questions for a urologist · urology consultation · prostate · PSA · urination · Gdansk
Urology is not only about the prostate and not only about men. It covers diagnostics of the urinary tract, urination problems, infections, kidney stones, pain, diseases of the testicles, penis and prostate, urinary incontinence, and sexual health. In this Q&A, we explain when to see a urologist, what a consultation looks like, when tests may be needed, and why embarrassment should not delay diagnosis.
Series: Questions for a urologist · Editorial preparation: Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej editorial team · Medical co-author: Jakub Gondek, MD, urologist · Medical approval: Jakub Gondek, MD — to be confirmed before publication · Publication: to be completed · Updated: 10.07.2026
This article is educational and does not replace a urology consultation. Blood in the urine, urinary retention, fever with lower back pain, severe testicular pain, increasing lower abdominal pain, suspected testicular torsion, or a sudden deterioration in general condition require urgent medical care.
Key points at a glance
- It is worth seeing a urologist if you experience pain, burning, frequent urination, a weak urine stream, waking at night to urinate, blood in the urine, testicular pain, erection problems, or changes in the genital area.
- Urination problems do not always mean prostate disease — the cause may be an infection, stones, urethral stricture, overactive bladder, medication, neurological disease, diabetes, or other disorders.
- A urologist treats both women and men — the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra concern both sexes.
- A urological examination starts with a conversation. The scope of the examination depends on symptoms, age, sex, risk factors, and the patient's consent.
- A rectal examination is brief and may help assess the prostate, but it can be uncomfortable. The patient has the right to ask why it is being performed.
- PSA is not a simple "prostate cancer test". The result must be interpreted together with age, symptoms, examination findings, prostate size, infections, and other factors.
- Erectile dysfunction may be a symptom of vascular, metabolic, hormonal, neurological, or psychosexual problems and requires diagnosis.
- Urological prevention should be individual — it depends on age, symptoms, family risk of prostate cancer, coexisting diseases, and patient preferences.
Learn more about the specialist
This material from the "Questions for a urologist" series was prepared with the participation of a doctor answering patients' questions. Before publication, it should receive final medical approval from a specialist involved in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary and genitourinary diseases, urination problems, prostate symptoms, infections, kidney stones, and other urological conditions.
Does the "questions for a urologist" format make sense for SEO?
Yes. Patients very often search for direct answers: "when to see a urologist", "does a urologist examine the prostate", "does a urological examination hurt", "weak urine stream", "frequent urination at night", "PSA or rectal examination", "does a urologist treat women", "erectile dysfunction urologist Gdansk". The Q&A format responds well to these search intents and supports visibility in Google and in AI-generated answers.
In urology, E-E-A-T is especially important: medical co-author, medical approval, update date, sources, warning symptoms, and careful language. The text should not promise a "complete picture of health" after one visit or suggest that PSA or ultrasound replaces the full diagnostic process.
When should a man see a urologist for the first time?
There is no single age threshold that suits every patient. It is worth seeing a urologist whenever symptoms from the urinary or genital system appear: pain, burning, difficulty starting urination, a weak or intermittent urine stream, frequent urination, sudden urgency, waking at night to urinate, blood in the urine, testicular pain, penile pain, erectile dysfunction, or a change in the genital area.
As a preventive measure, men after the age of 40-50, especially those with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors, should discuss with a doctor whether and when prostate examination and PSA testing may be worthwhile. This should be an individual decision, with an explanation of the possible benefits and limitations of the tests.
Is a visit to a urologist painful or embarrassing?
Embarrassment is common and understandable because the visit concerns intimate symptoms: urination, the prostate, testicles, penis, infections, erections, or sexual life. For a urologist, however, these are standard medical topics. The aim of the visit is to determine the cause of the problem, not to judge the patient.
The consultation itself usually starts with a conversation. An examination is performed only when it is needed and after the patient has been told why it is being done. Some parts of the examination may be uncomfortable, but the patient has the right to report pain, tension, anxiety, and ask questions at every stage of the visit.
What does a urological examination look like?
The scope of the examination depends on the symptoms. A visit usually begins with a medical history: the doctor asks about complaints, duration of symptoms, urination, pain, infections, blood in the urine, chronic diseases, medications, operations, sexual life, fertility, previous test results, and family risk of prostate disease.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may suggest:
- examination of the abdomen, lower back area, and genital organs,
- urinalysis or urine culture if an infection is suspected,
- ultrasound of the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys, prostate, testicles, or post-void residual urine,
- a rectal examination if indicated for prostate assessment,
- PSA testing after discussing indications, limitations, and factors affecting the result,
- uroflowmetry, meaning assessment of urine flow, if symptoms require it,
- further diagnostics, such as cystoscopy, blood tests, imaging, or an andrology consultation, if indicated.
