When You Should See a Urologist – 10 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Pain or Burning During Urination

A painful or burning sensation while urinating (called dysuria) is one of the most common signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). It can also indicate urethritis, bladder inflammation (cystitis), or even kidney problems.

If the discomfort lasts more than a day or two – or is accompanied by fever or blood in the urine – seek medical advice.

Frequent Urination, Especially at Night

Do you feel the need to urinate too often? Are you waking up at night to go to the bathroom more than once? This may be a sign of overactive bladder, prostate enlargement, or bladder irritation.

Frequent urination is not always normal – even if you’re drinking more fluids. If it disrupts your daily life or sleep, it’s time to get it checked.

Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

Even a small amount of blood in the urine is a red flag. It may look pink, red, or brown – or only show up in a lab test.

This symptom can be caused by:

• Urinary infections
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Trauma
• In rare cases, bladder or kidney cancer

Blood in the urine should never be ignored, even if it happens once and goes away.

Pain in the Lower Abdomen, Back, or Groin

Persistent or sudden pain in these areas can point to:

• Kidney stones
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• Testicular conditions

If the pain is sharp, comes in waves, or is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, it could mean a stone is moving through the urinary tract – a situation that often requires urgent attention.

Trouble Starting or Maintaining Urination

Feeling like you can’t completely empty your bladder? Starting the stream takes effort or you experience weak flow?

These issues may be linked to:

• Enlarged prostate (BPH) in men
• Urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra)
• Bladder dysfunction

These issues can worsen over time and increase your risk of infection or bladder damage.

Pain in the Testicles or Pelvic Area

Discomfort or aching in the testicles, scrotum, or lower pelvic area can indicate several conditions – from epididymitis (inflammation of the tube at the back of the testicle), to varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)), or even a testicular torsion, which is a medical emergency.

In women, chronic discomfort in the lower pelvic region may point to bladder issues, interstitial cystitis, or other urological concerns.

If the pain is sudden, severe, or doesn’t go away – don’t ignore it. Prompt diagnosis can prevent serious complications.

Cloudy, Foul-Smelling, or Unusual Urine

Changes in the appearance or smell of urine are often an early sign of a urinary tract infection, but may also result from dehydration, certain foods or medications, or kidney problems.

Unusual urine symptoms include:

• Strong, persistent odor
• Cloudiness
• Mucus or sediment
• Unusual color (dark orange, brown, etc.)

If the change persists or is accompanied by discomfort, a visit to the urologist. is the safest next step.

Urinary Incontinence or Leakage

Loss of bladder control – whether it’s a small leak during laughter or complete urgency – can be frustrating and embarrassing. But it’s also treatable.

Types of incontinence include:

• Stress incontinence (leaking during coughing, laughing, lifting)
• Urge incontinence (sudden need to urinate)
• Overflow incontinence (constant dribbling)
• Functional incontinence (due to physical or cognitive limitations)

Incontinence is not just “part of aging.” Urologists can help manage or completely resolve it.

Unusual Discharge from the Urethra

Any discharge from the penis or unusual fluid from the urethra in women may suggest an infection, often sexually transmitted (like gonorrhea or chlamydia), or due to inflammation of the urethra or prostate.

This may be accompanied by:

• Burning sensation
• Itching
• Pain during urination
• Swelling or redness

A urologist can run simple tests to determine the cause and provide fast, effective treatment.

Erectile Dysfunction or Loss of Sexual Desire

For men, difficulties with erection or a decrease in libido may be caused by:

• Prostate conditions
• Low testosterone
• Circulatory or nerve issues
• Stress or anxiety

Though many men delay seeking help, these problems are common and manageable – especially when addressed early.

A urologist can help identify whether the cause is physical, hormonal, or psychological, and offer proven solutions.

Feeling of Incomplete Bladder Emptying

If you often feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bladder, or need to return to the bathroom soon after urinating, it may point to:

• Bladder dysfunction
• Obstruction from an enlarged prostate
• Nerve-related problems

Left untreated, this can lead to urinary retention, infections, or even damage to the bladder muscles.

Timely evaluation can prevent long-term complications and greatly improve comfort and quality of life.

In Women

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are significantly more common in women due to the shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
• Pelvic pain is often mistaken for gynecological issues, but can also stem from the bladder or urethra.
• Urinary incontinence is more prevalent, especially after childbirth or during menopause, due to weakening pelvic floor muscles or hormonal changes.
• Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) can cause chronic bladder discomfort, pressure, and frequent urination.

Many women mistakenly think they need a gynecologist for all pelvic or urinary issues – but often, a urological specialist is the right choice.

In Men

• Prostate-related issues become common after age 40, including symptoms like weak urine stream, frequent urination, or feeling like the bladder doesn’t empty fully.
• Erectile dysfunction or changes in sexual performance may be early signs of underlying urological or cardiovascular problems.
• Testicular or scrotal pain, lumps, or swelling should always be examined promptly.
• Urinary tract infections are less common, but when they occur, they may signal a more complex underlying problem, such as prostatitis or obstruction.

