November is here, and with it, Movember, an annual event established in 2003 to help raise awareness around men’s health issues. While the celebration revolves around all aspects of male wellness, including mental health and cancer, we’re focusing on urological health.
Our team of expert urologists at Associated Urologists of North Carolina, PA, with offices in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, regularly counsels men on common urological issues, such as prostate cancer, prostatitis, and erectile dysfunction.
Read on to learn why urological health matters, common male-related concerns, and steps you can take to improve your well-being.
Urological health is a branch of medicine that focuses on the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, and reproductive organs.
Issues affecting the urinary system are often overlooked, yet they can have a significant impact on overall health. Unfortunately, many men avoid talking to their doctors about urological issues due to stigma or embarrassment.
Conditions like erectile dysfunction or urinary leakage (incontinence) may seem daunting, but they shouldn’t go ignored. Many urological issues in men can be managed and prevented from worsening if caught early.
Men can experience a range of urological problems, but some occur more frequently and can affect daily life. These include:
The prostate is a small gland that produces seminal fluid. It plays an essential role in reproduction, but often grows with age. This growth is often harmless, but in some cases it leads to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer.
We encourage all men 50 and older to undergo routine prostate exams to identify these issues before they worsen. Treatment can slow prostate enlargement and lower the risk of complications such as incontinence and pelvic pain.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) makes it impossible to get or keep an erection long enough to have sex. Though many men associate it with getting older, it may also point to underlying health problems, like heart disease and diabetes. The good news is that ED is highly treatable, often through healthy lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both. Early intervention can also improve your general health and quality of life.
Many men experience urinary issues as they age, including difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, or frequent nighttime urination. These problems can significantly affect your quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, they can be managed.
Whether you’re already experiencing urological issues or want to reduce your risk in the future, certain preventive measures can help. We encourage all of our male patients to:
Talking with a urologist can seem intimidating, but it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your health. We regularly discuss these topics with men of all ages and can help you get the care you need to feel your best.
Take action this Movember and schedule your annual urology checkup. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, or Wake Forest, North Carolina, or schedule online.
