Every informed person knows when it's time to visit a primary care physician, dentist, and similar commonplace practitioners. But very few men can tell if they need to see a specialist, more importantly, a urologist. If you don't know, a urologist is a medical expert who focuses on issues affecting the urinary tract, which consists of the ureters, urethra, and bladder. Some of the signs that indicate you should see a urologist include:

1.       Erectile dysfunction

According to the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately 30 million men. That number makes it more common than most people think. ED has many causes, the topmost being advanced age, medication, emotional distress, psychological conditions, and certain diseases. Since erectile dysfunction leads to many complications, including unfulfilled sex life, inability to procreate, and strained relationships arising from intimacy loss, seeking a solution immediately when you notice it is mandatory. A urologist will help you remedy it by analyzing your medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting various tests before recommending treatment. This specialist also helps you answer questions like the potential cause of your ED, the side effects of ED medication, and whether a lifestyle change may help you.

2.       Enlarged prostate

As you may have already surmised, an enlarged prostate is simply a prostate gland that's grown more prominent than usual. Medical experts call this issues benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It often affects older adults, but your family history and other abnormalities may increase your chances of getting it. Common symptoms of BPH include an excessive need to urinate at night (nocturia), incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, a weak urinary stream, and painful urination. Although BPH isn't necessarily a sign of cancer or a life-threatening condition, consulting a urologist is highly advisable when you encounter any of its symptoms. They will recommend the most effective solution for your case, including regular exercise and reducing nightly beverage intake if necessary. Your doctor may also prescribe medication that'll reduce the prostate's size or, in extreme cases, recommend surgical procedures.

3.       Blood in the urine

Blood-tinged urine in men is a cause for concern. It indicates health issues like kidney or bladder stones, kidney infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia, bladder infections, and urinary tract diseases. Note that passing blood in the urine may be painless because even a tiny amount can affect the urine's color. On the contrary, expect varying degrees of discomfort when your urine has sizable blood clots. When you notice signs of blood in the urine, call your urologist and book a session as soon as possible. That is vital because it may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition like bladder cancer, which demands urgent medical attention to prevent aggravation.