Men's and Women's Urology: Important Questions for Better Health

Urology is the area of healthcare focused on the function of the urinary system. You should know what to ask your urologist to have an effective relationship with them and maintain good urinary health. 

This article lists questions to ask a urologist. 

Preparing for Your Urologist Visit: Essential Questions for Both Men and Women

A urologist is skilled in providing the information patients need for optimal urinary health. Still, men and women should have general questions in mind to ensure the doctor answers them. This may include things like:

• How often should I go to the bathroom?
• What color should my urine be?
• Are there foods I should eat or avoid to improve my urinary health?

There are also questions for a urologist focused on male or female anatomy. 

Questions specific to men’s urological health

For men, below are some important questions to ask a urologist:

• How can I maintain good prostate health? Cancer and other conditions can affect the prostate, so it’s good to be proactive about prostate health.
• What are the early signs of prostate cancer? The sooner you and your doctor detect prostate cancer, the better your treatment outcome is likely to be. 
• How do I know if I have low testosterone? Testosterone affects a man’s bone density, muscle strength and mass, sex drive, and other factors and can be supplemented for those with low levels. 
• Is my semen normal? Semen is normally thick, white, and odorless. Non-standard characteristics like an odor or the presence of blood can indicate a health problem.  
• Why does it take me a long time to urinate? Problems with urination are often caused by benign (non-cancerous) prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but you should discuss this with your doctor.

What action is necessary for a broken penis? A penile fracture, which your urologist can describe, is considered a surgical emergency.

Questions specific to women’s urological health

Women should ask these questions about their urological health:

• How common is urinary incontinence? Your doctor can explain that many women experience urinary incontinence and describe the causes and how to address it. 
• Should I do Kegel exercises? These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can reduce urinary leakage. 
  Is pelvic pain common? Knowing what steps to take if you experience pelvic pain is essential. 
• Do hormones play a part in urologic function? This is important since hormones vary with the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, etc. 
• Can cranberry juice cure urinary tract infections (UTIs)? Women who experience frequent UTIs should learn how to address them effectively.
• What can cause pain during sex? Knowing the possible causes of painful intercourse helps you understand how to proceed with testing and treatment if appropriate. 

What symptoms do cancers of the urinary system produce? Cancer can affect different areas of the urinary tract, and catching it early improves treatment outcomes. 

Tips for Maximizing Your Urology Appointment

You need to make most of your urology visits to protect your urinary health. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for and attend appointments.

Be honest about sensitive topics

It may feel awkward to discuss your urinary and sexual health with a doctor. However, you should rest assured that your urologist has experience with all types of issues and is happy to answer any questions. Being honest with your doctor helps ensure they can diagnose and help you address any health problems.

Keep track of symptoms and medical history

Your urologist can best help you if you can provide detailed information about your urinary health. It’s a good idea to maintain a “symptom diary” to record things like the frequency, duration, and intensity of your symptoms. You should also share a detailed medical history with your doctor and not assume they have all your information. 

Learn About Urology Services at Baptist Health

Good urologic health is essential to good overall health. Knowing what to ask your urologist ensures you understand how to care for your urinary tract, what symptoms of urinary health issues to look for, etc. 

Get details today on urology care at Baptist Health.