At what age should I have a urological evaluation?
Urological diseases affect any age, although they are more frequent in adulthood. In children the pathology is usually different, which has led to the emergence of a subspecialty, child urology. In adults, there are many pathologies that can affect them: infections, lithiasis, tumors, infertility, impotence or erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, etc. The patient should go for urological assessment when any of these pathologies are present, regardless of age. In any case, it is recommended that men over 50 years of age go for a prostate check-up whether they have symptoms or not.
Do urologists also visit women?
Of course they do. Although the popular belief is that the urologist is a doctor for men, since there are urological diseases that only affect the male sex (such as prostate) or are more frequent in men (such as urological tumors and lithiasis), many of the diseases treated by the urologist also affect women and in some cases more frequently, such as urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence.
At what age should a man be evaluated to rule out prostate cancer?
The first screening for early diagnosis of prostate cancer is recommended at the age of 50. For this purpose, a blood test (PSA) and a prostate examination or digital rectal examination should be performed. In patients with a family history of prostate cancer (mainly father or brothers) it is recommended to start earlier at the age of 40-45 years.
Can urological diseases be prevented?
There is a common recommended measure to prevent all urological diseases, which is an adequate liquid intake. In general, it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water in winter and 2.5 liters in summer. There is a simple way to control whether the liquid intake is adequate and that is the color of the urine, which should tend to be colorless.
In patients with lithiasis or kidney stones it is also recommended to reduce salt and protein intake. A mistaken belief is to restrict the consumption of milk and dairy products, a measure that is not only not recommended but counterproductive.
In patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, avoid constipation, wash genitals always from front to back, urinate frequently, urinate and wash after sexual intercourse. There is no clear scientific evidence that the intake of cranberries, currently in vogue, has a proven clinical efficacy.
Finally, in patients with prostatic pathology, regular and frequent sexual intercourse, avoiding constipation, not riding a bicycle, motorcycle or horse, restricting high-proof alcohol and beverages such as coca-cola, tea and coffee, not delaying the urge to urinate excessively and not eating too much, especially spicy foods, spices and asparagus.
Especially in patients with prostate cancer it is highly recommended to follow appropriate dietary habits, i.e. a Mediterranean diet as much as possible, increasing the consumption of vegetables rich in antioxidants such as tomatoes, pumpkin, grapes, soya, etc. and avoiding foods with a high fat content, especially those of animal origin, in order to reduce overweight and obesity.