The nutrients we get from eating and drinking are essential to survival. To remove toxins and waste from what we ingest, our urinary system remains hard at work filtering and eliminating them. This network of organs (bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra) filters waste products from your bloodstream, producing the urine we pass in the bathroom.
Several problems can affect this system, leading to diseases that, left unchecked, could be fatal. Urologists specialize in managing these issues, and, at some point, almost everyone will need to see one. Let’s find out more about the medical problems that can affect your urinary tract, the symptoms to look for, and when it might be time to make a urology appointment.
Drs. Craig Herman and Steven Kester and the Urology Center of Florida team have worked to keep Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and South Florida residents healthy by treating a wide range of urinary problems for over 25 years.
Here are some conditions that frequently affect your urinary system:
Not all urinary disorders present with symptoms at the onset, but when they develop, you can expect signs like abdominal cramping and pain, back pain, blood in your urine (hematuria), cloudy urine, chills, fever, foul-smelling urine, leakage, urinary urge, and frequent urination. Other signs include pain during sex, burning urination, and unexplained weight loss.
Severe conditions can present with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, high fever, and not producing any urine.
First, it’s important to understand that while urologists specialize in managing issues with the urinary tract, they also manage genitourinary issues. This means that they also treat erectile dysfunction, vaginal heaviness, pelvic pain, and other sexual issues. Everyone should get a urologist, but when can vary with needs:
For men, testicular examinations should start in their 20s if there is a family history of tumors. Primary care physicians often order urine tests to look for kidney problems, among other issues, and can refer to urologists if necessary, between 30 and 40. Men should have a regular urologist by age 40 for prostate exams and other essential testing and treatment.
For women, consider a urologist at any age, as urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and bladder problems can occur anytime. Once women are postmenopausal, a urologist will be essential for issues like incontinence, kidney dysfunction, and bladder prolapse.
Protect your urinary health as best as possible with the help of a urologist to manage conditions and help prevent illness. Call or message the Urology Center of Florida team today to make an appointment.
