In honour of Urology Awareness Month in September, Oliver Kayes, Consultant Urologist & Honorary Senior Lecturer at Spire Healthcare, talks us through five urological symptoms you should never ignore.
Picture your health journey as a game of Snakes and Ladders. The ladders represent the healthy choices and timely medical interventions that help you climb to new heights, while the snakes are those pesky symptoms and conditions
that can slide you back if ignored. Urological health, especially as we age, plays a crucial role in this game. Let’s explore five key urological symptoms you should never ignore, and how seeing a urologist can be your winning strategy.
Blood in the urine
Imagine you’re moving steadily up the board when suddenly, you land on a square that sends a shiver down your spine: blood in your urine. This isn’t a ladder, it’s a snake!
Potential causes:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Often accompanied by a burning sensation and frequent bathroom trips.
- Kidney Stones: Hard deposits causing severe pain and bloody urine.
- Bladder or Kidney Cancer: Persistent blood in urine is a serious warning sign.
- Other Causes: Sometimes, strenuous exercise or certain medications are the culprits.
Why It Matters: John, a 55-year-old player, noticed this snake when his urine turned red. Consulting a urologist revealed an early-stage kidney tumour. Thanks to this early detection, John avoided a major slide down the board. Blood in your urine should always prompt a visit to the doctor, as it could be the first sign of a serious issue. Spotting this snake early can keep you on the winning path.
Undiagnosed abdominal/pelvic pain with urinary symptoms
You’re moving along the board, and then Mary, a 62-year-old teacher, hits a spot with persistent abdominal pain and frequent bathroom breaks — a classic snake trying to pull her down.
Potential causes:
- UTIs: Infections causing pain and urgency.
- Interstitial Cystitis: Chronic bladder pressure and pelvic pain.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate causing discomfort.
- Kidney Stones: Sharp pain radiating to the lower abdomen.
Why It Matters: Mary, initially ignoring the pain, finally sought help. Her urologist diagnosed interstitial cystitis, allowing her to manage the condition and avoid a serious slide. Persistent pain and urinary symptoms can make the game much harder. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent you from landing on a long snake that pulls you way back.
Sexual dysfunction
Paul, a 70-year-old retired engineer, finds himself avoiding intimacy — a snake that threatens his happiness and confidence. Potential causes:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Often linked to heart disease, diabetes, or prostate problems.
- Low Libido: Caused by hormonal imbalances or chronic conditions.
- Painful Intercourse: Conditions like prostatitis can cause discomfort.
Why It Matters: Paul’s visit to a urologist uncovered low testosterone and heart disease as the underlying issues. With proper treatment, Paul overcame this snake and regained his confidence, climbing back up the board. Sexual dysfunction can be a significant barrier, but addressing it with professional help can restore balance and joy to your game.
Incontinence
Sarah, a 65-year-old grandmother, encounters an embarrassing snake: incontinence. Every time she laughs or lifts something, she faces an unintended slide.
Potential causes:
- Stress Incontinence: Leakage during activities that put pressure on the bladder.
- Urge Incontinence: A sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate followed by leakage.
- Overflow Incontinence: The bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to frequent dribbling.
- Functional Incontinence: Physical or mental impairments preventing timely bathroom access.
Why It Matters: Sarah’s urologist and pelvic floor physiotherapist provided treatments and strategies to manage her condition, helping her to avoid the slide and enjoy life without fear of accidents. Incontinence can limit your moves, but effective management can restore your freedom and confidence, helping you climb those ladders with ease.
Importance of screening
Regular health checks are your secret ladders in the game of Snakes and Ladders. George, a 68-year-old, felt perfectly fine but wisely opted for routine urological screening. Recommended health screenings:
- Prostate Cancer: PSA tests for men over 50 or earlier for those with a family history.
- Bladder and Kidney Cancer: Urine tests and imaging for high-risk individuals.
- Kidney Function: Blood tests to monitor kidney health, especially for those with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Why It Matters: George’s screening revealed an early-stage prostate cancer. Thanks to
this proactive approach, George climbed a significant ladder, receiving timely treatment and continuing his journey with confidence. Regular screenings are essential moves that can detect problems early, ensuring you stay ahead in the game.