What are the common chief complaints in urology?

From the Guidelines

Common chief complaints in urology include hematuria, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and testicular pain. These complaints are common because the urinary system is susceptible to infection, obstruction, and age-related changes, while male reproductive organs face unique challenges related to hormonal fluctuations and anatomical vulnerabilities.

Common Chief Complaints

• Hematuria: almost 85% of patients with bladder cancer present with hematuria, which is either gross or microscopic and is usually painless and intermittent 1
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): occur due to bacterial invasion of the urinary tract, causing painful urination and frequency, with a greater microbial spectrum and antimicrobial resistance in complicated UTIs 1
• Kidney stones: form when minerals crystallize in the kidneys, causing severe flank pain during passage
• Urinary incontinence: results from weakened pelvic floor muscles or neurological issues affecting bladder control
• Erectile dysfunction: stems from vascular, neurological, or psychological factors impairing normal sexual function
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): involves prostate enlargement in older men, causing obstructive urinary symptoms
• Testicular pain: can result from infection (epididymitis), torsion (a surgical emergency), or trauma

Key Considerations

• Hematuria may indicate infection, stones, or malignancy requiring prompt evaluation 1
• UTIs can be complicated by factors such as obstruction, diabetes mellitus, and immunosuppression, requiring appropriate management and antimicrobial therapy 1
• The urinary system is susceptible to infection, obstruction, and age-related changes, while male reproductive organs face unique challenges related to hormonal fluctuations and anatomical vulnerabilities.

From the Research

Common Chief Complaints in Urology

• Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common chief complaint in urology, often associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 2, 3, 4, 5
• LUTS can include symptoms such as:
  • Nocturia (waking up to urinate at night) 4
  • Urgency (a sudden, intense need to urinate) 4, 6
  • Frequency (urinating more often than usual) 4, 6
  • Weak urinary stream 4
  • Straining to urinate 4
  • Sensation of not completely emptying the bladder 4
• Other common chief complaints in urology may include urinary incontinence (UI), which can be associated with LUTS 6
• UI can be classified into different types, including:
  • Functional UI
  • Urge UI
  • Stress UI
  • Overflow UI 6
• BPH and LUTS can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, and treatment options are available to manage symptoms 2, 3, 4, 5