Dr Märt Mikkal: Estonian men fear urologist appointments needlessly
Urology deals with men's health broadly, but men most often see a urologist for sexual concerns, testicular pain, or urination problems.
Many men put off seeing a urologist out of uncertainty or fear of uncomfortable procedures. According to Märt Mikkal, urologist at Meliva’s Rävala clinic, there’s no need for that.
Urology deals with men’s health broadly, but men most often see a urologist for sexual concerns, testicular pain, or urination problems. “Statistics show that half of men over 50 experience some kind of prostate issue, but that doesn’t necessarily mean malignant disease,” says Dr Mikkal.
Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumour among Estonian men in their fifties, but it’s also very treatable when caught early. Even so, Dr Mikkal doesn’t consider annual check-ups necessary for men. “It’s worth seeing a urologist for the first time between ages 35 and 40, to get an overview of your health and know what to watch out for. Extra attention is needed if there’s a history of prostate or other cancers in the family,” the doctor stresses.
Why are men afraid of doctors?
According to Dr Mikkal, men fear urologist appointments for a simple reason — they don’t know what to expect from the visit. “A lot of patients assume every appointment means a prostate exam, but that’s not true. The examination depends on the concerns raised, and if nothing needs doing, we don’t do it,” he explains. Meliva’s urologist compares it to visiting the dentist — the first time can feel intimidating, but the more you go, the more natural it feels.
“I encourage patients to mention if it’s their first visit. That helps the doctor explain things more clearly and builds a more trusting relationship. It’s also important to understand that not every doctor is the right fit for everyone — what matters most is that men don’t stay alone with a problem, and find a specialist they trust,” says Dr Mikkal.
When should you see a doctor without delay?
There are symptoms that shouldn’t wait. “If urination has become more frequent, if there’s blood in it, or if the size of the testicles has changed, it’s essential to see a specialist,” Dr Mikkal stresses. Persistent pain or other health concerns that seem unusual shouldn’t be ignored either.
Still, raising awareness matters most of all. “If a man knows what changes to watch for in his body and when to see a doctor, most of the work is already done,” says Dr Mikkal. “90% of men leave their first visit realizing the procedures weren’t nearly as bad as what they’d read online. So really, all it takes is taking that first step and coming in.”
