5 Questions You Should Ask A Urologist

By: Milton Williams, M.D.

Have you ever asked your doctor about your prostate health or how to perform Kegels? Apparently, many patients do not. Data shows that 6 in 10 men do not even know where their prostate gland is located. Up to 50% of women aren’t sure how to properly perform Kegel exercises.

If you don’t ask, your doctor might assume you know the answers. This is why when you visit a urologist, including the more than 70 at Advanced Urology Institute, you should be prepared to ask questions.

Meet the physician at Advanced Urology Institute

From bladder-control problems to sexual function, our urologists are highly trained to treat a broad number of conditions, each of which can present different symptoms for men and women. And some of which might not present obvious symptoms at all.

These following questions for male and female patients will help you and your urologist make the most out of your visit, and make you a smarter patient.

5 Questions to Ask a Urologist if You’re a Man

1. Where is my prostate and how can I keep it healthy? The prostate is a small gland located in front of your rectum and beneath your bladder. You can keep it in good condition through regular exercise, eating whole foods and fiber, not smoking, and getting a regular exam. These practices also can limit chances of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, which can contribute to prostate cancer and enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), especially in men in their 50s and older. Learn the symptoms of prostate cancer here.
2. How often is “too much” when it comes to urinating? Generally, peeing is considered “too much” if you go more than eight times in 24 hours, wake up more than twice a night, or if it disrupts your daily life. Often, men experience this from an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As men age, their prostate tissue slowly expands and can squeeze the urethra, which runs through its center, tight enough to interfere with urinating. If your urine flow becomes difficult or changes, ask about it. Click here to download our BPH education booklet.
3. How can I lower my risk of getting kidney stones? Your risk of developing kidney stones generally is one in 10, but some lifestyle practices can help you prevent them. Most importantly, drink plenty of water (not sugary colas or alcohol). Stones develop from a high concentration of substances in your urine that bind and form painful crystals. Good hydration prevents these concentrations. You also can limit salt and red meat while eating the recommended amount of calcium. Watch our short video, “Kidney Stones – Who is at Risk.”
4. Is my testosterone level normal for my age? That depends on your age. Testosterone production scales down after your 20s, during which it can peak at more than 900 nanograms per deciliter. But overall, a healthy level ranges from 450 to 600. If the level dips below 300, it is considered low. Your doctor can test your levels through two separate blood tests. Symptoms of low testosterone include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and impotence. Learn about other causes of low testosterone here.
5. How do I examine my testicles, and when? You self-examine your testicles by taking one at a time in both hands and rolling it between your thumbs and fingers, feeling for changes in size, shape, or texture. You should start examining your testicles in your 20s or even teens, and do so monthly, ideally after a shower or bath when the scrotum is relaxed. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men in their teens to mid-thirties. Our blog on testicular cancer includes a five-step exam walkthrough.

5 Questions to Ask a Urologist if You’re a Woman

1. Am I urinating too often? Generally, you should pee six or seven times a day, but many factors can alter that number, including how much you drink, your diet, pregnancy, and medications. Going more often, particularly overnight, might indicate a health issue such as an overactive bladder (OAB), pelvic floor weakness, nerve damage, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Menopausal hormone changes also can increase urination frequency. Learn more about frequent urination.
2. How does menopause contribute to urinary changes? When a woman’s menstruation cycle ends (menopause), her body’s production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone drop. Estrogen helps lubricate and strengthen the vaginal wall and pelvic floor, so if it declines, the tissues and muscles in these areas can weaken. As a result, you might experience bladder control issues, leaks, and painful intercourse. Learn how vaginal dryness can be treated.
3. Should I do Kegels? It’s a good idea to perform Kegel exercises at any age, but especially if you’re approaching childbearing years and menopause. Childbirth hormone changes tend to compromise pelvic muscles, leading to incontinence and prolapse (organs slipping into the vaginal canal). Pelvic-squeezing exercises help strengthen your core, which reinforces balance, improves posture, and keeps pelvic organs in place. Learn more about pelvic prolapse here.
4. What preventive measures will reduce the risk of UTIs? The key to staving off UTIs is keeping your urethra clear of infection-causing bacteria. You can do this by staying well-hydrated, wiping front to back in the bathroom, urinating after sex, taking probiotics, and having showers rather than baths. Still, nearly 50% women experience a UTI at some point. A common symptom of a UTI is burning and frequent urination. Find other UTI risk factors and prevention measures here.
5. What color is healthy urine? Generally, your urine should be light yellow; a sign of proper hydration. You do want to pay attention for lasting changes in color, as that can warn of dehydration, kidney stones, and blood in your urine (hematuria). Sometimes, however, a change in urine color just shows a change in diet, such as eating beets. Read our color-coded guide to urine here.

There’s No Question: Your Urinary System is Important

Your urology system interacts with your whole body, so make note of any changes or discomfort and seek care. Asking the right questions can prevent a more serious condition from developing, and can lead you on a path to healthier urinary self-care.

The physicians at Advanced Urology Institute are dedicated to providing compassionate care in a collaborative, innovative environment. If you have questions about changes in your urinary or sexual health, it might be time to make an appointment with a urologist.