When is it time to visit your urologist?

3.10.2009 | By: JP

Here are short descriptions of five problems, which are reason enough to seek medical advice from a urologist.

After 50, you should have periodic check-ups of your prostate. (jlp)

Erection problems

Erection problems or erectile dysfunction occurs in 5% of men aged around 40 and the proportion increases with age. Every other man in his seventies has erection problems, but there’s no upper age limit at which erectile dysfunction could be considered as normal. Depending on its cause, the condition is treated with psychotherapy, drugs or an operation.

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is the most common problem among men. It affects 30% of men in all age groups, but only 12% of them seek medical advice for this problem. It often occurs together with erectile dysfunction. It’s treated with psychotherapy and self help. The common treatments are the squeeze and stop/start techniques. If none of the techniques helps, you’re prescribed drugs. The treatment normally lasts three to six weeks.

Prostate infections

Prostate infections mostly affect men aged between 30 and 40.The treatment is short and simple. You just have to take antibiotics and have a good rest. Sometimes the disease becomes chronic. One of the most common infections affects your urinary system and causes benign prostate tumors or infects your bladder. In most cases, men who get it are over 50 years old.

An appointment with a urologist must be every man’s nightmare. (jlp)

Enlarged prostate

Men in developed countries are 50% more likely to have urinary problems caused by benign hyperplasia or enlarged prostate when they’re older. In most cases, the condition is treated with drugs, which may take several years to work, or an operation.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most serious condition. The chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age. It affects 9.5% of men aged 50 or more and 13% of men aged over 65. The treatment depends on its stage. You can cure prostate cancer only if it’s detected early, when it’s still located in your prostate. So, men who are over 50 should have periodic check-ups of their prostate, even if they don’t have any problems.