Men typically don’t like to talk about their health. That’s probably why men are less likely than women to schedule an annual check-up and more likely to avoid the doctor when faced with a medical concern.

Let’s start the conversation! In honor of Men’s Health Month, celebrated in June, Atlantic Medical Group urologists Propa Ghosh, M.D. and Abraham Knoll, M.D. answer questions about prostate problems, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, and other urological issues that often arise as men age.  

Question:  When should I be screened for prostate cancer?
Answer:  There are no early warning signs for prostate cancer, so it is important for men to be screened regularly. The American Urological Association recommends a yearly PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a digital rectal exam beginning at age 40. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors should be screened earlier.  

Q:  Does an elevated PSA mean I have cancer?
A:  Not necessarily. A lot of things can raise your PSA. While an abnormal level may indicate prostate cancer, it can also result from something less serious, such as urinary retention or prostate inflammation. A urologist can find the cause.

Q:  How is prostate cancer treated?
A:  Thanks to advances in medicine, patients have many treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies. Depending on your age and stage of disease, your doctor may even recommend watchful waiting. Our goal is to treat the cancer most effectively while minimizing the impact on your quality of life.

Q:  How many times a day should I urinate?
A:  It is normal to urinate three or four times during the day while sleeping through the night. Urine should be voided in a strong, steady stream, and you should feel “empty” when you’re done. Weak or more frequent urination could signal an underlying medical problem, such as an enlarged prostate or obstruction.

Q:  Should I worry if I see blood in my urine?
A:  Possibly. There are several conditions that cause blood in urine. Most of them are benign, such as kidney stones and infections. However, blood can also be a sign of bladder or kidney cancers. If you see blood in your urine, promptly schedule an appointment with a urologist.  

Q:  How do I know if I have kidney stones?
A:  Kidney stones may cause back pain that radiates into the groin, blood in urine, and/or frequent urination – although those symptoms may be related to other conditions and some stones don’t trigger symptoms. A radiology test will confirm your diagnosis.  While most kidney stones don’t require treatment, a urologist may need to remove larger stones by performing a minimally-invasive procedure. You can lower your risk for developing kidney stones by staying hydrated and reducing your intake of sodium and animal protein.

Q:  Why am I having problems with erections?
A:  An inability to produce or maintain an erection may be attributed to numerous factors, including obesity, various medications, and underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Erectile dysfunction is treated by managing chronic disease, taking oral medication, and/or lifestyle changes. 

Q:  Can smoking cause urological problems?
A:  Yes. Along with other negative health effects, smoking is linked to erectile dysfunction, infertility, and urological cancers. In fact, studies show a high correlation between smoking and cancers of the bladder and kidneys.

Check it Out

Talk to your doctor if you have any medical concerns or symptoms of a urological problem. Treatment could improve your health – and your life! 

Reasons for men to see a urologist include:

  • Abnormal prostate exam or PSA level
  • Blood in urine
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Painful or weak urination
  • Testicular mass or pain
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Infertility

For more information or to find an Atlantic Health System doctor specializing in Urological issues, please call 800-247-9580 or visit

This story was provided by Atlantic Health System.


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