What Happens During a Urology Checkup?

When it comes to your health, there are some questions that can feel uncomfortable to ask. Urology checkups are one of the health checks that can sometimes be delayed , sometimes for fear and sometimes for awkwardness. But the truth is that a basic urology visit could provide answers to important questions regarding your urinary or reproductive health and may help detect problems prior to larger issues arising.

So what happens during a urology checkup? And when should you think about scheduling one? This blog outlines the process from beginning to end.

First, What Does a Urologist Do?

A urologist is a medical professional that treats issues affecting the urinary system (the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra) of both men and women. Urologists also treat issues affecting any of the male reproductive organs (the prostate, testes and penis). 

There are many reasons people may visit a urologist: problems urinating, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI’s), kidney stones, incontinence, a change in urinary frequency or other symptoms related to prostate health.

The Initial Consultation

Your check-up will start by having a discussion one-on-one. The urologist or nurse will ask some questions regarding the medical history, present symptoms, medications taken, lifestyle habits and previous surgeries. Worry not, this isn’t an interrogation, rather they want to compile a holistic picture with the aim of looking at your individual health. 

If this is your first visit, you’d expect to be asked these questions: 

• Have there been any changes in urination in frequency or flow?
• Do you feel pain/burning while urinating?
• For men: Have you had any changes in sexual function or had testicular pain?

The more honest and specific you can be, the more they can help you.

Physical Examination

Depending on your symptoms and the reason for your visit, the doctor might do a physical exam. A physical exam may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) in men, which assesses the prostate size or condition. A physical exam may include assessment for pelvic organ prolapse or abnormalities in the urinary tract in women.

While this can be slightly uncomfortable, it is usually done quickly and with care and it is the only means to evaluate for early conditions like infection or prostate enlargement.

Common Tests During a Urology Visit

Your doctor may possibly suggest one or more tests, depending on what they discover on your consultation and exam. Tests may include: 

• Urine analysis: To identify infections, blood and or other abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound to visually examine your kidneys, bladder, or prostate.
• PSA test (men over 50) a blood test to screen for prostate-specific antigen, an indicator of prostate health issues.
• Uroflowmetry that tracks your urine flow and volume, to screen for obstruction or weak bladder muscles.

Tests are suggested based on your symptoms, so not everyone will have all of these tests.

What Happens After the Checkup?

When the results are available, your urologist will communicate the results clearly. If everything appears normal, they may recommend simple changes to maintain your urological health.

If they find something, they will help you figure out what to do. The next steps may include medications, additional tests  or procedures. Whatever the illness, their goal is early identification and medical management that is effective and minimizes invasive interventions.

How Often Should You Visit?

The frequency of checkups depends on age, gender and medical history, but urologists recommend annual prostate evaluations for men over the age of 50. Women may also need a urological evaluation for other issues (for incontinence or issues after menopause). But if anyone is having bizarre urinary symptoms, it may be worth visiting a urologist (no age limits).

There is no reason to intimidate a urology checkup. This visit is being proactive to learn how the urinary and reproductive systems are functioning. Whether you deal with these symptoms constantly or want to prepare for potential future risks, this one visit may provide clarity, peace of mind or even answers months or years ahead of schedule.

If you are in Chennai, Sugam Hospital has a dedicated top urologist in Chennai, compassionate care and access to cutting edge diagnostics all in one place.