Men, if you’re not taking proactive measures to maintain urological health, it’s time to start. We know urological health is not often the first thing people think about until there’s an issue or illness. So, in recognition of National Men’s Health Awareness month, we want to offer tips to help you maintain your urological health.
Taking preventive measures is essential when it comes to your urological health and can help you minimize risk for bladder or urinary tract infections (UTIs), reduce problems with your reproductive health, and more.
Here are some tips you can start today to help maintain your urological health:
1. Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet.
Drinking enough water is one of the best ways to keep your urologic health at its best. Water helps to flush out your urinary system and decreases your chance of developing kidney stones and infections. For the best results, aim for about ten 8-ounce glasses of water—more if you’re working out rigorously or living an active lifestyle.
Minimize sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants. They can increase your dehydration levels, potentially trigger infections, or lead to obesity or diabetes, both of which carry an increased risk for issues like ED or prostate cancer. A diet that is low in fat and rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein is usually a good guideline to follow.
2. Make time to exercise regularly.
Experts recommend aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise 3-5 times per week paired with a few days of strength training. If you’re not used to working out, start slow and build your way into a routine. The important thing is creating a habit that will last, not overdoing it and quitting after a week.
3. If you smoke, it’s time to quit.
If you smoke, quit. Among other health concerns, smoking has been linked to many urological diseases, including bladder and kidney cancer, ED, urinary incontinence, and kidney stones. If you’re having trouble quitting, contact your medical provider to make a plan that will help you stop and get on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
4. Don’t ignore pain or sexual problems.
If you experience any pain or feel a persistent urgent or frequent need to urinate, don’t ignore it. While a lot of people see these symptoms as simple inconveniences, they could be an indication of infection or a common urologic condition. If you notice any blood in your urine, have pain while urinating, feel a pain in your abdomen, incontinence, or notice any significant changes to your urinary patterns, contact your medical provider.
If you have symptoms of erectile dysfunction, or other conditions like Peyronie’s disease (erect penile curvature), low testosterone, or male infertility, see a urologist—don’t ignore these problems as they could also be signs that your urologic health is suffering. While it might be uncomfortable to talk about, your urologist is well trained in these conditions and is here to help, not to embarrass you.
5. Make those checkup appointments with your medical provider (and get screened regularly).
Talk with your medical provider to see how often you should have a checkup, and be sure to get screened regularly for diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. These conditions have been linked to urological issues such as infections and ED. Ask your medical provider how frequently you should be screened for prostate cancer as well.
Taking care of your urologic health doesn’t have to mean completely changing your life. Start slow and work on one thing at a time. Pretty soon, these habits will become second nature and you’ll start feeling better, have more energy, and reduce your chances of undergoing urologic problems or complications.
The urology services offered through Touchette Regional Hospital’s specialist at Archview Medical Center are comprehensive in nature and can help if you are experiencing urologic conditions that cause you discomfort such as painful urination, poor bladder control, reproductive health issues, or even pain in the groin area. Learn more about our urology services, by visiting: https://touchette.org/archview-medical-specialists/urology.