Visiting a urologist can make some people a little anxious, but urologists are doctors just like any other doctor—they’re there to help you overcome your health problems, ensure you’re healthy and live your best life. That being said, it’s best to be prepared when visiting your urologist, whether you’re going in for a regular checkup or if you’re experiencing some symptoms you’d like to see about. What are the top three questions to ask your urologist?
Should I Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?
Screening for prostate cancer is usually not necessary, but in some people, it might be smart to be screened. This is something you’ll need to ask your urologist. Your urologist will be interested in your family history, any symptoms you may be experiencing, and other life factors. Through this discussion, you and your urologist can determine whether or not you should be screened for prostate cancer. Screening methods often involve a PSA (protein specific antigen) blood test, but your urologist may want to combine this test with a DRE (digital rectal exam), or perhaps even a biopsy if you’re experiencing extreme symptoms or other circumstances apply. Ask your doctor if you should consider being screened for prostate cancer.
What Should I Be Eating?
As we age, our bodies can produce ailments and problems that weren’t there before. It’s more important than ever to properly nourish our bodies and stay in optimal health as we age. This is why it’s important to ask your urologist what you should be eating in order to feel your best. What we eat influences our health in big ways, and the right diet won’t always be the same for every person. Talk with your urologist about what foods you can eat for your best sexual health, healthy urination, to prevent kidney stones, and to help an enlarged prostate if you have one. Eating your way to health even as you age is important, so talk with your urologist about the best foods for you during your appointment and which foods you should be incorporating into your diet.
You may be visiting the urologist because you’re experiencing some adverse symptoms. If this is the case, ask your urologist what might be causing your symptoms or if your symptoms are normal. If you’re experiencing incontinence, this is not a normal consequence of aging and your urologist will want to ensure you’re healthy. You may be experiencing back or abdominal pain, which could indicate kidney stones. Maybe your sexual health and libido aren’t as good as you’d like them to be. Be open with your urologist—he or she is there to help you get healthy and stay healthy. Asking questions about your symptoms can help you get any tests you may need or adjust medication. Whatever problems you’re experiencing, talk with your urologist about them.
Your urologist should be very open and accommodating to your questions and be there to serve as a guide for you into your best health. Whether you’re seeing the urologist for a problem or just going in for a regular checkup, keep in mind these top three questions to ask your urologist. Being sure that you’re making the best decisions as you age is important and your doctor is there to help you make them.