Urology Hospital
Suite 5, 1162 Cnr Grosvenor St &, Pretorius St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028.
info@africaurology.com
Urology Hospital: 012 423 4204
Cure Day Hospital: 010 500 3339
Jacaranda Hospital: 012 421 6808
Suite 5, 1162 Cnr Grosvenor St &, Pretorius St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028.
Urology Hospital: 012 423 4204
Cure Day Hospital: 010 500 3339
Jacaranda Hospital: 012 421 6808
Urology isn’t only about prostate problems or men’s health. Urologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the urinary system — including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra — as well as the male reproductive system. Urologists care for men, women and children.
So when should you actually see one?
The answer depends on your symptoms, how long they’ve been happening, whether they keep returning, and how much they are affecting your life.
Here are some situations where it may be worth getting a urological assessment.
A single UTI is common. But if urinary infections or UTI-like symptoms keep returning, it may be worth looking beyond the immediate infection.
Recurring symptoms can sometimes be related to repeated bacterial infections, but similar symptoms can also occur with other bladder or urinary conditions.
A urologist can help determine whether there is an underlying reason for the recurring problem and whether further assessment is needed.
This is particularly important if you’ve found yourself repeatedly taking antibiotics without understanding why the symptoms keep coming back.
Blood in the urine — known medically as haematuria — should not simply be ignored.
There are many possible causes, including urinary tract infections, kidney or bladder stones and other urinary conditions. Blood in the urine can also be a sign of cancer, which is why it deserves appropriate assessment rather than being assumed to have one particular cause.
The blood may be visible, or it may only be detected during a urine test. If you’ve noticed blood in your urine, speak to a healthcare professional about it.
Changes in your urine flow can be easy to dismiss, particularly as we get older.
You might notice:
These symptoms can have different causes. In men, prostate conditions are one possible cause. But urinary symptoms aren’t automatically “just the prostate”, and an assessment can help determine what is actually happening.
Urinary leakage is common, but common does not mean you simply have to live with it.
You may leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise. Or you may experience a sudden urge to urinate and struggle to reach the bathroom in time.
There are different types and causes of urinary incontinence, and treatment depends on what’s causing it. A urologist can help assess the problem and determine what options may be appropriate.
These symptoms can have many possible causes. Sometimes they are related to infection. Sometimes they may be associated with bladder conditions or other problems affecting the urinary tract.
If symptoms persist or keep returning, getting the cause properly assessed can be more useful than repeatedly treating the symptom alone.
Kidney stones can cause significant pain and may cause blood in the urine. Some stones pass without specialist treatment, while others can become stuck, obstruct urine flow or require intervention.
If you’ve had kidney stones before — particularly if they keep returning — a urologist can help assess the problem and discuss appropriate treatment and prevention.
Urology also includes aspects of male reproductive and sexual health. Men may see a urologist for concerns such as erectile dysfunction, certain genital conditions, male infertility or problems affecting the prostate.
These concerns can be difficult to talk about. But you don’t have to be embarrassed to ask for help. A consultation is an opportunity to understand what’s happening and what options may be available.
Urologists diagnose and treat several cancers affecting the urinary and male reproductive systems, including cancers of the bladder, kidneys, prostate and testicles.
You don’t need to wait until you’re certain something is wrong before asking questions. Symptoms such as blood in the urine, changes in urination or other persistent urinary symptoms may need investigation.
The purpose of an assessment isn’t to assume the worst. It’s to understand what’s happening.
Sometimes the clearest sign that it’s time to seek help is simply this:
You don’t have to wait until a problem becomes unbearable before asking for help.
You don’t necessarily need to have a dramatic symptom to benefit from seeing a urologist.
Sometimes the most important reason to seek specialist care is that you’ve been experiencing a problem for a while and still don’t understand why it’s happening.
A urological consultation can help bring together your symptoms, medical history, examination and, where appropriate, investigations to work towards a clearer understanding of what’s going on.
One of the biggest misconceptions about urology is that urologists only treat men or only deal with the prostate. They don’t. Urologists work across a broad range of conditions involving the urinary system and, in men, the reproductive system.
That includes problems involving the:
Urological care can involve diagnosis, monitoring, medication, procedures and surgery depending on the condition.
Absolutely.
Women can experience a wide range of urological conditions, including recurrent UTIs, urinary incontinence, bladder pain, overactive bladder and other urinary problems.
These symptoms can sometimes overlap with other areas of women’s health, which can make it difficult to know where to start. A urologist can help investigate urinary symptoms and determine what may be contributing to them.
Yes. Paediatric urology deals with urological conditions affecting children, including certain problems involving the urinary tract, kidneys and bladder.
If your child’s doctor recommends a urological assessment, the purpose is to understand the problem and determine whether specialist care is needed.
Some urinary symptoms should not wait for a routine specialist appointment.
For example, being unable to urinate, severe pain, significant bleeding, or symptoms accompanied by fever or feeling very unwell may require urgent medical attention. If you’re experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek appropriate urgent medical care.
You don’t need to wait until a urinary problem becomes unbearable before asking for help.
Recurring infections, blood in the urine, changes in urinary flow, bladder control problems, persistent urinary symptoms, kidney stones, sexual or reproductive concerns and possible urological cancers are all reasons a urological assessment may be appropriate.
The important question isn’t always: “Is this serious enough?”
Sometimes it’s simply: “Do I understand what’s causing this?“
Your symptoms are worth understanding.
Africa Urology is a specialist practice founded by Dr. Viola Morolo, the first Black female urologist to graduate from the University of Pretoria.
Stay informed on common urological conditions and symptoms
