If you’re hoping to get everything on your holiday wish list this year, then call your doctor.
Good health is a gift you can give yourself – and your loved ones – by treating your body to the attention it needs to function well. Doing so can prevent a range of illnesses from developing.
For example, nearly four in 10 cancer cases and eight in 10 heart conditions could be prevented through lifestyle changes, the Centers for Disease Control estimates. Some of these changes include getting regular exercise, eating more whole foods, and not smoking. They also include regular health checkups and screenings.
To that end, here are two urology wellness steps you might want to add to your 2025 New Year’s resolutions.
1: Make a Date With Your Urologist
Many people put up with common urologic conditions far longer than they should. At that point, they may be repairing damage rather than treating a condition early when there are more options.
Here are some conditions men and women face – once that are highly treatable:
Men
- Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) – Also known as enlarged prostate, this non-cancerous condition develops among 50% of men aged 50 to 59 and 70% aged 60 to 69. It’s caused by accelerated cell growth in the prostate, enlarging tissue enough to squeeze the urethra and block urine flow. Several medications and non-invasive treatments can relieve symptoms. Leaving BPH untreated can cause permanent damage over time and result in the need for adult diapers, catheters, and possibly surgery.
- Erectile dysfunction – ED occurs when you are unable to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. It affects at least half of men 50 and older to some degree, but it can occur at any age so there’s no reason to feel self-conscious. While medications can help, if ED persists, help is available. Some therapies, like low-intensity shockwave, are designed to improve blood flow to the penis, non-invasively. A permanent solution, like a penile implant, is also a good solution for many men. Read more about ED treatment here.
- Prostate cancer – While we can’t prevent it, we can screen for it. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is protein made by prostate cells, a small amount of which enters the bloodstream. If cancer develops in the prostate, PSA levels rise, which this test detects. An annual PSA blood test is one way to detect cancer early when more treatment options are available. Researchers advise every man should undergo his first prostate cancer screening at 45 or even 40 if risk factors suggest, to establish his baseline. Read more about the baseline and risk factors on our blog.
Women
- Overactive bladder (OAB) – OAB is one of the leading causes of urinary incontinence, characterized by the frequent and urgent need to urinate. It can be disruptive, but it is common: 33 million Americans have OAB, mostly women. Exercises, bladder training, and even Botox injections can relieve you of these symptoms.
- Pelvic prolapse – If your pelvic floor muscles weaken, the tissue and organs they hold in place can slip into the vaginal canal. Your urologist can improve this condition through a number of treatments, including vaginal support devices (pessaries), estrogen therapy, and surgery.
- Vaginal dryness – As women go through menopause, some hormones decline and produce less natural lubricant, making sex painful. Hormone therapies can alleviate the pain, and an outpatient laser treatment called MonaLisa Touch has proven effective in stimulating collagen production in just a few sessions.
2: Monitor Your Own Health
Even if you don’t feel the immediate need to see a urologist, there are things both men and women can do to support their health:
- Men, self-examine your testicles – This monthly check, which you can do in the shower, will help you detect abnormalities that might signal cancer. Testicular cancer is more likely to occur in a man’s late 20s and early 30s, so don’t wait until your 40s to perform them. You can learn how to self-examine your testicles in this blog.
- Women, strengthen your pelvic floor – Childbirth, menopause, hysterectomies, and weight gain can cause a woman’s pelvic muscles to weaken, contributing to incontinence and prolapse. Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic muscles as a preventive measure. Ask your urologist how often to perform them or read this blog on Kegel exercises.
- Live a healthy lifestyle – Watching what you eat and drink and getting plenty of exercise are good steps for everyone to take. And, of course, if you smoke, you really need to quit. There are general health reasons to avoid smoking as well as ones specific to urological conditions (read more here). It isn’t always easy to do, but living a healthy lifestyle is the best thing you can do to prevent illness and live the kind of life you want to enjoy.
Proactive Good Health Now Means Peace of Mind in 2025
You can’t put a bow on good health, but you can give it to yourself through daily exercise, good diet, and seeing a urologist when things don’t feel right. Try it just one day at a time. Your future self will thank you.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a condition, request an appointment with one of our urologists here.
