Urological issues are wrongly characterised by shame and misconceptions. In this interview, urologist Dr Sergej Staubli talks about the reasons that prevent men from going to the doctor and how the annual Movember campaign helps to talk about topics such as prostate problems and erectile dysfunction. He also explains how a urological examination actually works: empathetic, informative and pain-free.
Dr Staubli: Unfortunately, urological topics are associated with shame and fear for many men. The fact that topics relating to the male genitalia and male sexual function are taboo also increases the inhibition threshold for a urological visit. Women have been used to having regular gynaecological check-ups since puberty. For men, the first visit to the urologist is usually at an advanced age, which makes the first step to the urologist even more difficult.
Dr Staubli: I often hear: ‘It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be’. In these moments, I realise that a urological examination is associated with unpleasant feelings in many people's minds. It is important to realise that a visit to the urologist is empathetic, informative and pleasant.
Dr. Staubli: Thanks to the Movember campaign, urological issues are becoming a topic of discussion. Only when topics such as micturition problems, erectile dysfunction, prostate problems, fertility and mental health are discussed openly can the inhibition of clarification and treatment be reduced.
Dr. Staubli: Only that the mental cinema is much more dramatic beforehand, and the examination is perceived as harmless and pleasant afterwards.
The first step is to get to know each other. We discuss your general well-being, any complaints, medical history, risk factors and medication. We then use a measuring device to determine the urine flow curve. The next step is a palpation examination through the rectum, technically known as a digital rectal examination (DRU). It is quick, simple and painless. This gives me an idea of the size and condition of the prostate.
A blood analysis is also part of the examination as standard, as is an ultrasound. The procedure provides precise images of the prostate and its surroundings and is also completely painless, provided there are no painful changes in the area being examined. Conspicuous changes such as congestion, cysts and calcifications in the prostate become visible. Benign enlargement of the prostate can also be detected in this way. A benign enlargement of the prostate is harmless in most cases and has nothing to do with prostate cancer. However, a prostate carcinoma should definitely be ruled out beforehand