Urology problem focuses on the urinary tract system that is responsible for creating and removing urine from the body. The whole system includes kidneys, bladder, ureter, urethra and the reproductive system. The field also addresses problems related to male reproductive organs.
It is inevitable that most men will experience some sort of urological problems and can lead to pain, discomfort and other serious health issues in case the issues are left untreated. But early detection and the right treatment can save precious lives of men from succumbing to urological disorders.
Following are the 8 most common urology problems in men
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate. It blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. The prostate cells begin to multiply and lead to enlargement. Consequently, the pressure builds up on the urethra through which urine and semen pass out from the body.
With the narrowing of the urethra, the bladder has to contract to push urine through the body. As time passes, the bladder muscles tend to become stronger, thicker and sensitive. Even a small amount of urine makes the bladder contract and leads to frequent urination.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate (BPH):
- A weak or slow urinary stream
- Difficulty while urinating
- Frequent & urgent urination
- Frequent urination at night
- A urinary stream that starts and stops
- Straining to urinate
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection is another most common urology problem in men. It is caused by bacteria in any part of the urinary system. This infection is often classified into two types depending upon the location.
- Lower Tract Infection
This includes bladder and urethra infection. The common root cause of this kind of infection is intestinal bacteria that enters and contaminates the bladder from below. Additionally, it can also be caused due to microorganisms that are transmitted through intercourse.
- Upper Tract Infection
This form of infection occurs when bacteria travels upward in the urinary tract from the bladder to the kidney. Another reason can be the collection of bacteria (carried in bloodstream) in the kidney.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection:
- Frequent urination
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation during or after urination
- Low-grade fever
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in urine
- Prostate Cancer
According to cancer.org, ‘About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime’.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death for men. It occurs when cells in the prostate start growing uncontrollably and become cancerous. In such cases, men need to have their PSA level checked annually along with a digital rectal exam.
Once the PSA levels and severity of cancer are diagnosed, your doctor will recommend the type of treatment that may include chemotherapy and radiation.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
- Frequent urination
- Interrupted urine flow or the need to strain for emptying the bladder
- Frequent need to urinate at night
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the seminal fluid
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain or burning during urination
- Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to keep an erection firm enough for physical intercourse. It can be a sign of a physical or a psychological condition. This urological disorder causes stress, relationship issues and breaks the self-confidence of the person suffering.
This common urology problem affects men of age 40 and above. This condition is treatable by consulting the doctor at the right time.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction:
- Difficulty in getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
- Kidney and Ureteral Stones
Kidney and ureteral stones is another common urology problem in men. The stones that form in the kidneys and other parts of the urinary system are a result of salts and minerals deposits.
The stones can travel through the urinary tract and the ones that move from the kidneys to the ureter are known as ureteral stones. These tend to cause unbearable pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of Kidney and Ureteral Stones:
- Abnormal urine color
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Blood in urine
- Fever Vomiting
- Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a condition that refers to an inflammation of the prostate gland that is a walnut-sized gland situated below the bladder in men. It is one of those common conditions that affect men at a larger level.
Generally, prostatitis is confused with other urinary tract infections, but there is always a difference that only an expert urologist can tell.
Symptoms of Prostatitis:
- Painful urination
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the lower back and pelvic area
- Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a condition of leakage of urine due to the loss of bladder control. The patient loses control over the condition and may feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.
The conditions that are likely to cause urinary incontinence are diabetes, overactive bladder, weak bladder muscles, urinary tract infections, spinal cord injury and weak sphincter muscles.
Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence:
- A urine stream that starts and stops upon urination
- Leakage of a small amount of urine
- A need to strain while urinating
- Frequent urination at night
- Leakage of urine while asleep
- Infertility
Infertility in men is the trouble men face in impregnating their partner. Various causes of infertility in men are abnormal sperm production, genetic defects, blockage in the urinary tract that prevents sperm from passing, health issues like diabetes or other infections or injuries.
Urologists work collaboratively with female fertility experts to take care of the fertility of the couple.
Symptoms of Infertility:
- Problems with sexual function
- Pain or a lump in the testicle area
- Inability to smell
- Abnormal growth of chest
- Decreased facial or body hair
- Lower sperm count
Urological problems in men are increasing at an alarming rate and there are various reasons like sedentary lifestyles, stress, age factor and others behind it. But medical science has developed to an extent that it can cure any of these troubles provided the patient seeks consultation in time.
Get in touch with the most experienced kidney doctor in Amritsar and discuss your concerns that are troubling your health. Smt. Paarvati Devi Hospital is known for having the best kidney specialist in Amritsar. Our dedicated staff is always ready to serve the patients with utmost care and compassion with ultra-modern facility & infrastructure.
Consult today!