According to urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar, if you’re not paying attention to — and acting on — any changes in your urination habits, you’re not being very smart.
If you are experiencing any of the following, you need to see your urologist Des Moines:
- A weak urine stream;
- A sensation like urination is incomplete;
- An increase in the number of times you wake up to use the bathroom at night;
- Your urine turns a pinkish-reddish color.
All these conditions are things you need to discuss with your urologist, even if the symptoms seem like they are fading or disappear completely, because they could signal a health problem.
Men are often reluctant to see an urologist when they notice a change in their bathroom habits, but it’s important for men to deal with prostate and other urologic issues sooner than later. Their symptoms may disappear over time, but the underlying cause of the issues may still be present.
For example, blood in the urine may indicate kidney stones, a urine infection or an early warning sign for cancer, especially bladder and kidney cancer. Meanwhile, other urination changes can signal prostate problems such as enlargement, infection and cancer. An enlarged prostate can also cause difficulty with urination and emptying of the bladder.
Bacterial infections are characterized by sudden symptoms such as frequent urination, pain in the bladder and pelvis and sometimes chills and fever, but they can be cured with antibiotics.
Chronic infection is marked by chronic inflammation of the prostate gland and symptoms vary but can include pain in the pelvic region (including the penis and testicles), frequent and urgent urination and burning with urination. Your urologist Des Moines can help you decide the best management approach.
It’s important that you have a prostate cancer screening at age 55 or earlier if you have any risk factors such as race or family history. Going forward, you should get screened every one to two years, depending on your urologist’s recommendation.
Urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar often hears men say that they’re confused about prostate cancer screenings or are simply unaware of their importance but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Screening provides a peace of mind, knowing they are fine. For others, it can mean finding prostate cancer early enough to be cured.
If you are in need of prostate screening, call the office of urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar today to schedule an appointment.