Urology and Prevention: 5 Key Exams Not to Miss After Age 50 to Maintain Urinary Health in Colmar

Urology and Prevention: 5 Key Exams Not to Miss After Age 50 to Maintain Urinary Health in Colmar

Urology and Prevention: 5 Key Exams Not to Miss After Age 50 to Maintain Urinary Health in Colmar

Why Urological Prevention is Vital

The urinary tract and the male genital system are complex and essential to our well-being. With advancing age, particularly after 50, the risk of developing certain pathologies (benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancers, chronic infections) increases significantly. However, many of these disorders, when detected early, are treated very effectively. The secret lies in prevention and regular screening.

The Centre d’Urologie de Colmar (39 Avenue de la Liberté, 68000 COLMAR) encourages all its patients to have a regular urological check-up. We present here the five key examinations recommended by urologists to monitor and maintain your urinary and genital health.

Expert Reminder: “A preventive consultation with the urologist, even in the absence of symptoms, is a direct investment in your future quality of life. Don’t wait for an emergency.”

Summary

1. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

What is PSA?

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced specifically by the cells of the prostate. A simple blood test measures its level.

Role in Screening

An elevated PSA level can be a warning sign for potential prostate cancer. It is the most commonly used biochemical tool in the context of prostate cancer screening in Colmar

Caution: An elevated level is not synonymous with cancer. PSA can also increase in cases of infection (prostatitis) or a simple benign enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH). This is why the test must always be interpreted by your urologist.

When to Get It Done?

The debate on the optimal age is ongoing. Generally, it is recommended to discuss PSA testing with your primary care physician or urologist from age 50, or from age 45 if you have a family history of prostate cancer .

Source : Société Française d’Urologie (AFU) – Recommandations sur le dépistage [1].

The Clinical Examination: The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

A Quick and Essential Procedure

Despite some misconceptions, the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) remains an essential pillar of the urological examination, particularly in the evaluation of the prostate.

What the Urologist Evaluates

 

The urologist, after taking all necessary precautions, evaluates:

  • The volume and shape of the prostate: Useful for diagnosing BPH.
  • The consistency: The presence of hard, irregular, or abnormal areas can signal the possibility of cancer.

An abnormal DRE combined with an elevated PSA level often constitutes the main indication for performing a prostate biopsy to establish an accurate diagnosis .

Source : Ameli.fr (Assurance Maladie) – Dépistage du cancer de la prostate [2].

 

3. The Urine Analysis (Urine Cytobacteriological Examination - ECBU)

Urinary Tract Assessment

The Urine Cytobacteriological Examination (ECBU) is a simple yet powerful test, often requested by your urologist in Colmar during a preventive check-up.

What ECBU Reveals

 

  • Urinary Tract Infections: It detects the presence of bacteria (cystitis, pyelonephritis) or other infectious agents. Urinary tract infections in men, especially after 50, can be a sign of an underlying problem (BPH, stones).
  • Microscopic Hematuria: It reveals the presence of blood in the urine, even in very small amounts (invisible to the naked eye). Hematuria, even microscopic, should always be investigated by a urologist, as it can be a sign of kidney stones, or, more rarely, bladder or kidney tumors.

This examination is crucial to rule out any inflammation or infection before interpreting other tests such as PSA .

Source : Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) – Guide des analyses urinaires [3].

4. Kidney and Bladder Ultrasound

Imaging of Urinary Organs

Ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless medical imaging exam. It uses ultrasound waves to visualize the organs.

Why Ultrasound is Essential

The urologist may request an ultrasound to:

  • The Kidneys: Search for the presence of kidney stones (calculi), cysts, signs of hydronephrosis (kidney dilation due to an obstruction), or kidney tumors.
  • The Bladder: Evaluate the thickness of the wall (a sign of overactive bladder or straining against an obstruction) and the post-void residual urine volume (the volume of urine remaining after urination). A significant post-void residual is often associated with BPH
  • The Prostate: Obtain a more precise estimate of the prostatic volume.

Source : Ameli.fr (Assurance Maladie) – L’échographie [4].

5. Uroflowmetry

Functional Assessment

Uroflowmetry is a simple test used to evaluate the quality of micturition (the act of urinating).

How the Test is Performed

The patient urinates into a funnel connected to a device that records the urinary flow rate (the volume of urine evacuated per second).

What Uroflowmetry Reveals

  • Obstruction: A low maximum flow rate and a plateau curve may indicate an obstruction at the bladder outlet, often due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men.
  • Jet Strength: The test evaluates the strength and speed of the urinary stream.

This test is essential for objectifying the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) reported by the patient and guiding therapeutic choices .

Source : MSD Manuals – Évaluation des symptômes des voies urinaires inférieures [5].

Book Your Urological Check-up in Colmar

Don’t let urinary disorders impact your daily life or undiagnosed risks threaten your health. Prevention is your best ally.

The team of urologists at the Centre d’Urologie de Colmar is available to perform a complete and personalized urological check-up, using modern equipment for precise and rapid diagnoses.

Whether you are 45, 60, or presenting with recent symptoms, don’t hesitate to take the first step.

Contact the Centre d’Urologie de Colmar to schedule your check-up:

I will schedule an appointment.

Official Medical Sources

  • [1] Association Française d’Urologie (AFU). (2024). Recommandations concernant le dépistage du cancer de la prostate.
  • [2] Ameli.fr (Assurance Maladie). (2023). Le dépistage du cancer de la prostate.
  • [3] Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS). (2022). Infection urinaire : place de l’ECBU.
  • [4] Ameli.fr (Assurance Maladie). (2023). L’échographie : déroulement et résultats.
  • [5] MSD Manuals. (2023). Évaluation des symptômes des voies urinaires inférieures.