Men's Initial Consultation with a Urologist: Essential Information for Comprehension
Urologists are medical professionals who specialize in the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. They are often the first point of contact for issues such as fertility, sexual problems, or sexually transmitted diseases, although your family doctor can also refer you to a urologist.
Prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men, affects around 66,000 new cases each year in Germany. Urologists play a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Professional associations recommend combining the rectal examination with PSA screenings for early detection. However, it's essential to note that completely forgoing digital rectal examination (DRE) is not advisable, as it can provide crucial information about prostate size and shape, as well as any palpable abnormalities that may indicate colorectal cancer.
PSA screenings determine the "prostate-specific antigen," an important parameter for early cancer detection, but they are not covered by health insurance and cost around 25 to 35 euros. The rectal examination may cause some discomfort, but it's typically brief and not painful. Providing background information and humor can help reduce embarrassment during a DRE.
Urologists are not just for men. Approximately 40% of urologist patients are women, who visit for reasons such as recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or urinary incontinence. Women should seek a urologist if they experience pain or burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, involuntary urine loss, blood in the urine, flank pain, or the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, as these symptoms can indicate urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, incontinence, stones, or even tumors.
The first appointment with a urologist typically begins with an extensive discussion of the patient's medical history, including questions about family cancer history, previous illnesses, or medication use. Depending on the symptoms, a physical examination may be performed, which may be supplemented by urine or blood tests.
Men are recommended to have an annual urological examination for cancer screening from the age of 45, and the health insurance company covers the costs. However, a representative survey shows that 55% of men aged 45 and over do not regularly undergo this examination, and 26% have never done so. Psychologist Robert Frese attributes men's reluctance to undergo preventive examinations to their psychology, often observing that men don't like going to the doctor.
Urological treatments are also performed on children for reasons such as congenital malformations or undescended testicles that require medical clarification. In summary, urologists are valuable medical professionals who play a crucial role in maintaining urological health for people of all ages.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
