Brussels, Let's Talk Urology!

27 February 2025 Blood in the urine—known as hematuria —is one of those symptoms that gets patients understandably worried. As a urologist, I can confirm that while hematuria isn’t always a sign of something sinister, it’s never something to ignore. The causes range from completely benign to potentially serious , and getting to the bottom of it is key.   --- Causes of Hematuria: From Stones to… Spinach?  Hematuria can originate from different parts of the urinary tract—  the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, or urethra . Let’s go through the usual suspects:   1. Stones: The Rocky Road to Hematuria   Kidney and bladder stones are frequent offenders. These little mineral deposits can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. As they travel down the urinary tract, they can scrape the delicate lining, causing blood to appear in the urine—sometimes with excruciating pain, sometimes silently.   2. Strictures: The Traffic Jams of Urology  ...

01 February 2025   Ah, Valentine’s Day! A time for candlelit dinners, heart-shaped chocolates, and romantic getaways. But before you get too carried away by Cupid’s arrow, let’s have a little chat about something that’s also floating around: sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Because nothing says “romance” like staying safe, healthy, and itch-free! Love Bugs You DON’T Want This Valentine’s Day 1. Chlamydia – The Sneaky Sweetheart       Chlamydia is like that ex who ghosted you but left behind some unwanted baggage. It often has no symptoms, meaning it can linger undetected, silently causing trouble. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility—so, definitely not a gift you want to give (or receive). Treatment? A simple antibiotic can clear it up, but first, get tested! 2. Gonorrhea – The Gift That Keeps on Giving (Burning, That Is!)      Gonorrhea is famous for its fiery symptoms, including painful urination and unusual discharge. If romance h...

  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....