Many men delay seeking help due to embarrassment, but early detection makes treatment simpler and more effective.

A Simple Urinary Infection Can Turn into a Kidney Infection

A bladder infection (cystitis) that isn’t treated properly can spread upward to the kidneys, leading to pyelonephritis. This condition can cause high fever, back pain, and even permanent kidney damage if left unchecked.

Prostate Problems Can Lead to Urinary Retention

Many men with an enlarged prostate delay seeing a doctor until they can’t urinate at all – a painful emergency known as acute urinary retention. In some cases, this requires catheterization or even surgery.

Silent Warning Signs of Cancer May Be Missed

Blood in the urine, frequent urination, or unexplained pelvic pain can be early signs of bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer. The earlier these are caught, the more treatable they are.

Urological cancers often progress quietly. Early detection is your best chance at a full recovery.

Fertility and Sexual Health May Be at Risk

Conditions like prostatitis, varicocele, or hormonal imbalances can affect fertility and sexual function. Delaying care reduces treatment effectiveness and can lead to chronic problems.

Chronic Conditions Become Harder to Treat

Bladder dysfunction, overactive bladder, or pelvic pain syndromes often respond best to early intervention. Once symptoms become chronic, treatment may take longer and require more invasive approaches.

Medical History and Symptom Review

The urologist will begin by asking questions about your:

• Symptoms (when they started, how often they occur)
• Medical history
• Medications and supplements
• Lifestyle factors (diet, alcohol, caffeine, sexual activity, etc.)

Tip: Be honest and open – it helps the doctor get a clearer picture and make the right diagnosis faster.

Physical Examination

Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may perform:

• Abdominal exam to check for pain, swelling, or masses
• External genital exam (for men or women)
• Prostate exam for men, usually via a quick rectal check
• Pelvic exam (rare, but possible for women)

The goal is to detect any visible or physical signs of problems, and it’s always done professionally and quickly.

Diagnostic Tests

You may be asked to undergo one or more of the following:

• Urinalysis (urine test to detect infection or blood)
• Blood tests (kidney function, PSA levels in men)
• Ultrasound (to view the kidneys, bladder, or prostate)
• Uroflowmetry (measures the strength of your urine stream)
• Bladder scan (to see how well you empty your bladder)

Most tests are painless and can often be done the same day or scheduled shortly after.

Discussion and Next Steps

After your exam and tests, the doctor will:

• Explain what they’ve found so far
• Discuss any further testing if needed
• Offer treatment options or prescribe medication
• Schedule follow-up appointments if necessary

You’re encouraged to ask questions, clarify anything unclear, and be part of the decision-making process about your care.

Severe Pain in the Side, Back, or Lower Abdomen

This could signal a kidney stone that’s moving through the urinary tract or a blocked ureter. The pain is often intense, comes in waves, and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

Sudden, sharp pain that doesn’t go away is never “normal.”

Inability to Urinate (Urinary Retention)

If you’re unable to pass urine despite feeling a strong urge, it may be due to an enlarged prostate, bladder obstruction, or nerve dysfunction.

This condition is very uncomfortable and requires immediate relief, often with catheterization.

Blood Clots in the Urine or Heavy Bleeding

Passing visible blood clots in urine, or seeing heavy bleeding, could indicate trauma, tumors, or a severe infection. This is not a situation to monitor at home.

Sudden Swelling or Pain in the Scrotum

In men, intense scrotal pain and swelling may be a sign of testicular torsion – a condition in which the testicle twists and cuts off its own blood supply. This is a true emergency that requires surgery within hours to save the testicle.

Fever with Chills and Urinary Symptoms

A high fever, especially when combined with flank pain or burning urination, may suggest a kidney infection or acute prostatitis. These conditions can spread quickly to the bloodstream (urosepsis) if left untreated.

Don’t wait out infections with fever – especially if you’re feeling weak, disoriented, or very ill.

Bring a List of Symptoms

Write down what you’re experiencing, including:

• When the symptoms started
• How often they occur
• Anything that makes them better or worse
• Whether you’ve had similar problems in the past

This helps the doctor spot patterns and ask more focused questions.

Take Note of Medications and Supplements

Make a list (or bring the bottles) of:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter drugs
• Herbal remedies or vitamins

Some substances can affect your urinary or sexual function, and it’s important your doctor knows about them.

Don’t Empty Your Bladder Right Before Your Visit

You might be asked to provide a urine sample or undergo an ultrasound, so it’s often best to arrive with a comfortably full bladder.

Prepare Questions

It’s easy to forget your concerns once you’re in the exam room. Write down anything you want to ask, such as:

• “What could be causing my symptoms?”
• “Do I need any special tests?”
• “What are my treatment options?”
• “Will this affect my fertility or sexual health?”

Bring Previous Test Results (If Applicable)

If you’ve had lab tests, imaging (like an ultrasound or CT scan), or reports from another doctor, bring copies with you. It can save time and avoid repeat testing.