Common Urology Problems

Urology refers to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health problems associated with the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra. For men, the urinary tract also includes the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate. This is why women must see a urologist for urinary tract issues and a gynecologist for women’s health issues, while men can see a urologist for both urinary tract and men’s health issues.

Here are some common urology problems that a lot of people have:

Lack of Bladder Control

One of the most common urological problem men have is a lack of bladder control or urinary incontinence – particularly as they get older. This condition causes you to lose control of your bladder when you need to urinate. It can cause frequent leaking, an inability to temporarily control yourself while you get to a bathroom, or urinating without being aware. It can also manifest through a sudden urgency to urinate – meaning your urgency goes from a scale of 0 to 10 within a few seconds. Many factors can cause urinary incontinence, including prostate enlargement, an overactive bladder, or prostate cancer. Fortunately, there are a lot of treatments out there that can help with this issue.

Erectile Dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to an inability to get or maintain an erection strong enough for sexual activity. This problem is often associated with older men, but the truth is, it can affect men of any age group. A lot of issues can cause ED, including obesity, heart disease, low-T, diabetes, stress, nerve damage, and much more. Treating ED involves getting to the root cause of the condition. For many, treatment requires a multi-faceted approach for effective results. Most men can improve ED symptoms through conservative treatments and lifestyle changes. However, some men need surgery to correct the problem.

Enlarged Prostate

The prostate gland is located between the penis and the bladder, situated in front of the rectum. It is similar in size to walnut and houses the urethra, which helps expel urine through the penis. 

Frequent trips to the bathroom, particularly during the night, are indicative of an enlarged prostate. Dribbling, trouble getting a urine stream started, and leaking are all signs of an enlarged prostate. Unlike erectile dysfunction, this condition is linked with aging. The chances of you developing an enlarged prostate increase with age. Fortunately, an enlarged prostate can be treated in a variety of ways, including medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Urologist in Concord, Mint Hill, and Charlotte, North Carolina 

If you are having a urological issue, it’s important to get in touch with a urologist as soon as possible. While the symptoms of many urological problems may be easy to ignore, it’s not a good idea to do so. Some urological issues can get worse with time and even become life-threatening.

Dr. Richard Natale is a board-certified urologist who is experienced in treating all types of urological issues, including an enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence.

Make an appointment today to get a diagnosis for your symptoms and an effective treatment plan in place. Call (704) 786-5131 to schedule an appointment, or you can request an appointment online.