Scheduling an appointment with a urologist can be intimidating for a lot of men. Most of the fear comes from not knowing what to expect – what does a urologist do? What will the examination look like? How does someone even know if they need to see a urologist?
We want to take away all the daunting questions you might have. In this article, we’re diving into everything a man can expect from an appointment with a urologist. We’ll take a look at what a urologist does, the types of conditions they can help with, and what might happen during that very first appointment.
For personalised advice, contact Dr. Marlon Perera, Urological Surgeon, today.
What Does a Urologist Do?
To explain it simply, urologists deal with any health issues of the male urinary tract and reproductive system. Being trained to treat these areas makes urologists the go-to experts for a broad variety of different male health issues, including diseases within the kidney, bladder, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. A significant part of urology is men’s sexual health, and a urologist can help address issues such as low testosterone and erectile dysfunction.
Reasons Why a Man Might See a Urologist
Both men and women may need to visit a urologist at times. For women, problems such as frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or pelvic floor disorders may be referred to a urologist, as may issues such as bladder and kidney cancer, kidney stones, incontinence, blood in urine, and any other urinary issues.
As for men, there are a wide variety of reasons why a man might see a urologist. It is highly recommended for men, especially those over the age of 50, to have a prostate cancer screening. All men should take the time to check on their health, but this is especially important for anyone with a family history of prostate cancer. Other reasons to see a urologist include:
- Infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Difficulty urinating
- Enlarged prostate
- Prostate cancer
- Adrenal gland cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Penile cancer
What Happens During a Urologist Appointment?
What to expect from your first appointment with a urologist may change depending on the specific health concern you’re addressing. However, there are several things you can likely expect. To best prepare, we recommend taking a look at your relevant medical history. Bring in any scans or documents that may help your urologist, and be prepared to share any medication you are currently taking.
In order to assess your condition, you will likely have to fill out some paperwork upon your arrival. You may get the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire regarding all your symptoms and concerns, so come in ready to list anything you may want to share with your urologist. There is a high likelihood that your doctor will want a urine sample to test. To best prepare, make sure you don’t come in for your appointment with an empty bladder, and perhaps bring some water along with you as well.
What to Expect From a Urologist’s Examination
After the initial formalities and discussions of your history, there is a chance that your urologist will want to complete a genitourinary exam during this initial appointment. This is a comprehensive examination of the urinary tract and the surrounding area.
Generally speaking, urology exams are quick and pain-free and may cover a range of areas. You should be expecting your urologist to possibly perform a genital exam and a digital rectal exam, which will assess the prostate.
There are several other tests that your urologist may recommend. Depending on the nature of your health concerns, your doctor may complete additional assessments on your testosterone levels, blood counts, kidney function, and prostate imaging.
Book an Appointment with Dr Marlon Perera to Address Your Concerns
Visiting a urologist shouldn’t feel daunting. Here at Perera Urology, Dr. Marlon Perera is dedicated to helping patients address their health concerns in a comfortable environment. As an experienced urological surgeon, Dr. Perera can help diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions for men. If you think you may need to see a Melbourne urologist, book an appointment at Perera urology today.