Why Men AND Women Should See a Urologist: 6 Conditions

You might hear someone say “urologist” and think of age-related bladder problems or male prostate issues. But did you know urologists see adult men and women of any age for a variety of urinary and sexual health conditions?

One day you might find yourself needing the expertise of a urologist to diagnose a sexual-health issue or unexplained pelvic pain. When that day comes, you’ll likely want to choose a urologist recognized as an authority in urinary conditions and treatments

What is a urologist? Read our blog.

In this blog, we explain six common conditions in which urologists specialize, as well as the most advanced treatments you should ask about. 

Seeking a Urologist’s Expertise: 6 Issues in Men and Women

In the state of Ohio, there are roughly 560 practicing urologists to choose from and in Kentucky, 170 (close to 14,300 in all of the United States). 

The Urology Group has included a good number of those urologists since 1996 when we first opened our doors. We’re now the largest independent group of practicing urologists in our region. We have some of the most collective expertise in the area and have expertise in even the most niche urologic conditions. 

Common Conditions Urologists Specialize in for Women 

Though commonly thought of as a man’s doctor, a urologist also specializes in several conditions that women face, especially throughout menopause. 

Following are some common urologic conditions women face.

Bladder control and urinary frequency issues – Half of all adult women experience urinary incontinence, or trouble holding in urine, including 75% of women 65 and older. The most common urinary frequency issues in women include stress incontinence and urge incontinence, or overactive bladder (OAB). Stress incontinence, when urine leaks due to coughing, sneezing, and other sudden movements, occurs because the sphincter muscle in the bladder has problems opening and closing. Urge incontinence, marked by the frequent, hard-to-control need to urinate, can be brought on by a UTI, bladder stones, or impaired nerve-bladder communication. A urologist can treat incontinence in a variety of ways, including a bulking agent (Bulkamid) that supports the walls or the urethra, as well as Botox, which partially paralyzes the bladder muscles. Learn about other female incontinence treatments on our website.

Pelvic pain – Interstitial cystitis is a condition in which the bladder walls break down and become chronically irritated and inflamed. It is often called painful bladder syndrome, but pelvic pain and pain with intercourse are leading symptoms. Treatment often targets the symptoms through tailored drug combinations to manage pain and bladder function. Botox injections are another option. Pain also occurs in women with pelvic floor prolapse, when the muscles in the pelvis weaken enough that the organs they hold in place, including the bladder, uterus, and bowel, drop into the vaginal canal. The prolapse might require surgery to lift and secure the organs in place, but you also have nonsurgical options in earlier stages. These include estrogen replacement therapy to reinforce vaginal muscles and pessaries – small disk-like devices women can insert into the vagina to hold up the organs. Our webinar on women’s sexual wellness explains more.

Hormone replacement therapy – Women can suffer from different types of hormone imbalance. The most talked-about is estrogen, the female hormone that regulates reproduction and lubricates the vagina. When women enter menopause, their estrogen levels decline, which can make sex painful enough to avoid and lead to vaginal thinning, drying, and inflammation. But low testosterone also can diminish a woman’s sexual desire. Different hormone replacement therapies provide aid: estrogen and progesterone treatments can bring testosterone to its functioning level, and vaginal estrogen therapy, a topical cream women can self-apply, can restore estrogen. For long-lasting treatment, women can ask their doctor about the MonaLisa Touch, a virtually painless laser therapy that can relieve symptoms in a few five-minute treatments. Read more about women’s sexual health and care options on our website.

Common Conditions Urologists Specialize in for Men 

Prostate health – Prostate cancer is the second-most frequent cancer globally  (followed by lung cancer) and in the U.S. (following skin cancers). Yet 80% of Americans are unaware that early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms, according to a 2025 survey commissioned by the Ohio State University. The cancer is typically diagnosed with a blood test, called a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA), which is designed to detect abnormal cell activity in the prostate. The American Cancer Society advises all men of average risk to get screened at age 50, and men at higher risk to get screened at as young as 40. 

Early detection can mean less-invasive treatments, such as adaptive radiation therapy (ART), which is used for localized cancer that has not spread. ART uses an enhanced-targeted radiation approach that allows doctors to adjust the treatment plan based on changes in the patient’s body, in real time. Visit our Adaptive Radiation Therapy website to learn more. 

Sexual health issues – Erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, Peyronie’s disease, or low testosterone are not necessarily an aging man’s issue. Most men after the age 30 begin to feel symptoms of decreasing testosterone levels, which include reduced sex drive, loss of body hair, and sometimes erectile dysfunction. ED affects at least 30 million men and is becoming prevalent enough in younger men it is no longer considered an age-related issue. The chief cause of ED is a lack of blood flow to the penis, which might suggest a heart-related circulation issue, while obesity can contribute to low testosterone. For these reasons, sexual health issues should be taken seriously by men and diagnosed. Medical treatment typically involves medications. If you do experience ED, you might be a candidate for long-term treatments such as low-intensity shockwave therapy or even an implanted device in your penis, which sounds much scarier than it is. Evaluate your ED Symptoms here.

Urinary frequency issues – A number of conditions cause male urinary incontinence, including bladder stones, infection, and – frequently – an enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH). The key symptom for BPH is the frequent or constant need to urinate, often at night, but producing little urine. Any of the causes should be diagnosed to prevent it from developing into a serious issue. For example, untreated BPH can lead to repeat UTIs, bladder stones, and kidney damage. Treatment for BPH is less likely to require surgery, as well, thanks to new innovations such as an outpatient procedure called prostate artery embolization (PAE), designed to alleviate BPH symptoms by blocking blood flow to the enlarged tissue, so it shrinks. Evaluate your BPH symptoms here.

Is It Time to Schedule Your First Urology Visit? 

Urological conditions can occur in anyone, regardless of age and gender. If something doesn’t seem right in terms of urination, sexual performance, or comfort, don’t put it off or assume it’s normal. A good urologist can not only diagnose these conditions but also walk you through your treatment plan options and administer those treatments, including surgery if needed. 

The Urology Group strives to provide the latest innovations in diagnostics, treatment, and care. If you’re ready to consult a urologist about your urinary and sexual health, request an appointment right there.