Taking your health seriously is one of the most important things you can do to protect and prolong a happy life. When it comes to your urological health, it’s important to understand that any symptom could be a serious symptom, and most of them should be addressed right away.
A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of disorders of the urinary system. This means any time you experience pain or “burning,” in an area like the lower abdomen, the lower back or when urinating, you might need to see a urologist. Likewise, noticing a painful area or even a lump could be a sign of certain types of urological cancer. If you’re a man over 40, you should already be seeing your urologist annually for prostate cancer screenings.
Another good rule of thumb is to always be aware of what “normal” urine looks like for you. While shade may vary from person to person, urine that is consistently dark may be a sign of dehydration. Bloody, very dark, black, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine are all signs you should see your urologist immediately, as they could be a sign of serious infection.
If in doubt, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. Most urological conditions, when caught early, are highly treatable with minimal downtime. Your urologist is also trained to help you modify your lifestyle for optimal health no matter what condition you may have, maximizing your quality of life and minimizing recurring symptoms.
If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms discussed in this article, or if you’d like to learn more about how a urologist can help you improve your lifestyle and manage your condition, we’d love to discuss options with you. Give us a call at 877-321-8452 to speak with a provider today.