Initial Consultation with a Urologist: Essential Knowledge for Men

In the realm of healthcare, urologists play a significant role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, not just those that are traditionally associated with men. This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the urological field, its importance, and what to expect during a consultation.

For men, urologists are often the first point of contact for various health issues. These may include frequent or painful urination, blood in urine, recurring urinary tract infections, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, testicular pain, unclear abdominal discomfort, and external changes such as signs of inflammation in the genital area or hardening in the testicular region. Women, too, can seek urological care for issues such as urinary tract infections, bladder dysfunction, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, hematuria (blood in urine), or sexual dysfunction.

The first appointment with a urologist typically begins with an extensive discussion of the patient's medical history. This includes questions about family history of cancer, previous illnesses, or medication use. Urologists can also serve as contact persons for topics such as fertility, sexual problems, or sexually transmitted diseases.

One of the key aspects of prostate cancer screening is a combination of rectal examination and PSA determination, as suggested by Robert Frese, the chairman of the board of the Association of Private Practice Urologists in Hamburg. It is important to note that while the rectal examination may be controversial due to its limitations in detecting small tumors early, it provides crucial information about prostate size, shape, and any palpable abnormalities.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, similar to breast cancer in women. Each year, there are around 66,000 new cases of prostate cancer in Germany, according to the German Society of Urology (DGU). From the age of 45, men are recommended to have an annual urological examination for cancer screening. The health insurance company covers the costs.

However, men's reluctance to undergo preventive examinations is often due to their psychology, as they tend to view their bodies as tools and doctors as engineers to be consulted only when something goes wrong. This is a concern, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

It's also worth mentioning that about 40% of Robert Frese's patients are women, who consult urologists for reasons such as recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or urinary incontinence.

Urological treatment is also provided to children for reasons such as congenital malformations or undescended testicles.

PSA screenings are not currently paid for by health insurance companies, costing approximately 25 to 35 euros. It is advisable for men to discuss with their urologist whether a combination of rectal examination and PSA determination is sensible.

A representative survey commissioned by Verivox shows that 55 percent of men aged 45 and over do not regularly undergo this examination, and 26 percent of men aged 45 and over have never done so. This underscores the importance of raising awareness about the need for regular urological check-ups.

In conclusion, urologists play a vital role in maintaining and improving health for both men and women. Regular check-ups, coupled with open communication with urologists, can lead to early detection and effective treatment of various urological conditions.