather than later. 

You Notice a Change in the Way Your Urine Smells

If you have noticed a difference in the smell of your urine, it could be a sign that you have an infection. Bacteria and fungi are typically the cause of urinary tract infections, or, UTIs. Although UTIs are more common in women, both men and women can get a UTI. 

A UTI can be identified by a change in the smell of your urine. It might smell like ammonia, be cloudy or have a different color. These are signs you should see a urologist immediately. If left untreated, a UTI can spread and lead to long-term health complications like kidney damage or a kidney infection.

Your Urine is Discolored, Not Just Light Yellow

If the color of your urine is significantly darker than normal, not just a light yellow, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Notably, darker urine color can be a sign of liver disease, kidney disease, or a UTI. 

Again, if you have noticed a change in the color of your urine and there are no other noticeable symptoms, you may need to be seen by a urologist. A change in urine color could be a sign of a more serious medical problem that requires treatment.

Testicular Pain and Swelling

If you are experiencing regular pain and swelling in your testicles, you should make an appointment with a urologist. It’s unusual for men’s testicles to get swollen and painful, even if it only happens from time to time, you should still see a urologist. Likewise, if the pain becomes unbearable or frequent, you should get it checked out. 

Testicular swelling can be a sign of a viral infection that requires medical treatment. In other cases, testicular pain and swelling are the results of an STD.

You Feel Pain or Pressure When Urinating

If you have noticed that you are experiencing a lot of pain and pressure when urinating, this could be a sign of an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a small gland located that produces semen. 

A healthy prostate is about the size of a walnut, but as men age, the prostate can begin to enlarge and cause symptoms like painful urination. This is actually a very common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH,  and occurs in a substantial percentage of men over the age of 40. BPH is treatable, but it’s important to see a urologist as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse.

You Are Urinating Too Frequently

If you have noticed that you have a sudden change in urination habits, you could be experiencing the effects of an enlarged prostate. As previously mentioned, the prostate can enlarge as men age and cause serious symptoms. 

You may find that you have to urinate more frequently or have the feeling of a full bladder even after emptying it. If these symptoms have lasted for more than a few weeks, you should see a urologist. They can perform a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging scans to determine if an enlarged prostate is to blame.

Your Semen is Dark, Thick, and Has an Unpleasant Smell

If you have noticed a change in the consistency or appearance of your ejaculation, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. The most common cause of abnormal ejaculation is an infection, but it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. 

If your semen has a dark color and a thick, sticky consistency, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, UTI, or sexually transmitted disease, STD. If your ejaculation has an unpleasant smell, it could be a sign of gonorrhea or chlamydia. These STDs can be treated with antibiotics, but it’s important to get tested as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading.

Blood in Your Urine

If you have noticed blood in your urine and no other symptoms, there’s a chance you have a condition called hematuria. If you notice blood in your urine, it is important that you seek medical attention right away. 

Hematuria can be a sign of a serious underlying condition and should be treated as soon as possible. When hematuria can be caused by a number of things including trauma to the urinary tract and certain medications. It can progress quickly and cause serious complications.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a urologist as soon as possible. Not only can they help diagnose the cause of your symptoms, but they can also recommend treatment and prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Wrapping Up

A urologist is a specialized medical doctor who performs a variety of procedures related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Urologists can help detect and manage a range of different conditions, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Whenever you experience any of the symptoms discussed here, it’s best to call a urologist and make an appointment. Z Urology is one of the most highly respected urology practices in South Florida. 

If you live in the South Florida region, and you want the best care, call Z Urology and make an appointment!