When it comes to diseases and conditions affecting the urinary tract system, your family doctor will likely recommend a visit to the urologist. The following are some of the most common reasons to visit a urology doctor.

1. Frequent Urination

Feeling the frequent urge to urinate, especially if you are not drinking more liquids than usual, is a sign for concern. Frequent urination issues may also sometimes include some urinary incontinence, including continued dribbling after you think you have fully emptied your bladder. Frequent urination and urinary incontinence are typically treatable, but your urologist will need to first determine the cause.

2. Painful Urination

Pain when urination requires a prompt visit to your doctor. Examples of pain include burning and stinging in the urethra, as well as any pain in the bladder, kidney, or groin that accompanies urination. Infections are common causes of urinary pain, but these infections will require medical intervention in order to treat them properly. Kidney and bladder stones can also lead to painful urination.

3. Blood In Urine

Although blood in the urine can be alarming, the cause is often minor and fully treatable. Even so, it is important to schedule a full health check with your urologist to determine the cause and rule out anything more concerning. Bladder infections and kidney stones are the likely culprits, but your urologist will need to check to verify that nothing more severe, like cancer, is the culprit. 

4. Trouble Urinating

Trouble urinating is most often caused by an enlarged prostate. As the prostate enlarges, it puts pressure on the urethra and can constrict the flow of urine from the bladder. An enlarged prostate can be benign or it can be a sign of prostate cancer, which can often be treated successfully if caught early. Issues with urination can also cause damage to the bladder, so do not delay with scheduling an appointment if you are suffering from this issue. 

5. Testicular Pain

Pain in the testicles can present as sharp, stabbing pains or dull throbs. Pain can be constant, intermittent, or caused by specific actions such as urination or ejaculation. In some cases, there may be an obvious lump or mass present, which must be checked to verify that it is benign. In some cases, such as in the event of testicular torsion, immediate examination and medical intervention are advised so that irreversible damage doesn't occurr. 

For more information, contact a urology doctor near you.