Urology is often an uncomfortable topic for people to talk about. We Brits are a bit sensitive when it comes to discussing anything that involves what we do in the private space of our bathrooms. However, it’s now widely known how telling urine samples can be in detecting medical issues at early stages. September is the annual urology awareness month, dedicated to spreading knowledge of urology-based diseases such as bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers. This year, the Urology foundation is promoting awareness specifically around men’s urology health and the misinformation and myths that are believed around these illnesses to teach the symptoms of common and not so common ailments and encourage men to get checked by a GP if they have any concerns.
What is Urology?
Simply speaking, urology refers to the branch of medicine that looks at the diseases of the urinary tract and related organs. This can also link to reproductive health as well as the organs you’d expect such as bladder and kidneys. Some common conditions and diseases related to urology include:
- UTIs (urinary tract infections)
- Kidney stones
- Bladder control issues
- Prostate problems (including prostate cancer)
- Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
While we must all be aware of the more serious diseases that come with urology-based problems, it is common ailments such as UTIs that sometimes need to be more openly discussed. It is well known that UTIs are more prevalent in women, however this does not mean it’s not impossible for men, and if left untreated can still lead to more complex and painful infections, including kidney infections. They can also be the symptom of more serious conditions such as enlarged prostate gland or kidney stones and if left untreated can result in damage to the kidneys – which involves more serious treatment than just antibiotics!
How can Dorset Private GP (DPGP) help?
If you have any concerns regarding anything urology related, the likely first course of action will be a urine sample. At Dorset Private GP we can have your sample tested for a variety of things, including infections. We can test your urine for something specific, if you know what you’re looking for, or we can check for a variety of things if you’re unsure of the problem or if you just want to have a general urinary health check. By coming to see DPGP in Bournemouth or Dorchester you have control over what you want to be tested for based on the concerns you have about your health. This way we can potentially catch more serious urology based diseases or conditions early so you can get the right treatment for you as soon as possible and hopefully avoid any further complications. You can discuss your concerns with one of our GPs if you’d like before the tests, so you can be sure you are getting the right checks for you.
If you’d like to enquire about our urine testing services, or discuss anything further you can check this link https://dorsetprivategp.co.uk/our-services/blood-tests/ and fill in the form at the bottom of the page, or call us on 01202 761150.
To find out more about urology awareness month and how you can support the campaign, you can check the urology foundation’s website here https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/
