Why men over 40 should start seeing a urologist regularly

Written on January 30, 2023 by Gillian Singer, MPH, Sexuality Educator & Certified Sexologist. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• What is urology?
• Reasons to seek urological care
• Common urological conditions for males over 40
• Get urological care
• Related content

As men age, their risk of developing certain urological conditions increases. This is why it is important for men over 40 years old to start receiving urological care regularly, even if it’s preventative. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of conditions that affect the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Once a male turns 40, they are at a higher risk of a variety of conditions.

What is urology?

“Urology is a part of health care that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra),” says the Urology Care Foundation. “It also deals with the male organs that are able to make babies (penis, testes, scrotum, prostate, etc.). Since health problems in these body parts can happen to everyone, urologic health is important” [1].

Reasons to seek urological care

You should seek urological care if you are already experiencing symptoms of a urological condition, but you should also seek urological care as a preventative measure due to the increased risk of a variety of conditions for males.

While your symptoms may seem like nothing but an annoyance, ignoring potential symptoms can lead to discomfort, pain, and, in some cases, even life-threatening issues. Below are six indications that it may be time to seek a urologist’s advice, according to Keck Medicine of USC [2]:

• Chronic or persistent urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Frequent urination or leaking urine
• Suspected kidney stone(s)
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Pelvic pain
• Fertility concerns

Common urological conditions for males over 40

The following are just a few of the conditions that are common for males over the age of 40. Others include benign prostatic hyperplasia (non-cancerous prostate growth), which affects 90% of men by age 85, testicular changes, and blood in urine [3].

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland that surrounds the urethra and contributes fluid to semen. The Mayo Clinic offers, “Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly” [4].

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

The NIH lists the following symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) [5]:

• being able to get an erection sometimes, but not every time you want to have sex
• being able to get an erection, but not having it last long enough for sex
• being unable to get an erection at any time

ED can be caused by a variety of factors, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. A healthcare provider can help to identify the cause of erectile dysfunction and recommend treatment options.

Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is characterized by involuntary urination or defecation, or the inability to hold one’s urine. It’s common in middle-aged and aging people. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as neurological conditions and urinary tract infections, and it can be a side effect of certain medications.

Kidney Stones

“Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys,” explains The Mayo Clinic [6]. Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones. Kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract — from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.

Get urological care

Looking for urological care? Everlywell can provide you with male health virtual consults.

Everlywell provides telehealth services that allow you to schedule a video consultation with a healthcare provider on the same day. The provider can diagnose and prescribe antibiotics if necessary, and the prescription will be sent to a nearby pharmacy. This telehealth option is both convenient and private, and there is no wait time for care or treatment. Appointments can cost as little as $10, and even without insurance, the cost is less than $60.

Telehealth with Everlywell is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Create your profile and verify if your insurance is accepted.
2. Schedule your visit online.
3. Get a care plan which may include testing, prescriptions, and lifestyle recommendations.

Related content

Healthcare advice for men over 40

Virtual healthcare for men over 60

How to think about testosterone levels in men over 40

References

1. What is urology? What is Urology? - Urology Care Foundation. URL. Accessed January 27, 2023.
2. 6 signs that you should see a urologist. Keck Medicine of USC. URL. Published November 10, 2022. Accessed January 27, 2023.
3. Why men over 40 should see a urologist regularly. Byram Healthcare. URL>. Accessed January 27, 2023.
4. Prostate cancer. Mayo Clinic. URL. Published December 14, 2022. Accessed January 27, 2023.
5. Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. URL. Accessed January 27, 2023.
6. Kidney stones. Mayo Clinic. URL. Published June 3, 2022. Accessed January 27, 2023.