Not every patient needs all tests. Good diagnostics means choosing tests according to symptoms, rather than performing a full package "just in case".
Do urination problems always mean the prostate?
No. The prostate is a common cause of urination problems in men, especially with age, but it is not the only one. Symptoms such as frequent urination, a weak stream, urgency, nocturia, an intermittent stream, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying can have different causes.
Possible causes include, among others:
- benign prostatic enlargement,
- prostatitis,
- urinary tract infection,
- urinary stones,
- urethral stricture,
- overactive bladder,
- neurological diseases,
- diabetes or metabolic disorders,
- effects of certain medications,
- urinary retention or post-void residual urine.
That is why treatment should start with a diagnosis. A patient with an infection is managed differently from a patient with benign prostatic enlargement, an overactive bladder, suspected urethral stricture, or urinary stones.
Does a urologist treat only men?
No. A urologist deals with the urinary system in women and men: the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. In men, a urologist also deals with the prostate, testicles, epididymides, penis, scrotum, and some andrological problems.
Women see a urologist, among other reasons, for recurrent urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, urinary stones, bladder pain, urinary incontinence, frequent urination, urgency, or an abnormal ultrasound result. In some cases, cooperation with a gynecologist, urogynecologist, nephrologist, or urogynecological physiotherapist may be needed.
Are erection problems a matter for a urologist?
Yes. Erectile dysfunction is a common reason for a urology or andrology consultation. It may have vascular, metabolic, hormonal, neurological, medication-related, psychosexual, or mixed causes. It should not be treated only as an "embarrassing problem" or as something to self-treat with supplements.
Erectile dysfunction may also be a signal of general health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders, atherosclerosis, obesity, testosterone deficiency, depression, or chronic stress. A urologist can assess whether laboratory tests, hormonal diagnostics, cardiovascular assessment, pharmacological treatment, lifestyle changes, or cooperation with another specialist are needed.
Is PSA enough to check the prostate?
Not always. PSA is a blood test helpful in assessing prostate diseases, but it is not an independent diagnosis of prostate cancer. Elevated PSA may occur with benign prostatic enlargement, prostatitis, infection, after certain procedures, and sometimes also with cancer. A normal PSA result, in turn, does not rule out all urological problems.
That is why PSA must be interpreted in the context of age, symptoms, examination findings, prostate size, result dynamics, family risk of prostate cancer, and possible additional tests. Some patients may need a rectal examination, ultrasound, prostate MRI, PSA follow-up, urology consultation, or further diagnostics.
Does urological prevention really make sense?
Yes, but it should be tailored to the patient. In men, discussion about prostate prevention depends on age, symptoms, family history, PSA result, prostate examination, chronic diseases, and patient preferences. The goal is not to scare patients with cancer, but to reasonably determine whether and when tests are needed.
Urological prevention also means responding to symptoms: blood in the urine, recurrent infections, urination problems, testicular pain, lumps in the scrotum, erectile dysfunction, penile pain, penile curvature, skin changes on the genital organs, or urinary incontinence. Seeing a doctor early often makes it possible to identify the cause faster and avoid prolonged self-treatment.
What diagnostic and treatment methods are used in urology?
Modern urology includes diagnostics, conservative treatment, pharmacological treatment, procedures, and surgery. Depending on the problem, the doctor may suggest urinalysis, urine culture, PSA, ultrasound, assessment of residual urine, uroflowmetry, cystoscopy, treatment of infections, treatment of prostate symptoms, diagnostics of erectile dysfunction, or qualification for a procedure.
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, patients can receive help with urology consultations, diagnostics of the urinary tract, urological ultrasound, and selected outpatient procedures. If the problem concerns aesthetic urology, erectile dysfunction, phimosis, a short frenulum, or circumcision, the doctor should first determine whether functional treatment, diagnostics, a procedure, or another management path is needed.
When should you not delay seeing a urologist?
Urgent or prompt consultation is required for:
- blood in the urine, even if it appeared only once,
- urinary retention or inability to urinate,
- fever, chills, and lower back pain,
- severe testicular pain, sudden swelling of the scrotum, or suspected testicular torsion,
- severe colicky pain radiating to the groin, especially with fever or vomiting,
- recurrent urinary tract infections,
- pain, a lump, ulceration, bleeding, or a rapidly changing lesion on the penis or scrotum,
- worsening difficulty urinating,
- erectile dysfunction that appears suddenly or coexists with heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension.
Do you have a problem with urination, the prostate, infections, or erections?
