Top 10 Signs That You Should See a Urologist

Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology | April 22, 2025

Urologists are specialized professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating several urinary and reproductive tract issues. They are highly trained in identifying and treating conditions affecting the kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, and male/female reproductive organs. This article will discuss when to visit a urologist and what you can expect from them.

Role of a Urologist

All certified urologists are trained surgeons who specialize in treating conditions affecting the urinary tract. Some common conditions are UTIs (urinary tract infections), urinary incontinence, blood in urine, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, pelvic organ prolapse, erectile dysfunction, kidney/bladder/prostate cancers.

Urologists may also pursue sub-specializations in urology, such as in one or more of the following fields.

• Minimally invasive surgeries, like laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic surgeries
• Genitourinary reconstruction
• Kidney transplantation
• Urologic oncology
• Pediatric Urology
• Male infertility & Sexual medicine

10 Signs It’s Time to See a Urologist

Here are the top ten signs you need to see a urologist in order to start the required treatment on time.

1. Having Pain or Difficulty While Urinating

One may experience painful or difficult urination due to many urological conditions (such as the ones listed below). Some of its symptoms include experiencing problems starting while peeing, trouble maintaining a regular urine stream, pain while peeing, and struggling while emptying the bladder. Let’s look at some health conditions that may lead to difficult and painful urination.

• Bladder stones
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Enlarged prostate
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

2. Loss of Bladder Control (Urinary Incontinence)

Urinary incontinence (UI) refers to the unintentional loss of one’s bladder control, which may often create embarrassing social situations. It may result in slight urine leaks or even frequent wetting due to uncontrolled urination. Urine leaks may be caused by laughing, coughing, running, lifting heavy objects, or sneezing. Urge Urinary Incontinence, may often feel a strong and sudden urge to urinate, which leads to uncontrolled urine leaks when they can’t make it to the lavatory in time. It occurs when the bladder is unable to hold the urine for a long time.

3. Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

It is not normal to have blood in the urine (or in semen). Urine may appear red, brown, pink, or discolored, depending on one’s health conditions. It may result from urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or kidney or bladder cancers. It is important to see a urologist if you see blood in your urine to diagnose the underlying health condition.

4. Kidney Stones

You must never leave kidney stones untreated to prevent severe conditions. Besides, you won’t like to tolerate the excruciating pain. Some red flags of kidney stones include:

• Sharp pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen (usually towards one side)
• Frequent urination
• Having burning sensations while peeing
• Cloudy or smelly urine
• Blood in urine
• Nausea because of intense pain

5. Need to Urinate Frequently

If you feel the urge to urinate more frequently than usual, which even makes you wake up several times during the night, it may indicate bladder health or prostate health issues. Increased frequency of urinating may be the sign of the following conditions.

• Enlarged prostate
• Urinary tract infections
• Overactive bladder

6. Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain that persists for up to a few days or even weeks is not good. Get it evaluated by a urologist urgently without delay. Pelvic pain may be a warning sign of UTI, kidney stones, appendicitis, hernia, STI, nerve conditions (such as pudendal neuralgia), intestinal disorders (such as colitis or diverticulitis), broken pelvic bones, and cervical cancer. A few other causes of pelvic pain include spasms or tightness of pelvic muscles, pregnancy, miscarriage, psychogenic pain, menstrual cramps, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), etc.

7. Recurring UTIs

Women experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as having two or more episodes within 6 months or getting infected three or more times within a year, must undergo further evaluation from a urologist. On the other hand, in men, any type of UTI is considered complicated, and, therefore, they must visit a urologist without delay.

8. Sexual Dysfunction in Men

Urologists are trained to diagnose and treat reproductive conditions and promote sexual wellness in men. They can treat low testosterone levels, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and vasectomy. Urologists can also perform tests including:

• Scrotal ultrasound
• Hormone testing
• Overactive bladder

9. Prostate Conditions

Men experiencing the following issues must visit a urologist without delay, as these may indicate an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

• Painful urination
• A weak or short urine stream
• Blood in urine
• Struggling with emptying the bladder

10. Facing Pain in the Groin Region or Lower Abdomen

Facing pain and discomfort in the groin, back, side, or lower tummy may be a sign of kidney stones. It may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Difficult urination
• Fever and chills
• Blood in urine (Hematuria)
• Vomiting and/or feelings of nausea

Why AINU?

Our Department of Urology offers comprehensive treatment options and medical care for varying urologic conditions. Our team of certified and trained urologists provides appropriate diagnosis and treatment based on the patient’s unique health conditions. Besides evaluating and treating common urological problems, we work on pediatric urological conditions at our dedicated pediatric department.

Final Words

We hope this article helped you learn why you should visit a urologist. Irrespective of your age and gender, if you notice the above-mentioned symptoms, seek medical help from a trained urologist and take charge of your urological health. Discuss your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits to help your urological team diagnose the problem accurately.

FAQs

1. Can a urologist tell if you have kidney disease?

Yes, a urologist is qualified to diagnose and treat certain kidney diseases, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, or kidney cancer.

2. What is the most commonly ordered test in urology?

Urinalysis is one of the most commonly ordered tests in a urology department. It examines the presence of proteins, blood, and other substances in urine by analyzing its appearance and contents.

3. Is frequent urination a sign of a serious problem?

Frequent urination may indicate serious conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, overactive bladder syndrome, kidney infection, bladder cancer, urethral stricture, and prostatitis.

4. What are the red flags of the bladder?

The common warning signs of bladder problems include painful urination, blood in urine, urinary incontinence, frequent urination, discolored or cloudy urine, frequent urination urges, and trouble emptying the bladder.