Sedentary lifestyle causes urinary tract disorders in productive-age men

Modern society’s sedentary lifestyle, high stress levels, and genetic factors are causing men of productive age to frequently experience urinary tract health issues, according to Urology Specialist at Eka Hospital MT Haryono, Dr. Dyandra Parikesit. “Many men often ignore the symptoms of urinary tract disorders and only see a doctor when the symptoms worsen. Although it is considered a disease of the elderly, the fact is that urinary tract disorders can be experienced by men at any age,” said Dr. Dyandra Parikesit in Tangerang on Friday. Dr. Dyandra stated that one preventive measure to avoid urinary tract problems is urological health screening for men based on age groups. For those aged 30, the focus should be on pregnancy programmes and reproductive health, as men are generally at their peak productive period and golden career phase. Work pressure triggering high stress, smoking habits, and a lifestyle involving prolonged sitting are the main triggers of urological disorders at a young age. Semen analysis is mandatory for men planning a pregnancy programme with their partner. Through laboratory examination of semen samples, doctors can evaluate sperm quantity, motility, and morphology. “There is also early detection of varicocele, which is swelling of the veins inside the scrotal sac. Varicocele is one of the main causes of male infertility most commonly found in productive age, yet often goes unnoticed,” he said. For those aged 45 and above, evaluation of sexual function and early prostate symptoms is necessary, as the male body begins to experience a gradual decline in testosterone hormone production and reduced elasticity of urinary tract tissues. Erectile dysfunction evaluation often serves as a marker of vascular damage. This condition is closely linked to blockages in blood vessels due to coronary heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. Periodic kidney function tests are needed to monitor urea and creatinine levels. This screening aims to assess the kidneys’ filtration capacity for metabolic waste, so that signs of kidney failure can be identified early. “Monitoring urinary symptoms includes weakened urine flow, straining during urination, terminal dribbling, or frequently waking up at night just to urinate,” said Dr. Dyandra. Men aged 50 and above must undergo annual urinary tract examinations. At this phase, the male prostate gland undergoes secondary growth that is susceptible to malignancy. Additionally, a simple blood test measures PSA protein levels produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels in the blood serve as an early indicator of prostate disorders, including a high risk of prostate cancer, even before physical symptoms appear. A non-invasive diagnostic procedure measures the volume, flow rate, and duration of urine output during urination. The resulting graph from this uroflowmetry test helps doctors determine the severity of urinary tract obstruction, commonly caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). “Do not delay urological examinations just because you feel no painful complaints. Undergoing early screening can help maintain optimal reproductive, sexual, and urinary excretory system functions into old age,” said Dr. Dyandra.