Brussels, Let's Talk Urology!

  25 January 2025, updated 09 August 2026 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: More Than Just a “Normal Part of Aging” Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common conditions affecting men as they age. The prostate gradually increases in size in many men, and in some, this enlargement can obstruct the flow of urine and lead to bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. Although BPH is not prostate cancer, its symptoms can have a significant impact on sleep, work, travel, relationships and overall quality of life. The good news is that treatment has evolved considerably. Depending on the prostate size, symptoms, medical history and personal priorities, treatment may range from lifestyle measures and medication to minimally invasive procedures and endoscopic surgery. In this article, we will explain BPH, its symptoms and complications, and the main treatment options available today, including treatments for very large prostates that can often avoid traditional open surgery. Wh...

18 January 2025 Welcome to "Brussels, Let's Talk Urology!": Breaking the Silence on Urological Health Urology is an essential field of medicine that often remains under-discussed, despite its significant impact on health and quality of life. Many urological issues, particularly those affecting men, tend to be swept under the rug due to embarrassment, stigma, and a lack of open communication. This is something I aim to change through this blog, Brussels, Let's Talk Urology . I believe it’s time for us to remove the taboo surrounding urological health and engage in honest conversations about these important matters. For far too long, conditions related to the urinary system, prostate health, kidney stones, and even sexual health have been avoided in public discussions. But these issues affect millions of people, yet are rarely openly addressed. Whether it’s dealing with urinary incontinence, frequent infections, or concerns about the prostate, many men often suffer in s...

18 January 2025 Overactive Bladder (OAB) – What You Should Know Overactive bladder (OAB) is a medical condition that affects how your bladder behaves. It causes the bladder muscle to contract involuntarily and suddenly, even when the amount of urine in the bladder is low. In people with OAB, the bladder works overtime, contracting more often than it should and at inappropriate times. The muscles in the bladder send incorrect signals to the brain, making you feel like your bladder is fuller than it really is. With OAB, the bladder contracts too early, even when it's not very full, instead of when it should. This involuntary contraction creates a strong urge to urinate. Essentially, you have much less control over when your bladder contracts to release urine. Symptoms of Overactive Bladder: The uncontrolled contractions of the bladder lead to several symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. These include: - Sudden and urgent need to urinate : An overwhelming urge to use the...

18 January 2025 Kidney stones are a common and painful urological condition, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people during their lifetime. In Belgium, an increasing number of patients visit emergency departments each year due to severe pain caused by kidney stones. If left untreated, these stones can lead to kidney damage and other complications. What Are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones are solid crystals formed from minerals, salts, and acids in the urine. They can range in size from a grain of sand to, in rare cases, much larger stones that obstruct the urinary tract. Who Is at Risk? Several factors increase the risk of developing kidney stones, including: ✅ Genetics – If a close family member has had kidney stones, your chances of developing them are higher. ✅ Dehydration – Inadequate fluid intake, especially in warm weather, increases stone formation. ✅ Diet – High consumption of animal proteins, salty foods, sugars (fructose, sucrose), and processed foods can lead to stone formation....