How Often Should You See Your Urologist for Checkups?

While women visit their gynecologists regularly (usually annually), as a man you know that you should likewise see a urologist. For men, urologists check for and address issues which are related to the reproductive and urinary systems – everything from an enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia) causing difficulty urinating to symptoms of Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Getting a regular urology exam after age 40 is necessary for a man to maintain optimum health, including sexual health. Let’s talk about why you would want to start having regular checkups with a skilled urologist, and where you can go in Charlotte and Concord for outstanding men’s healthcare.

Importance of Urology Visits

Your regular doctor may treat mild urinary tract infections (UTIs) and check your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels in your blood, but a urologist can help catch problems before symptoms develop or worsen – and before the problem becomes untreatable. A urologist can stay on top of your susceptibility to many dangerous health conditions, including prostate cancer and kidney disease.

Frequency of Urologist Visits for Checkups

Men’s health needs change as they get older. This is why your needs are vastly different in your 20s or 30s as compared to your 40s and beyond.

In Your 20s and 30s

You will likely first see a urologist to have a vasectomy. If you and your partner change your minds and you do want to start having children or to have more children, you will be back for a reverse vasectomy!

Having any issue with your reproductive system or urological system warrants a visit to the urologist. Some of these conditions include:

• Pain or constant itching in the testicles or groin area
• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Inability to empty the bladder completely
• Increased or decreased frequency of urination
• Erectile dysfunction
• Peyronie’s disease (curvature of the penis)
• Infertility
• A high PSA as detected by your regular doctor
• Abdominal lumps
• Abnormal penile discharge

Your urologist will let you know when and how often you should come back for checkups.

In Your 40s

It is generally recommended to visit a urologist in your 40s for regular annual checkups. If you have erectile dysfunction, frequent urination, or Peyronie’s disease, you will be asked to return for follow-up checkups while your condition is being treated and monitored. Your urologist will exam your prostate for any issues so that they can be treated quickly.

In Your 50s and Beyond

Semiannual, annual, or biannual urologist visits will help you detect and prevent the development of severe health conditions that may otherwise compromise your quality of life and your longevity. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or have a high PSA level naturally, be ready to visit your urologist regularly.

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

If you need a urology checkup or help with a men’s health issue, visit Dr. Richard Natale. Dr. Natale is a board-certified urologist specializing in men’s sexual health and urinary tract issues, including erectile dysfunction, low testosterone (low-T), urinary incontinence, enlarged prostate, and Peyronie’s disease.

Thanks to his vast experience and excellent reviews by his patients, Dr. Natale has been named a top doctor in Charlotte Magazine.

For more information about the services and treatments we offer, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Natale, call us today at (704) 786-5131 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to being your partner in men’s health.