Dr Rowland Rees
Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist at University College London Hospital, Sub-specialties: Urethral Surgery, Penile Prosthesis, Incontinence Surgery
Consultant urologist highlights the importance of early assessment for male urological symptoms — and asks whether better information could support time-limited consultations. Around 40% of men over the age of 50 experience urological issues, such as urinary urgency, weak urinary stream or incontinence1.
Barriers to men’s urology care
“Men often delay reporting their symptoms,” Dr Rees explains. “They put things off, hoping they’ll go away. Add to that the embarrassment of talking about urinary issues or sexual function, or fear of what the diagnosis might mean, and many simply avoid going to the doctor altogether.”
Stigma, embarrassment and fear are some of the reasons men may not seek medical attention. Access to healthcare also plays a role, as rising demand for urology treatment contributes to longer waiting times 2.
Delaying medical attention for urinary symptoms can allow problems to worsen over time. Early, open discussions with a doctor may enable timely identification of suitable treatment options that can help manage symptoms before they progress.
“Earlier diagnosis might facilitate choosing less invasive treatments and may support faster recovery and improved patient experience for some patients,” says Dr Rees.
While benign prostatic enlargement can cause urinary symptoms, prostate cancer often shows no early signs — making prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and early screening important. He adds: “Following treatment for prostate cancer, men can be left with chronic urinary symptoms, but do not always seek help. There are effective treatments available throughout cancer survivorship.”
Earlier diagnosis might facilitate choosing
less invasive treatments and may support
faster recovery and improved patient
experience for some patients.
Accessing reliable information
With the demand for urology treatments rising 3 due to an ageing population, it’s more important than ever that meaningful discussions 4 between doctors and patients are timely, deep and educational.
Clear patient education helps turn limited time into meaningful conversation, thus Dr Rees emphasises the importance of accessing reliable information.
“Accurate, accessible resources can help patients recognise symptoms earlier, and make informed, shared decisions — now the standard in care,” he says. “It is essential to access trusted resources to avoid misinformation.”
For men – and their loved ones – seeking to better understand their urological health, resources such as Urology Matters, supported by Boston Scientific, offer clear, evidence-based information to help individuals understand their next step with confidence. Tools, such as doctor finder or self-assessment quizzes, can support them on their journey toward finding treatment options that are suitable for them.
Movember is a time to spotlight men’s health and encourage conversations that too often remain unspoken. Conditions like prostate cancer, benign prostatic enlargement, erectile dysfunction and male incontinence affect millions — yet stigma and misinformation often delay care.
To support this awareness effort, the urologymatters.com hub provides comprehensive, easy-to-use resources including clear explanations of urological symptoms, causes and treatment options, a doctor finder, FAQs and other patient stories. Better-informed patients may feel more prepared for focused consultations, earlier detection and stronger outcomes in their healthcare. Learn more at urologymatters.com
[1] Wei, J. T., et al. (2025). Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: A review. JAMA, 334(9), 809–821. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.7045
[2] World Health Organization. (2024). Global spending on health 2024.
Retrieved from https://www.who.int/teams/health-financing-and-economics/global-spending-on-health-2024
[3] Continence Foundation of Europe. (n.d.). The health, socio-economic and environmental costs of continence problems in the EU. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/5aeu8fdj
[4] ScienceDirect. (2024). Physicians’ attention to patients’ communication cues can improve patient satisfaction with care and perception of physicians’ empathy.
Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1807593224000541
Disclaimer
This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health. These materials are intended to describe common clinical considerations and procedural steps for the use of referenced technologies but may not be appropriate for every patient or case. Decisions surrounding patient care depend on the physician’s professional judgment in consideration of all available information for the individual case.
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Dr Rees is a Boston Scientific Consultant and has not been compensated for his time and participation in the writing of this article.
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