For some of us, seeing a doctor is stressful and uncomfortable. But when it comes to discussing certain urological issues, there can also be an element of embarrassment or even shame.
Most of us cringe at the thought of having an in-depth conversation with our physician about things like erectile dysfunction or incontinence. But when you stop for a minute to put things into perspective, a frank conversation with your doctor for a relatively short period of time is far less embarrassing (and painful) than continuing to live with distressing symptoms which could be signs that something is seriously wrong. And many symptoms are treatable, so don’t rob yourself of the chance to work with your doctor to alleviate them!
Let’s get comfortable talking about two conditions with embarrassing symptoms that most people find hard to discuss: erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
Erectile Dysfunction
Understandably, this condition is highly embarrassing for most men. But it’s more common than you may think. One study found that around 52 percent of men experience some form of erectile dysfunction (ED), and the number goes up for men between the ages of 40 and 70. Some estimates indicate about 30 million men are affected by this condition yet it still continues to be under-reported.
There are many reasons why a man may not be able to get or maintain an erection ranging from physical to emotional and mental issues.
The Mayo Clinic lists some common causes of ED:
Smoking/alcohol use
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Blood vessel blockage
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Medication-related ED
Anxiety, stress, or depression
The good news is that many of these causes are treatable. And speaking to your doctor about symptoms is even more important when you consider that erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an indication of a more serious underlying issue like heart disease and diabetes.
Incontinence
Many people suffering from urinary incontinence believe it’s just an embarrassing part of life they will have to learn to live with. It’s just not true!
The first step toward getting help is having an open conversation with your physician about your specific symptoms. Only then can your doctor determine what type of incontinence you’re suffering with, which allows them to select a treatment plan that makes sense.
There are a number of different types of urinary incontinence (UI), all of which can have embarrassing results, including:
Stress incontinence. Leaks can happen when pressure is exerted on the bladder during activities like exercising, lifting heavy objects, sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
Urge incontinence: This is characterized by a sudden, urgent need to go to the bathroom often, followed by a small or copious amount of urine emptying from the bladder. Urge incontinence can result from minor conditions like an infection but can also be a sign of a more serious condition.
Functional incontinence. This type of incontinence is typically characterized by a secondary condition like arthritis or mental impairment which keeps you from getting to the bathroom in time.
Mixed incontinence. This type of incontinence is characterized by a combination of any of the above types of incontinence.
When talking about your symptoms with your doctor, resist the urge to minimize them. Your physician can diagnose whether the problem is temporary or persistent, or if there could be a more serious condition lying beneath those symptoms.
There are many, many effective treatments that can help relieve symptoms, and talking about UI with your doctor openly is the best way to learn about those treatments.
When to See Your Doctor
If you’re hesitant about talking with your doctor, remember, they have seen most if not all of your symptoms before. So don’t feel like you’re the only person in the world with an embarrassing urinary problem.
If you suspect a more serious underlying problem, or when symptoms negatively impact your day-to-day activities, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your physician. Your urologist can provide you with information on lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can resolve or lessen symptoms.
Try to remember: your doctor is your ally, and if at any time a physician makes you feel as though you should feel ashamed of your problem, it’s definitely time to find a new one.
The urologists at Norman Urology are experts in treating erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and many other urological conditions. They can help you manage your symptoms and walk you through the treatments that will be most effective for you.
If you’re experiencing any urology-related symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today!