Urological problems often develop in such a way that a person does not notice them for a long time, or notices them but pays no attention to them. Some symptoms are simply considered to be “age-related.” In reality, most of these symptoms are a reason to seek medical consultation and, in many cases, provide an opportunity for early intervention.
A urologist is a specialist who treats diseases of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, prostate, and the male reproductive system. A urologist also works with women regarding symptoms such as urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and other urological symptoms.
When should you see a urologist?
▪ Changes in the frequency and quality of urination — waking up four to five times during the night to urinate, a weak urine stream, or the feeling that the bladder does not empty completely — these symptoms, either individually or together, may indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate adenoma) or another urological condition. There are various treatment methods for benign prostatic hyperplasia; however, all of them begin with an accurate diagnosis. Delaying medical evaluation usually reduces the number of available treatment options.
▪ The presence of blood in the urine always requires medical evaluation. This sign may indicate a wide range of conditions, from infection to bladder cancer. If the patient does not experience pain along with this symptom, it does not make the condition “harmless,” because many diseases that are much easier to control at an early stage often progress without pain.
▪ Pain in the lower back, pelvic region, or testicles sometimes develops unnoticed because, as a rule, it gradually becomes more intense over time. Therefore, such cases require consultation with a urologist. It is also important to remember that lower back pain does not always indicate a spinal problem. Kidney inflammation or kidney stones often present in this way.
▪ Changes in erectile function are often regarded by many men as a “normal part of aging.” In reality, erectile dysfunction may, in some cases, be an early sign of cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalance, or neurological disorders. Consultation with the appropriate specialist makes it possible to clinically evaluate this relationship. Low testosterone levels, which often present with fatigue, decreased libido, and/or mood changes, also fall within the scope of a urologist’s expertise.
▪ Urinary incontinence affects daily life. It is a functional condition that can be treated. It is not a normal part of aging.
Who should have a preventive urological consultation?
Symptoms are not always present. This is especially characteristic of oncological diseases. Prostate cancer often develops without any symptoms in its early stages. This does not mean that having fewer or no symptoms is a guarantee of good health. For this reason, after the age of 50, a preventive visit to a urologist and a PSA test are considered standard practice. If there is a family history of prostate cancer, this age threshold is lowered to 40 years. As for screening, there is no age limit, and anyone who wishes may undergo the appropriate examinations.
Our doctors explain to each patient, based on their individual clinical situation, how often monitoring should be performed and which examinations are required. This is a clinical standard that significantly reduces prostate cancer mortality rates in countries where screening programs are widely implemented.
Early Diagnosis
Detecting the problem at an early stage determines treatment possibilities. A tumor that has not yet spread can be stabilized with minimal intervention. This means that the patient experiences less stress, undergoes faster rehabilitation, and the likelihood of complications is significantly reduced.
The problem is that waiting often disrupts this balance. A tumor that could have been managed with local intervention at one stage may require combined and prolonged treatment at a later stage.
At the Karazanashvili Robotic Center, robotic surgery is specifically focused on cases where precision and minimal trauma are the highest priorities. Compared with traditional surgical approaches, procedures performed using this method involve significantly less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.
Karazanashvili Robotic Center is the institution with the largest clinical experience in this field in Georgia and the Caucasus region, having successfully performed more than 300 operations in less than two years.
How does Karazanashvili Robotic Center work?
At the center, each patient’s case is reviewed individually. The diagnostic profile, including laboratory data, imaging results, and PSA dynamics, is part of the clinical evaluation process, which is assessed by the physician and, when necessary, jointly reviewed by a team of specialists.
In complex cases where the disease extends beyond the scope of a single specialty, a multidisciplinary consultation board is organized at the center. Through this approach, every case is evaluated from different professional perspectives. This is particularly important when, for example, prostate or bladder cancer requires the involvement of several specialists simultaneously.
In addition to surgical treatment, the center provides patients with shockwave therapy services, which are used for the management of prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and other conditions.
The center operates two locations in Tbilisi, as well as branches in Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi — five branches in total. This means that the same medical standard is available in different regions of the country.
Healthy Lifestyle — How Much Does It Affect Urological Health?
Adequate fluid intake, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and smoking cessation are all factors associated with the health of the prostate, kidneys, and urinary bladder. Excess body weight combined with type 2 diabetes places significant pressure on urinary function. Smoking is one of the most well-established risk factors for bladder cancer.
These factors cannot replace clinical examinations, but they directly influence outcomes. A person who develops healthy habits becomes less vulnerable to certain diseases. This means fewer visits to the doctor, fewer medical interventions, and a better quality of life in the long term.
Providing guidance on these factors is also part of our doctors’ work. A clinical visit is not only about “managing” a symptom — it is an opportunity to assess individual risks and focus on prevention.
When urological health problems occur, early consultation can determine many outcomes. A symptom that does not yet prevent a person from living a full life may, in some cases, create only the illusion that waiting is safe. This applies to prostate cancer, urinary stone disease, prostatitis, and other conditions — early detection of all these diseases generally requires less intervention at later stages.
To schedule a consultation and examination, contact us online or call: (+995) 322 23 40 23.
