How to Choose The Right Prostate Doctor

Everyone deserves effective and compassionate care, including men who need treatment for prostate disorders, including cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and more. If your PCP wants you to see a prostate doctor in Concord, NC, because of a questionable PSA test, digital rectal exam, or symptoms, here is how you should choose the right provider.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-shaped organ located in front of a man’s urinary bladder and surrounding his urethra. After age 40, the prostate typically enlarges–a condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). BPH causes symptoms such as urinary retention, bladder infection, poor urine flow, and more.

While half of men age 50 and over have BPH (and 90 percent of men age 80 and over). This benign condition is not the only prostate health issue. Unfortunately, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Detected and treated early on, this malignancy can be cured, but an experienced prostate specialist is necessary for proper treatment.

In summary, prostate health is critical to a man’s overall health and well-being. If your PCP discovers irregularities in a digital rectal exam (DRE), a prostate-specific antigen blood test (PSA), or if you have urinary tract symptoms, you need a referral to the best prostate specialist in the Charlotte, NC, area.

How You Should Choose The Right Prostate Doctor

To find out what is happening with your prostate, you must see a board-certified urologist. A board-certified urologist has many years of advanced training beyond medical school and residency and is the best qualified person to discuss your symptoms, perform advanced testing, and arrive at a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

So, be sure to ask your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist, and go online to verify the physician’s credentials, experience, and patient reviews. Then, you should arrange a consultation with the prospective doctor to understand their manner and approach to patient care.

For instance, does the urologist:

• Answer your questions completely and patiently
• Give you the details you need to decide about treatment options
• Tell you the kind and number of prostate procedures/treatments they have done, including their success rates
• Have support staff that is respectful and welcoming

A qualified prostate doctor should also offer innovative services, such as the following.

TURP

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is surgery that removes excess prostate tissue through the passageway (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder through the penis.

TUNA

Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) heats and destroys prostate tissue using low-frequency radio waves.

KTP Laser Prostatectomy

Greenlight technology uses laser light to shrink an enlarged prostate without cutting or suturing.

Rezum Water Vapor Therapy

Also minimally invasive, this amazing procedure uses simple steam to heat and remove excess prostate tissue.

Urolift

This in-office prostate procedure effectively lifts and separates the prostate lobes, opening the urethra for improved urine flow. There are no incisions, sutures, or appreciable downtime associated with the BPH treatment.

Medications for BPH

Medications, such as Flomax and Proscar, increase urinary flow and/or shrink prostate tissue. Often used together, these drugs may help men avoid surgery and other prostate procedures.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have concerns about prostate cancer, you should see a urologist for testing. If necessary, you’ll be referred to a urological oncologist. This kind of physician understands the various types of and treatments for cancers of the genitourinary tract.

Dr. Richard Natale at Carolina Urology Partners

When you are ready to see a prostate doctor, we suggest you consult one of the best: Dr. Richard Natale in Charlotte and Concord, NC. He is a highly acclaimed, board-certified urologist and men’s health specialist. You will get information specific to your exam, tests, and medical history.

Call us at (704) 786-5131, or request a confidential consultation online. We look forward to speaking with you soon.