How often should I come for preventive check-ups?
March 12, 2023 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Luisa Ehrig
Dear Urologist,
My name is Emil Volkmann and I am reaching out to you because I am unsure how often I should come in for a preventive examination. I am 45 years old and have never had such an examination before. I do not have any acute complaints in the urogenital area, but recently I have noticed that I have to go to the toilet more often and sometimes I feel a slight burning sensation when urinating.
I am concerned that these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition and would like to know how often I should come in for preventive examinations in order to detect and treat any potential problems early. I have heard that regular examinations can be important for detecting and treating diseases like prostate cancer early. Is that true?
Can you tell me at what age and at what intervals I should come in for preventive examinations? Are there specific risk factors that require more frequent monitoring? What examinations are typically performed during a preventive examination in urology and how long does such an examination usually take?
I thank you in advance for your response and your help with this important matter.
Sincerely,
Emil Volkmann
Dear Mr. Volkmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding preventive examinations in urology. It is good that you are concerned about your health and want to inform yourself about the necessary steps to be able to detect any potential problems early.
In general, I recommend men over the age of 45 to undergo regular preventive examinations in urology. The interval between examinations should be individually determined, depending on age, overall health status, and possible risk factors. For a healthy man without a family history of urological issues, it is usually sufficient to go for a preventive examination every 1-2 years.
In your case, since you have already noticed initial symptoms such as increased urination and mild burning during urination, I would recommend scheduling an appointment with a urologist promptly. These symptoms could indicate various conditions that can be assessed during an examination.
Regular preventive examinations in urology typically include a physical examination, an ultrasound examination of the kidneys and prostate, as well as blood and urine tests. If necessary, additional tests such as a prostate biopsy or uroflowmetry can be carried out. The duration of the examination depends on the tests performed, but a preventive examination usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
It is important to emphasize that regular preventive examinations in urology help to detect and treat potential diseases early. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and can be well treated with timely diagnosis.
I hope that this information was helpful to you and I am available for further questions. Please schedule an appointment with a urologist soon to have your symptoms evaluated.
Best regards,
Luisa Ehrig
Urologist
