Most urological conditions can be successfully treated if patients seek medical attention promptly. However, fear, stereotypes, and a reluctance to discuss sensitive issues remain among the main reasons for late diagnosis. Urologist, andrologist, and male reproductive medicine specialist Farkhod Tulenbaev discussed how modern urology is changing, why men delay seeing a doctor, and the role prevention plays in maintaining men’s health today.
Infertility is a global challenge: according to the WHO, one in seven couples worldwide faces it. Remarkably, male factors play a major role in almost half of these cases. Urologists in Europe are sounding the alarm: male reproductive health is under threat. Among the main “enemies” of fertility, doctors cite the modern pace of life, constant stress, excess weight, and metabolic disorders, which are becoming an increasingly serious problem against the backdrop of an aging population.
Despite advances in modern medicine, many men continue to seek medical attention only when a disease significantly reduces their quality of life.
According to Farkhod Tulenbaev, the reason lies not so much in the lack of medical care as in psychological barriers. “Historically, men were raised not to complain or show weakness. That’s why many patients ignore symptoms for a long time, hoping the problem will go away on its own. However, most urological diseases are much easier to treat in the early stages,” the expert explains.
Modern urology is a high-tech medical specialty that combines surgery, endoscopy, ultrasound diagnostics, reproductive medicine, reconstructive surgeries, and preventive care. Although many continue to perceive urologists exclusively as “male doctors,” in reality, urologists diagnose and treat urinary tract diseases in both men and women. However, male reproductive health remains one of the fastest-growing areas of modern urology. It was a desire to work in this field that determined Farkhod Tulenbaev’s career choice.
According to the World Health Organization, male infertility accounts for approximately 20-30% of infertility cases, and female factors contribute to another 20-30%. Many causes of decreased fertility are treatable with timely diagnosis.
“When, after treatment, a family announces a long-awaited pregnancy, you realize that a doctor’s work helps bring a new life into being. Moments like these remind us why this profession has such enormous social significance,” Farkhod shares. According to the doctor, the stories of patients who have become parents after lengthy treatment remain the most valuable in professional practice.
Men express gratitude differently than women, however. “They rarely display strong emotions. Sometimes a patient comes in for a follow-up appointment and casually says, ‘By the way, my wife is pregnant.’ This short sentence reflects months of examinations, treatment, and collaboration. Men express gratitude sparingly, but their trust and respect remain for years to come.”
The specialist believes that one of the most serious problems in modern urology is the delay in patients seeking treatment. Even with pronounced symptoms, many men continue to convince themselves that their condition remains normal. In his practice, Farkhod Tulenbaev has repeatedly encountered situations where objective data significantly diverged from the patient’s subjective assessment.
“Sometimes a man claims there are no problems. However, after a detailed examination or a conversation with his wife, it becomes clear that the symptoms have been present for a long time. This applies not only to sexual health but also to diseases of the prostate, kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract.”
According to the doctor, the situation is gradually changing. More and more men are beginning to view preventive screenings as a normal part of their health care.
Despite advances in modern diagnostics, many myths persist surrounding urology. One of the most common remains fear of prostate examinations. However, modern medicine has significantly expanded diagnostic capabilities.
“Today, many examinations have become significantly more comfortable for patients. Laboratory diagnostic methods are being improved, less traumatic instruments are being used, and modern consumables are being utilized. Very often, it’s not the procedure itself that people fear, but their perceptions of it.” According to the specialist, good communication between doctor and patient is becoming as important a part of treatment as properly prescribed therapy.
A distinctive feature of this specialty is that many patients seek treatment with issues that directly impact their self-esteem, family relationships, and emotional well-being. Farkhod Tulenbaev notes that the doctor must address not only the underlying condition but also the psychological consequences of the diagnosis. Sometimes, a confidential conversation becomes the first step in successful treatment.
According to the doctor, a significant portion of sexual health problems require a comprehensive approach involving a urologist, endocrinologist, reproductive specialist, psychologist, and, if necessary, other specialists.
Today, international clinical guidelines are increasingly shifting their emphasis from treating complications to early detection of diseases. Farkhod Tulenbaev is convinced that preventative medicine determines the future of the specialty. “The earlier a problem is detected, the higher the likelihood of a full recovery and the lesser the need for complex surgical interventions. Therefore, it is important for men to view a visit to a urologist as a natural part of their own health care.”
At the end of the conversation, Farkhod Tulenbaev shared recommendations that, in his opinion, will help men pay more attention to their health and avoid many urological diseases. First of all, the doctor advises not waiting for obvious symptoms to appear. Many genitourinary diseases can be virtually asymptomatic in their early stages, so regular preventive examinations allow for the detection of problems much earlier than they begin to impact quality of life.
It’s equally important to promptly consult a specialist if any alarming signs appear: urinary problems, lower back or perineal pain, blood in the urine, changes in sexual function, discomfort, or growths in the external genital area. According to the doctor, such symptoms don’t always indicate a serious illness, but they do require professional evaluation.
Before visiting a urologist, Farkhod Tulenbaev recommends recalling when the first symptoms appeared, what the patient attributes their occurrence to, what medications they take regularly, and any previous illnesses or surgeries. This information helps the doctor quickly develop a complete clinical picture and determine the necessary examination.
The specialist pays special attention to lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, getting adequate sleep, and eating a balanced diet have a positive effect not only on the cardiovascular system but also on hormonal balance, reproductive function, and genitourinary health.
Farkhod Tulenbaev also reminds that after 40–45 years of age, it is especially important for men to undergo regular preventive examinations with a urologist. The frequency of such examinations is determined individually, taking into account age, heredity, risk factors, and concomitant diseases.
According to the specialist, men should not be embarrassed to discuss intimate health issues with their doctor. A frank conversation allows for early identification of problems, the selection of optimal treatment strategies, and the avoidance of complications.
Olga Vaitsel