Do not assume that "it will pass on its own" or that "it is definitely the prostate". A urology consultation helps identify the cause of symptoms and choose the next steps.
Urology consultation Book an appointmentUrology at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdansk
On the WMP website, Jakub Gondek, MD, is described as a doctor involved in the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions, currently undergoing specialist training in urology at the Department of Urology of the University Clinical Centre in Gdansk. In his daily practice, he works, among others, with patients experiencing urinary tract symptoms, urination problems, suspected infections, and symptoms of prostate diseases.
Depending on the problem, the patient may require a urology consultation, ultrasound, urinalysis, PSA testing, uroflowmetry, prostate assessment, andrological diagnostics, or qualification for a procedure. The current scope of services, doctors' availability, prices, and preparation for the visit should be confirmed during registration.
Learn more about the specialist Urological ultrasound Difficulty urinating Erectile dysfunction
What should you ask the urologist during the visit?
- Could my symptoms be caused by the prostate, an infection, stones, the bladder, urethra, or another cause?
- Do I need urinalysis, urine culture, ultrasound, PSA, uroflowmetry, or another test?
- Should I have PSA tested and how should I prepare for the test?
- Is a rectal examination needed and what is it meant to assess?
- Could my medications affect urination or erections?
- When do symptoms require urgent medical care?
- Does my erectile dysfunction require hormonal, metabolic, or cardiovascular assessment?
- Can the urination problem first be treated conservatively?
- What are the possible side effects of medications?
- When should I come for a follow-up?
FAQ — first urologist visit, prostate, PSA and urination
When should I see a urologist for the first time?
Whenever symptoms appear: pain, burning, blood in the urine, urination problems, testicular pain, changes in the genital area, or erectile dysfunction. Prostate prevention should be discussed individually, especially after the age of 40-50 or with a family risk of prostate cancer.
Does a urological examination hurt?
It usually starts with a conversation. Some parts of the examination may be uncomfortable, but they should not be performed without explanation and the patient's consent. The patient has the right to report pain or anxiety.
Do urination problems always mean the prostate?
No. The cause may be the prostate, but also an infection, stones, urethral stricture, overactive bladder, diabetes, neurological disease, medication, or other disorders.
Is PSA enough to detect prostate cancer?
No. PSA is a helpful test, but it does not diagnose cancer on its own. The result must be interpreted together with age, symptoms, prostate examination, infections, prostate size, and possible additional tests.
Does a urologist treat women?
Yes. A urologist treats urinary tract diseases in women and men. Women see a urologist, among other reasons, for infections, blood in the urine, urinary stones, urinary incontinence, bladder pain, and urgency.
Are erectile dysfunction problems a matter for a urologist?
Yes. Erectile dysfunction may have vascular, metabolic, hormonal, neurological, psychosexual, or medication-related causes. It requires diagnosis, especially if it appears suddenly or coexists with diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
Is a rectal examination necessary?
Not for everyone. It may be needed to assess the prostate, especially with lower urinary tract symptoms, abnormal PSA, or suspected prostate disease. The doctor should explain why it is being performed.
When are urological symptoms urgent?
Urgent symptoms include urinary retention, blood in the urine, fever with lower back pain, severe testicular pain, sudden swelling of the scrotum, severe colicky pain, suspected testicular torsion, or deterioration in general condition.
Who provides urology consultations at WMP?
On the WMP website, Jakub Gondek, MD, is described as a doctor involved in the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions. The current scope of consultations, tests, and procedures should be confirmed during registration.
Sources for medical and editorial verification
- Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, Jakub Gondek, MD: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/en/jakub-gondek
- Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, urology consultation: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/en/konsultacja-urologiczna
- Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, urological ultrasound: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/en/usg-urologiczne
- Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, difficulty urinating: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/en/trudnosci-w-sikaniu
- Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, erectile dysfunction: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/en/zaburzenia-erekcji
- NICE, Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg97
- NHS, PSA test: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/
- British Association of Urological Surgeons, PSA testing advice: https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Leaflets/PSA%20Advice.pdf
- American Urological Association, Erectile Dysfunction Guideline: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/erectile-dysfunction-%28ed%29-guideline
- European Association of Urology, Management of Erectile Dysfunction: https://uroweb.org/guidelines/sexual-and-reproductive-health/chapter/management-of-erectile-dysfunction
- American College of Cardiology, Erectile Dysfunction as an ASCVD Risk-Enhancing Factor: https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2024/09/23/10/45/erectile-disfunction-as-an-ascvd-risk-enhancing-factor
- Google Search Central, Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content
- Google Search Central, Article structured data: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/article
- Google Search Quality Rater Guidelines: https://guidelines.raterhub.com/searchqualityevaluatorguidelines.pdf