Urologist Day: Men’s Health Care Tips | Bethlehem
- this Friday marks Urologist Day, a crucial reminder that men's health deserves more than just a month of blue-themed awareness campaigns.
- Belém-based urologists are urging men to break down the taboos and overcome the anxieties that often prevent them from seeking medical advice.
- Renan Gavião emphasizes that urology encompasses the entire urinary tract for both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system.
Beyond Blue: Why Men’s Health Needs Year-Round Attention
this Friday marks Urologist Day, a crucial reminder that men’s health deserves more than just a month of blue-themed awareness campaigns. While November’s focus on men’s health is valuable,the truth is that proactive care and open conversations about urological health are vital year-round.
Belém-based urologists are urging men to break down the taboos and overcome the anxieties that often prevent them from seeking medical advice. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for preventing complications and ensuring a healthy life.
More Than Just Prostate Exams:
Urologist Dr. Renan Gavião emphasizes that urology encompasses the entire urinary tract for both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system. “We deal with conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, urethra, prostate, testicles, and penis,” he explains. “Our approach includes both medical and surgical interventions.”
Dr. Charles Villacorta adds that urologists care for patients throughout their lives. “From children with congenital urinary tract issues, managed through uropediatrics, to older adults facing age-related conditions like cancers, tumors, and benign prostate enlargement, we’re here to help.”
When to Seek Help:
Dr. gavião highlights key warning signs that should prompt a visit to a urologist:
* Changes in urination: pain, burning, bleeding, urgency, increased frequency, weak stream, dribbling, or difficulty starting/stopping.
* Pain: lower back, flank, pelvic, or penile pain.
* Changes in urine: unusual color or strong odor.
* Fever and chills.
* Wounds in the genital region that don’t heal.
* Difficulty or inability to urinate (acute urinary retention).
Prostate Cancer Screening: know Your Risk:
The Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) recommends individualized prostate cancer screening starting at age 50 for men in the general population. However, Dr. Gavião stresses that men with risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer or those of African descent, should begin screening at age 45.
Addressing the Taboo:
“Culturally, men often struggle to seek medical care,” Dr. Gavião acknowledges. “The urologist deals with the genitourinary system, which can bring about feelings of fear and shame.”
Dr. Villacorta adds, “It’s somewhat expected that there’s a taboo surrounding urologist visits, less so for masculinity reasons today, but more as the patient frequently enough needs to be examined in their most intimate areas.”
Beyond the Physical: A Holistic Approach:
While urological care focuses on the urinary tract and male genitalia, Dr. Villacorta emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach. “When a man comes in for a check-up, he can also be evaluated from a metabolic and cardiological viewpoint, among other systems. We address both the specific genital area and the overall health of the individual.”
Building Trust and breaking Barriers:
Both doctors agree that increased access to data and awareness campaigns are helping to break down barriers and encourage men to seek care.
“Demystification is happening daily with access to information,” says Dr. Gavião. “With information, we can demonstrate the importance of health prevention and early treatment of urological pathologies. All treatment begins with a good medical consultation and, consequently, an assertive and early diagnosis, which is only possible after seeing a professional.”
Dr. Villacorta emphasizes the importance of building a strong doctor-patient relationship. “The patient who regularly sees a urologist establishes a bond