Medical disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
Medically reviewed by Jack Bruder, MD, board-certified urologist, Luzato Medical Group. Reviewed September 2026.
You should see a urologist any time you notice ongoing changes in how you urinate, blood in your urine, pelvic or lower-back pain, or new problems with erections or fertility. A urologist is a physician and surgeon who specializes in the urinary tract and the male reproductive system, and early evaluation often means simpler, more effective treatment.
Many people delay this visit out of embarrassment or the hope that a symptom will resolve on its own. Yet urologic conditions are common, highly treatable, and frequently easier to manage when caught early. Below, our clinical team explains what a urologist does and the specific signs that mean it is time to book an appointment.
What does a urologist actually treat?
A urologist cares for far more than one organ. According to Cleveland Clinic, a urologist is a physician and surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, adrenal glands, and the male reproductive organs.
That broad scope is why a single specialist can evaluate symptoms as different as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, an enlarged prostate, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction, and male infertility. At Luzato Medical Group, our urology team also coordinates with primary care, cardiology, and internal medicine so that conditions with overlapping causes are managed together. You can review the full list of conditions we treat on our services page.
When should you see a urologist in New York City?
You should schedule a urology visit whenever a urinary or reproductive symptom is new, persistent, or worsening. Cleveland Clinic lists common reasons to see a urologist as difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, blood in urine, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and pelvic pain, and advises seeking care for changes in how you urinate.
Warning signs worth an appointment include:
- Frequent, urgent, or painful urination
- A weak or interrupted urine stream, or trouble starting
- Getting up multiple times at night to urinate
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pelvic, groin, or persistent lower-back pain
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
- A lump or swelling in the testicle
- Difficulty conceiving with a partner
If you are searching for an experienced urologist in Manhattan, our board-certified team offers confidential, personalized evaluations.
Is blood in your urine ever “normal”?
No. Visible blood in the urine should always be evaluated. Cleveland Clinic distinguishes gross hematuria, which is visible and can turn urine pink or red, from microscopic hematuria, which is detectable only in the lab, and advises contacting a healthcare provider if the water in your toilet looks pink or red after you urinate.
Blood in the urine can stem from a urinary tract infection, kidney or bladder stones, or an enlarged prostate, but it can also be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer, which is why prompt evaluation matters. Learn more about our approach to hematuria (blood in urine).
Could your urinary changes mean an enlarged prostate?
For men over 40, a change in urination is often related to the prostate. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) reports that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects 5% to 6% of men ages 40 to 64 and 29% to 33% of those ages 65 and older.
BPH is not cancer, but it can cause a weak stream, dribbling, incomplete emptying, and frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep and quality of life. A urologist can distinguish BPH from other prostate conditions and outline the range of options. Read more about evaluation and treatment on our enlarged prostate page.
Does erectile dysfunction warrant a urology visit?
Yes, and often sooner than men expect. NIDDK estimates that between 30 million and 50 million men in the United States have ED, and emphasizes that ED is not a routine part of aging.
Because erections depend on healthy blood vessels and nerves, ongoing difficulty can be an early signal of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. A urologist can evaluate both the sexual symptom and its possible underlying causes. Our dedicated resource explains what to expect with erectile dysfunction.
What happens at a first urology appointment?
A first visit is a conversation and an examination, not a procedure. Your urologist will review your symptoms and medical history, may perform a focused physical exam, and often orders simple tests such as a urinalysis. Depending on your concern, additional non-invasive testing may be recommended to reach an accurate diagnosis. The goal is to understand the cause before discussing any treatment, and to answer your questions in a private, judgment-free setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a urologist?
Many patients can schedule directly, though some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care provider. Check with your plan or contact our office, and we can help you confirm.
How often should men have a urology or prostate check?
Screening timing is individual and depends on age, symptoms, family history, and risk factors. Discuss a personalized schedule with your provider rather than following a single rule.
Is urinating more often at night a normal part of aging?
It is common, but it is not something you simply have to accept. Frequent nighttime urination can point to an enlarged prostate, bladder issues, or other treatable conditions worth evaluating.
Can a urologist help with erectile dysfunction?
Yes. Urologists routinely evaluate and treat erectile dysfunction, including identifying underlying medical causes that may need attention.
Is blood in the urine an emergency?
Visible blood in the urine should always be assessed promptly by a provider. If it is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or an inability to urinate, seek urgent care.
Are urology visits confidential?
Yes. Your visit and medical information are protected and private, and our team is experienced in discussing sensitive concerns respectfully.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic, “What Is a Urologist?” and “Hematuria (Blood in Urine)”; NIDDK (NIH), “Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)” and “Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction.”
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.