Dr. Zeltser explained that urologists are the experts in the genitourinary tract—a fancy way of saying your kidneys, bladder, and all the plumbing connected to them.
- For Men: Urology encompasses a wide range of conditions, including those affecting sexual health, the kidneys, prostate, and bladder, as well as the cancers that impact these vital organs.
- For Women: Urologists are key in managing problems with the kidneys and bladder, including the often-misunderstood issue of incontinence (urine leakage).
When it comes to your health, awareness is power! Dr. Zeltser stressed that certain symptoms are red flags that should prompt a call to a urologist.
- Blood in your urine
- Difficulty emptying or controlling your bladder
- Pain from a kidney stone
- The inability to hold your urine or experiencing leakage
Dr. Zeltser also emphasized the importance of routine screening for asymptomatic patients—meaning you feel fine, but a check-up could save your life!
Top of that list? Prostate cancer.
Screening is critical because it has been shown to reduce mortality, especially for African American men, who face a significantly higher risk for this disease. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear; having a conversation with your doctor about your screening schedule is one of the most proactive steps you can take for long-term health.