According to the American Urological Association, more than 40 million adults in the United States suffer from urinary tract disorders. And yet, many of these individuals don’t seek treatment for their condition. But why? Because they’re embarrassed. They think their symptoms are something they can just “live with.” But the truth is ignoring your urinary health can lead to serious problems down the road.

Here are five signs that you need to see a urologist

  • You’re experiencing urinary incontinence.

Do you leak urine when you cough, laugh, or sneeze? Do you feel the sudden urge to urinate but can’t make it to the bathroom in time? If your answer is yes to either of the given questions, you might be experiencing some form of urinary incontinence—a common but treatable condition that affects millions of people. There are a variety of treatments available depending on the severity of your condition. So don’t be afraid to seek help.

  • You’re experiencing urinary frequency or urgency.

Do you find yourself running to the bathroom every 20 minutes or so? Or do you have the urge to urinate but only produce a small amount of urine when you do go? This could be a sign of an overactive bladder or another urinary tract disorder. As with incontinence, there are treatments available—including medication, changes in diet and lifestyle, and even surgery in severe cases—so don’t hesitate to get help from louisville urologists.

  • You have blood traces in your urine.

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. In most cases, it’s not serious and will go away on its own within a few days. However, if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or difficulty urinating, it could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires treatment. If you see blood in your urine, make an appointment with your urologist right away.

  • You have severe pelvic pain.

If you’re experiencing severe pelvic pain—particularly if it comes on suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or nausea—you should see a doctor right away as it could be a sign of appendicitis or another serious condition. If your pain is milder but persistent, it could still be indicative of an underlying urologic condition such as interstitial cystitis or prostatitis (in men). Either way, don’t suffer in silence—get checked out by a professional.

The final thoughts

Don’t ignore your urinary health! If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with a urologist today. Urinary disorders are more common than you might think—and most are highly treatable with today’s medical advances. So don’t delay—seek help as soon as possible for the best chance at relief from your symptoms!