When to see a urologist: 12 signs you should not ignore

Many people put off seeing a urologist because the symptoms feel embarrassing, or because they are not sure which doctor to see. A urologist, called mutra rog visheshagya in Hindi, is the specialist for the urinary system of men, women and children, and for the male reproductive organs. If you are looking for a urologist in Lucknow, this guide explains what a urologist treats and the signs that mean you should book a visit. It is written by Dr. Aditya P.S. Sengar, Consultant Urologist, Uro-Oncologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon at Precision Urology Hospital, Lucknow.

What does a urologist treat?

A urologist treats problems of the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, the urethra, the prostate and the testes. Common reasons people see a urologist are:

• Kidney and ureter stones
• Enlarged prostate and difficulty passing urine
• Repeated urine infections
• Urine leakage in women and men
• Cancers of the prostate, kidney and bladder
• Erectile dysfunction and male infertility
• Children's problems such as bed-wetting, hypospadias and blockage of the kidney
• Kidney transplant surgery

You can see a urologist directly. You do not need a referral from another doctor.

12 signs you should see a urologist

1. Blood in the urine, even once and even without pain. It can be a sign of a stone, an infection or, in adults over 40, a tumour, so it should always be checked.
2. Pain in the side or back that comes in waves and may spread to the groin. This is the typical pain of a kidney stone.
3. Burning when passing urine that keeps coming back, or more than two urine infections in six months.
4. A weak or slow stream, straining, or a feeling that the bladder is not empty. In men over 50 this is often the prostate.
5. Waking two or more times at night to pass urine.
6. Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze or lift, or a sudden urge you cannot hold.
7. Passing urine very often during the day.
8. A lump, swelling or pain in the testis.
9. Difficulty getting or keeping an erection, or early ejaculation that troubles you.
10. Trouble conceiving after a year of trying. A semen analysis is the first test for the man.
11. A kidney problem found on a scan, such as a stone, a cyst, swelling (hydronephrosis) or a growth, or a raised PSA in a blood test.
12. A child with urine problems, such as bed-wetting after age 7, a weak stream, repeated infections or an abnormal opening of the urine passage.

When to go to hospital the same day

• Fever or chills with stone pain
• Being unable to pass urine at all, with a painful full bladder
• Sudden severe pain in the testis, especially in a boy or young man
• Heavy bleeding in the urine with clots
• An injury to the lower abdomen or the groin with blood in the urine

What happens at your first visit

Your urologist will ask about your symptoms and past illnesses, examine you and look at any reports you bring. Common first tests are a urine test, blood tests such as creatinine or PSA, and an ultrasound. Bring all old reports, scans and your current medicines. You can also send reports on WhatsApp first for a free opinion.

Seeing a urologist in Lucknow

Dr. Aditya P.S. Sengar sees patients at Precision Urology Hospital, Pratap Nagar, Tedhi Pulia Ring Road, Monday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Patients come from Vikas Nagar, Aliganj, Jankipuram, Indira Nagar and across Lucknow. See the list of urology treatments or book an appointment.