Urology Health: What Men and Women Should Know
Many people think of urology primarily in connection with prostate problems, but urologists care for a much broader range of conditions affecting both men and women.
On this episode of Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy, pharmacist Brad White talks with Dr. Andrew Turk of Aultman Urology about prostate health, urinary symptoms, kidney stones, bladder health, prostate cancer and other common reasons patients may need to see a urologist.
Aultman Urology specializes in diagnosing and treating urogenital conditions in both women and men, including disorders and cancers of the urinary and reproductive tracts. The team also offers minimally invasive procedures for prostate, kidney, bladder and stone conditions, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Prostate Health and Prostate Cancer
For men, prostate health becomes increasingly important with age. Yet many men aren't sure what the prostate does, when they should begin discussing screening with their healthcare provider, or what symptoms deserve attention.
Brad and Dr. Turk discuss several important questions surrounding prostate cancer, including:
How common is prostate cancer?
When should men begin discussing PSA blood testing?
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
What signs or symptoms should men be aware of?
What advances are changing how prostate cancer is managed?
The conversation is a useful reminder that preventive healthcare isn't just about responding to symptoms. Regular conversations with your healthcare provider can help determine which screenings are appropriate based on your age, health history and individual risk factors.
When Urinating Becomes Difficult
Changes in urination are another common reason men seek urologic care.
Symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, changes in urinary flow or other bothersome urinary symptoms shouldn't simply be accepted as an inevitable part of getting older.
During the program, Brad asks Dr. Turk about both medical and surgical options available for men experiencing difficulty urinating.
The important first step is determining why the problem is occurring. A urologic evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Urology Isn't Just for Men
Urologists also treat many conditions affecting women.
Brad and Dr. Turk discuss common women's health issues treated by Aultman Urology as well as medications that may be used to manage urinary urgency.
Urinary frequency, urgency and other bladder symptoms can interfere with work, sleep, exercise and everyday activities. Patients experiencing persistent symptoms should consider discussing them with their healthcare provider rather than simply learning to live with them.
Kidney Stones: Prevention and Treatment
Anyone who has experienced a kidney stone knows how painful it can be.
In this episode, Dr. Turk discusses kidney stone prevention and the treatment options available when stones occur.
Because there are different types of kidney stones and different reasons they develop, patients who experience stones—particularly recurrent stones—may benefit from talking with their healthcare provider about their individual risk factors and prevention strategies.
Blood in the Urine: Don't Ignore It
Another important topic covered during the program is blood in the urine, also known as hematuria.
Brad asks Dr. Turk when blood in the urine should be concerning, who is at risk for bladder cancer, and how physicians evaluate visible blood in the urine. The conversation also explains the role of cystoscopy as part of a urologic evaluation.
The takeaway is simple: visible blood in the urine deserves medical attention. Rather than assuming you know the cause, contact your healthcare provider so it can be properly evaluated.
Other Reasons to See a Urologist
The episode also explores vasectomy, including what the procedure involves and its potential risks, as well as the broader question of when someone should consider contacting a urologist.
Urologic problems can sometimes feel embarrassing or uncomfortable to discuss, but they are common medical conditions. Getting evaluated can help identify the cause and determine whether lifestyle changes, medication, procedures or other treatment options may help.
Listen to Health Matters
Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Andrew Turk of Aultman Urology on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy to learn more about prostate health, PSA screening, urinary problems, kidney stones, bladder health and other common urologic concerns.
You can find Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy in your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don't miss an upcoming episode.
If you suspect you have a medical problem or have questions about urinary or reproductive health, contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
Medicine Center Pharmacy has been serving our communities since 1976, with locations in Canton, Louisville, Minerva and New Philadelphia.
Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.