Your Urologic Health – Signs You Should Not Ignore

1. November 2023 YOUR UROLOGIC HEALTH – SIGNS YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE www.reverehealth.com LEADERS OF VALUE-BASED CARE IN UTAH UROLOGY Urology is a medical specialty that deals with the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Urologists typically focus on treating structural problems or diseases related to the urinary tract and male reproductive areas. Because urologic health problems are common, knowing the steps you can take to stay healthy and when you should go see a urologist for treatment is important. Protecting Your Urologic Health In general, the best way to maintain your urological health to be mindful of habits that benefit overall health. These include: Drinking plenty of water Eating a balanced diet Stopping or refraining from smoking Getting regular exercise Maintaining a healthy weight You can also improve your chances of avoiding urological problems by limiting your salt intake. Too much salt makes your body retain water, which can interfere with the mineral/water balance in your kidneys. Limiting caffeine intake is also beneficial, as caffeine acts as a diuretic (a substance that promotes increased production of urine) and can irritate your bladder. www.reverehealth.com

2. Additionally, the Urology Care Foundation provides some tips to keep your bladder healthy: Use good bathroom habits Take your time when on the toilet so that your bladder can empty. If you rush and do not empty your bladder fully, you could increase your risk of a bladder infection. Stay away from foods that bother the bladder Some foods can worsen urinary incontinence. Make sure to limit your intake of foods like chocolate (also a source of caffeine), as well as spicy or acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits. Take care of your pelvic floor muscles Keep your pelvic floor muscles strong with pelvic floor muscle training. Speak freely about your bladder health Tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Urologic symptoms are very common and there are a number of treatments available. Many bladder conditions are treatable and manageable through simple lifestyle changes, behavior modifications, medication, bladder retraining or surgery. Signs That You Should Visit Your Urologist While practicing a healthy lifestyle can help prevent issues related to urologic health, problems can still arise. Some signs of conditions related to problems with your urologic health are silent and require testing to find. There are, however, some signs that you should not ignore and that you should go see a urologist for. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, you should see a urologist if you experience one or more of these symptoms: Blood in the urine Pain when you urinate Significant changes in urinary patterns Inability to urinate Incontinence (difficulty holding urine or leaking) Pain in the lower abdomen Frequent urinary tract infections Male infertility Male impotence or erectile dysfunction Mass in testicle Additionally, the URMC recommends seeing a urologist if you have been diagnosed with one or more of the following: Diagnosis of disease in the urinary tract or male reproductive organs Kidney cancer Enlarged prostate (BPH) Bladder cancer Prostate cancer Kidney stones Interstitial cystitis Talk to your Urologists in Utah if you have concerns about your urologic health. Revere Health Urology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urologic cancers, BPH, incontinence, and other pediatric and adult urinary problems. Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 1055 N 500 W Building B, Provo, Utah 84604 Phone: (801) 429-8000