Urology Awareness Month

Urology Awareness Month

This September, the Urology Foundation are hosting Urology Awareness Month. Urology is an area of medicine that treats conditions male and female urinary systems (including the kidneys, bladder and urethra) and the male reproductive system. This includes some common serious conditions, such as urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, urinary incontinence and kidney stones, and cancers of the bladder, testicles and prostate. 1 in 2 of us are estimated to be affected by a urological condition in our lifetime, meaning it is more important than ever we take care of our urology health.

Bladder cancer is now the 7^th most common cancer in the UK, and kidney cancer is close behind as the 8^th. Prostate cancer is estimated to affect 1 in 8 men. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions and contacting your GP as soon as you notice any changes is crucial to early diagnosis and increased likelihood of survival. Testicular cancer is now estimated to be up to 98% curable if caught early.

Common symptoms to be aware of include:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful urination or ejaculation
• Frequent urination
• Obstructed urination
• Pain or aching in groin, abdomen or lower back
• Erectile dysfunction
• Lumps

How can I prevent urological issues?

Though many urological conditions are not preventable, there are simple steps we can all take to promote good urinary health, and this includes drinking plenty of water, limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake, regular exercise and maintaining a strong pelvic floor. A healthy, varied diet that limits salt intake is also key to keeping your kidneys functioning well. It is important to be aware of the colour of your urine, as this can be an indicator of both mild and serious conditions, including liver disease, kidney problems or cancer. If you notice any signs, such as dark urine or foaming and fizzing, it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible.

What can I do if I think I have been misdiagnosed, or my diagnosis was delayed?

Unfortunately, these conditions may be missed or misdiagnosed by medical professionals, with sometimes life changing results. At Swain & Co we are highly experienced in managing claims involving urological conditions, including delayed diagnosis of a range of cancers and damage suffered due to failure to remove urological stents or incorrectly managed catheters. If you or a loved one think you may have suffered as a result of medical negligence, contact our specialist clinical negligence team today to see how we can help.