Urologist Brisbane: 7 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many urinary symptoms are easy to dismiss.

You may notice that you are going to the toilet more often, getting up several times during the night, experiencing a weaker urine stream or feeling as though your bladder never fully empties.

Sometimes these changes develop gradually and become something you simply learn to live with.

However, persistent urinary symptoms can be a sign that it is worth speaking with your GP and, where appropriate, seeing a urologist in Brisbane for further investigation.

Below are seven symptoms that should not simply be ignored.

1. Blood in Your Urine

Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming, but even a small amount should be taken seriously.

Blood in the urine is known as haematuria.

There are many possible causes, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate conditions and other problems affecting the urinary system.

Importantly, blood in the urine may sometimes occur without any pain.

Because the cause cannot usually be determined from the symptom alone, further investigation may be recommended.

A urologist can assess the urinary tract and determine whether additional testing is required.

2. A Weak or Slow Urine Stream

A gradual reduction in urinary flow is particularly common in men as they get older.

You may notice that:

• It takes longer to start urinating
• The urine stream is weaker than it used to be
• The stream stops and starts
• You need to strain
• Urination takes longer
• You still feel full afterwards

One possible cause is an enlarged prostate.

The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, so when it enlarges it can restrict the normal flow of urine.

While an enlarged prostate is often benign, persistent symptoms should still be assessed.

A Brisbane urologist can investigate the cause and discuss whether monitoring, medication or another treatment may be appropriate.

3. Getting Up Several Times During the Night

Waking once occasionally to use the bathroom may not be unusual.

Regularly getting up several times every night is different.

This is known as nocturia and can significantly affect sleep quality.

Night-time urination can be associated with several conditions, including bladder problems and prostate enlargement.

If you find yourself automatically planning your evening around bathroom trips or waking repeatedly during the night, it may be worth discussing the problem with your doctor.

4. Feeling Like Your Bladder Never Completely Empties

One of the more frustrating urinary symptoms is finishing urination but still feeling as though there is urine left in the bladder.

Some people return to the toilet shortly afterwards.

Others may experience frequent urges because the bladder has not emptied effectively.

Incomplete bladder emptying can have several possible causes and may require further investigation.

A urologist may assess urinary flow, bladder function and the prostate where relevant to determine what is contributing to the problem.

5. Sudden or Frequent Urges to Urinate

Do you find yourself constantly looking for the nearest bathroom?

An increased need to urinate, or sudden powerful urges that are difficult to control, may indicate a bladder or urinary issue.

Some people begin changing their routine without even realising it.

They may:

• Avoid long drives
• Choose seats near toilets
• Limit drinks before leaving home
• Avoid certain social activities
• Use the bathroom “just in case”

When urinary symptoms begin affecting everyday decisions, it is a good indication that they deserve proper assessment.

6. Urinary Leakage

Urinary leakage is common, but that does not mean it should automatically be accepted as part of ageing.

Incontinence can range from occasional small leaks to significant loss of bladder control.

Some people experience leakage when coughing, lifting or exercising.

Others experience a sudden urge to urinate and cannot reach the bathroom in time.

There are several different types of urinary incontinence, and treatment depends heavily on identifying the underlying cause.

Seeing a urologist can help determine which type of incontinence is occurring and what treatment options may be available.

7. An Abnormal PSA Result

A PSA blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.

An elevated PSA does not automatically mean prostate cancer.

PSA levels can change for several reasons, including benign prostate enlargement and other prostate conditions.

However, an abnormal or rising PSA result may lead your GP to recommend further specialist assessment.

A urologist can review your PSA history, symptoms, examination findings and other relevant information before deciding whether additional investigation is needed.

Don’t Wait Until Symptoms Become Severe

One of the most common reasons people delay seeing a doctor is because their symptoms are manageable.

They may think:

“It’s annoying, but I can live with it.”

The problem is that urinary symptoms can develop slowly.

What begins as getting up once during the night may eventually become three or four bathroom trips.

A slightly weaker stream may gradually become difficulty emptying the bladder.

Minor leakage can eventually begin influencing work, exercise or social activities.

If a urinary problem is persistent, changing or interfering with everyday life, having it properly assessed is usually better than simply adapting around it.

What Happens When You See a Urologist?

Seeing a urologist does not necessarily mean you will need surgery.

The first step is usually determining why the symptoms are occurring.

Depending on the problem, assessment may involve discussing your symptoms and medical history, examining relevant areas and arranging appropriate investigations.

Once the cause is better understood, your urologist can discuss the available treatment options.

For some patients, treatment may involve monitoring or medication.

For others, additional procedures may be appropriate.

The important point is that treatment should be based on the cause of the problem rather than the symptom alone.

Looking for a Urologist in Brisbane?

If you are experiencing persistent urinary symptoms, prostate concerns, urinary leakage, kidney stone symptoms or have received an abnormal PSA result, your GP may recommend specialist assessment.

A urologist in Brisbane can investigate symptoms involving the urinary system and help determine the most appropriate next step.

Dr Jo Schoeman provides specialist urological assessment and treatment for patients in Brisbane and surrounding areas.

If you are concerned about changes in your urinary health, speak with your GP about whether a referral to a urologist is appropriate.