As men age, it’s important to take their health seriously and be proactive about routine screenings and check-ups. One area that is often overlooked is urological health. Urological screenings are simple, quick, and usually painless. They can save your life by detecting potentially fatal diseases in their early stages before symptoms even develop. Here’s a breakdown provided by Dr Erik Goluboff of why every man over 50 should make urological screenings a regular part of their healthcare routine.
What is a Urological Screening?
A urological screening is a test that checks for diseases or abnormalities in the urinary tract or reproductive organs. The most common urological screening tests are the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The DRE is used to examine the prostate for lumps, which may be indicative of prostate cancer. The PSA test measures levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, in the blood. High levels of PSA may indicate prostate cancer.
Why are Urological Screenings Important?
There are many reasons why you should get screened for problems with your urinary system. For one thing, early detection is key when it comes to treating any kind of medical problem. The sooner you catch an infection or other issue, the easier it will be to treat.
In addition, urinary problems can be symptoms of other more serious health conditions. For example, an infection in your urinary tract could be a sign of diabetes. Or, if you have pain when you urinate, it could be a sign of kidney stones or an enlarged prostate. By getting screened, you can catch these problems early and get the treatment you need before they become more serious.
Another important reason to get screened is that urological diseases, such as prostate cancer, can be deadly if not caught and treated early. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. But, when detected early, the survival rate is nearly 100%. That’s why it’s so important for men over 50 (and those with a family history of prostate cancer) to get regular urological screenings.
Finally, screenings are simply good preventive care. Just like you get a physical exam every year to check for problems with your heart or lungs, urological screening can help you catch problems with your urinary system before they become serious.
How Often Should I Get Screened?
The answer to this question depends on your individual risk factors. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or other urological diseases, you should speak to your doctor about how often you should be screened. Generally speaking, however, all men over 50 should get screened at least every two years. Additionally, if you have any symptoms or concerns about your urinary health, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor and ask about getting a urological screening.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – make sure to schedule regular urological screenings as part of your overall healthcare routine.
Conclusion:
Routine urological screenings are an important part of maintaining good health as you age. These simple, quick tests can save your life by catching potentially fatal diseases in their early stages before symptoms develop. If you’re over 50 and haven’t had a urological screening in a while, make an appointment with your doctor today!
