When to See a Urologist: Key Signs and Symptoms

It’s easy to take your health for granted when everything is fine. But when symptoms develop, suddenly it can feel like your world is turned upside down. Knowing when to seek medical treatment can help you feel calmer and more confident while benefiting your health, too. That includes knowing when to visit us for unusual changes in your urogenital system.

Alfred Shtainer, MD, FACS, and the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology are skilled in diagnosing and treating problems involving the urogenital tract, providing state-of-the-art care for both men and women. Let’s look at the signs that indicate it’s time for you to schedule a visit with our team.

History of kidney stones

Millions of men and women suffer from kidney stones every year in the United States, and some have stones frequently. If you’re prone to kidney stones, having a urology evaluation can find the root cause and help prevent stones in the future.

Pain when urinating

Pain or burning during urination is a common sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), but other problems like kidney stones or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause these symptoms, too. One thing is for sure: Persistent or recurrent pain or burning is not normal and needs to be medically assessed right away before underlying infections or other problems cause more serious complications.

Urine that looks or smells odd

Normal urine is yellowish and clear — that is, not cloudy. If your urine looks pinkish, brownish, or cloudy, it can indicate blood or other substances in your urine, sure signs of infection or other troubles. The same is true if your urine has a strong or unusual smell.

Changes in urinary frequency

Urination is part of a normal, daily routine, but if you find yourself urinating more frequently than normal or waking up during the night to urinate, it’s time to schedule a visit. The same is true if you find yourself unable to urinate. Changes in urinary frequency can be a sign of an infection, an overactive bladder, or for men, a prostate problem.

Changes in how your bladder feels

If you feel pressure, pain, discomfort, or a sense of fullness even after urinating, that’s another sign of a possible infection, kidney stones, or even cancer. Prompt evaluation is important for preventing serious complications.

Pelvic or genital pain

Recurrent or chronic pain in your genitals, lower belly, or back could be a sign of kidney stones, infections, or other problems that affect the structure or function of your urogenital tract. For men, it may signify prostate problems, like prostatitis or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). For women, pelvic or genital pain may be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse or infections.

Ejaculation or erection issues

Urologists are educated in issues that impair ejaculatory function, including premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. If you have problems with erection or ejaculation or any aspect of sexual function, seeing a urologist can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Genital sores or discharge

Sores or unusual discharge from the penis or vagina are often signs of an STD, but they can also be associated with other infections and conditions. Certainly, these symptoms aren’t normal and are a clear indicator that you need to make an appointment right away.

Incontinence

Urinary incontinence tends to happen more frequently as we age,  but infections and other problems can cause urine leakage, too. Regardless of the cause, it’s never normal and can be effectively treated. Schedule a visit with Dr. Shtainer for treatment and relief as soon as possible.

Male infertility concerns

Many people think fertility issues are a woman’s health issue, but actually, male infertility is involved in about half of all cases of conception problems. If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, Dr. Shtainer performs testing to determine if male infertility is the cause.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or if you have other concerns about your urogenital function, Dr. Shtainer can help. Request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York,  today.