Dr Fiona Wu, Senior Consultant Urologist and Medical Director at Aare Urocare (a member of Beyond Medical Group), was featured in Prime Magazine published on 17 October 2026, answering some of the most common questions patients ask about urinary symptoms, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, pelvic floor disorders and erectile dysfunction.
Urinary symptoms are often misunderstood or ignored. Many people assume they are simply part of ageing, stress, or temporary discomfort, and delay seeking help. In clinical practice, it is common to see patients who have adapted to their symptoms for years before realising that an underlying condition may be affecting their bladder, kidneys, prostate, or pelvic floor. Dr Fiona emphasises that many of these conditions are manageable when identified early.
Prostate Enlargement and Prostate Cancer
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common causes of urinary symptoms in older men, particularly those above 50. Early signs include a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, dribbling, frequent urination at night, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Because these changes develop gradually, many men adapt to them and delay seeing a doctor. Left untreated, BPH may contribute to urinary retention, bladder dysfunction, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
A common concern is whether prostate enlargement means cancer. BPH and prostate cancer are different conditions, although both affect the prostate and may cause overlapping symptoms. BPH is non-cancerous and commonly related to ageing, while prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Persistent urinary changes or blood in the urine should therefore be properly assessed rather than self-diagnosed.
Kidney Stones and Difficulty Passing Urine
Kidney stones may remain silent until they move or block the flow of urine. Symptoms can include sudden severe flank or lower back pain, blood in the urine, pain during urination, nausea or vomiting, and urinary urgency. Small stones may pass naturally, while larger stones may require treatment depending on their size and location. Stones can also recur if contributing factors such as hydration, diet, or metabolic conditions are not addressed.
Difficulty passing urine, or voiding dysfunction, may be caused by an enlarged prostate, bladder muscle dysfunction, nerve-related conditions, urethral narrowing, or pelvic floor dysfunction. Patients may notice a slow flow, straining, hesitancy, or a sense that the bladder has not fully emptied. Dr Fiona notes that voiding difficulties affect both men and women, and the bladder may be working under increasing strain long before patients seek help.
Bladder and Pelvic Floor Health in Women
Urinary leakage is not only a concern for older women. Pregnancy, childbirth, chronic constipation, obesity, hormonal changes, and even high-impact exercise may contribute to leakage when coughing or sneezing, sudden urgency, frequent urination, or pelvic heaviness. Many women dismiss these symptoms as “normal after childbirth”, when they may reflect pelvic floor dysfunction, an overactive bladder, or prolapse.
Pelvic organ prolapse is also not caused by childbirth alone. Ageing, repeated straining, obesity, menopause-related tissue changes, and long-term increases in pelvic pressure can all play a role. Symptoms such as bulging, heaviness, leakage, or difficulty emptying the bladder vary between individuals, and management depends on the degree of prolapse and its impact on daily life.
Erectile Dysfunction: More Than Just Stress
Erectile dysfunction (ED) may involve vascular, hormonal, neurological, metabolic, or psychological factors. It can also be associated with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or hormonal imbalance. Because erectile function involves multiple body systems, persistent ED should not be ignored or self-treated.
Despite growing public discussion about surgical options, surgery is not the first-line treatment for most men with ED. Depending on the underlying cause, many patients may improve with:
- Lifestyle modification
- Management of underlying medical conditions
- Medication
- Hormonal assessment where appropriate
- Non-surgical treatment approaches
Surgical options such as penile implants are typically reserved for carefully selected patients with more severe or treatment-resistant erectile dysfunction.
According to Dr Fiona, not every case of erectile dysfunction requires surgery, and proper assessment is essential before deciding on any treatment.
Common Myths: Cranberry Juice and Constipation
Cranberry products are often associated with urinary health, but they do not treat an active urinary tract infection. Some cranberry compounds have been studied for their potential to reduce bacterial attachment in laboratory settings, but clinical effectiveness varies. Persistent or recurrent urinary symptoms should not be managed with supplements or home remedies alone.
Constipation, on the other hand, is more closely linked to bladder health than many realise. The bowel and bladder share the same pelvic space, so constipation can place pressure on the bladder, leading to frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying, or recurrent infections. Long-term straining may also weaken pelvic floor support over time. Good hydration, adequate fibre, regular physical activity, and healthy bowel habits can help ease pelvic pressure and support urinary function.
When to See a Urologist
Dr Fiona advises patients to seek medical assessment if they experience persistent urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, difficulty passing urine, kidney stone symptoms, erectile dysfunction, or symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse. Delayed consultation is common because patients tend to view these symptoms as part of ageing or lifestyle changes.
Urinary symptoms are often the body’s way of signalling that something needs attention. Early evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and allows treatment to be tailored to each patient’s needs.
This article was written by Dr Fiona Wu and originally published in Prime Magazine.