Many men and women have wondered when to start seeing a urologist and how often. They have also asked if seeing a urologist is something that should be done regularly, or only when problems arise.
A question that comes up pretty frequently is how often men and women should see their urologist. This may be asked for a number of reasons, but the most common could be because women see their gynecologist regularly and urologist occasionally—so should men be just as proactive about their health? We will get to this in a minute, but first, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind when it comes to doctors visits in general.
It is true gynecologists can-- in some circumstances-- assume the role of a primary care physician for some women. Many gynecologists can manage cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diet and overall wellness. Nevertheless, it’s just as important for women to see a urologist for other health factors that concern their unique urological needs.
There are a number of common pelvic floor disorders that affect women that require the knowledge and expertise of a urologist. Some of these conditions include urinary incontinence, dysuria, cystocele, rectocele, enterocele and uterine prolapse. You can read more about female conditions treated by urologists on our website. Most times a woman will be referred to us by their gynecologist or primary care physician (PCP) to have a specific urological problem address. Or, a woman may reach out to us on their own accord—it just depends on the situation and health issue.
For men, a urologist addresses problems that relate to your urinary and reproductive system—not necessary your whole health and wellness. With that, it’s important men receive regular health screenings from aPCP and receive specialized urinary and reproductive care from a urologist.
Getting regular check-ups from a PCP should be considered in your 20’s and 30’s; in regards to urology, the American Urological Association recommends all men have prostate cancer screenings annually starting at age 40.
That doesn’t mean you should bypass your urologist if you’re in your 20’s or 30’s—you should see a urologist at any age if you are having problems with your urinary or reproductive system. Moreover, if you have a problem that is ongoing and requires consistent treatment, you may need to see your urologist once or more a year for however long it is necessary.
If you are in your 40’s, be sure to schedule your prostate cancer screening with a physician at Affiliated Urologists. This screening usually involves a digital rectal examination and a serum PSA test. You can read more about this process in our blog: “Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer.”
In the meantime, any men or women who have any questions regarding their urinary or reproductive health should not hesitate to call us today! We will set you up with one of our highly credentialed physicians and get your questions or concerns addressed immediately. We look forward to seeing you!
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or click here for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
