A father-son team’s advice for men’s health

For Donald Stewart, MD, and Tyler Stewart, MD, caring for patients at Ascension Medical Group Providence Urology Clinic in Waco, Texas is more than a profession — it is a shared calling across generations.

As a father-son team specializing in urology, the Stewarts are using Men’s Health Month to encourage men to prioritize preventive care, especially when it comes to prostate health and overall wellness.

“Men are notoriously bad at taking care of themselves,” said Dr. Tyler Stewart. “Our job as doctors is not just to treat problems — it’s to prevent them whenever possible.”

Dr. Donald Stewart has practiced urology in Waco since 1992. Originally interested in orthopedic surgery, he found himself drawn to urology because of the variety the specialty offers.

“It had everything,” he said. “Big surgery, little surgery, men, women, adults, kids, cancers that are curable, scopes, lasers — it was the perfect combination.”

Now, more than three decades later, he works alongside his son, who knew from childhood that he wanted to follow a similar path.

“When I graduated high school, my mom gave me a framed kindergarten assignment that said, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a bladder doctor,’” Dr. Tyler Stewart said with a laugh. “I’ve known for a long time this is what I wanted to do.”

Together, the two doctors combine decades of experience with the latest advancements in urologic care. Their collaborative approach allows patients to benefit from both expertise and emerging technologies.

“If you get either Stewart, you really get both of us,” Dr. Tyler Stewart said. “We talk through complicated cases all the time because we want patients to have the best possible outcome.”

Why men’s health matters

The Stewarts say Men’s Health Month is an important reminder that many serious conditions — including prostate cancer — can often be treated successfully when detected early.

“Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men,” Dr. Donald Stewart said. “We would be doing a disservice if we didn’t screen for a disease that can be curable when it’s found early.”

They also emphasize that many men mistakenly believe urinary symptoms are simply a normal part of aging.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that struggling with urination or having urinary symptoms is just something you have to live with,” Dr. Tyler Stewart said. “That’s not always true, and many of those symptoms can be signs of something we need to evaluate.”

The Stewarts encourage men not to ignore warning signs such as:

• Blood in the urine
• Changes in sexual health or performance
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

“These are sensitive topics, but they’re important conversations,” Dr. Tyler Stewart said. “We want patients to feel comfortable being honest so we can help.”

When to start prostate cancer screening

The Stewarts recommend men begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor as early as their 40s, especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer.

“Get a baseline PSA test in your 40s,” Dr. Tyler Stewart said. “Then continue screenings based on your risk factors and your doctor’s recommendations.”

They also stress the importance of preventive care for younger men.

“Men in their 20s and 30s should be doing self-exams for testicular cancer,” Dr. Donald Stewart said. “And any blood in the urine should always be evaluated.”

The doctors also note that some urologic symptoms can signal broader health concerns.

“If a man comes in with issues related to sexual performance, one of the first things we think about is heart health,” Dr. Donald Stewart explained. “Those vascular problems are often connected.”

Don’t delay care for men’s health concerns

From minimally invasive surgery to advanced imaging and evolving therapies, the Stewarts say the future of men’s health is promising.

“Treatments today are far less invasive and much more effective than they used to be,” Dr. Donald Stewart said. “The technology has changed dramatically even during my career.”

The team also encourages caution regarding online testosterone and erectile dysfunction treatments that lack physician oversight.

“When testosterone therapy is done correctly and monitored appropriately, it can be life-changing,” Dr. Tyler Stewart said. “But it needs to be managed safely with a physician.”

At the heart of their practice is a commitment to patient-centered care and building trust with every patient encounter.

“If you don’t feel comfortable talking openly with your doctor, you probably haven’t found the right doctor,” Dr. Donald Stewart said.

Their advice to men during Men’s Health Month is simple: don’t wait.

“You can never be too early, but you can absolutely be too late,” Dr. Tyler Stewart said. “If something feels wrong, go get checked.”

Learn more about urology services at Ascension Medical Group Providence Urology Clinic, including prostate cancer screening, men's health care and advanced urologic treatments, or schedule an appointment with Dr. Donald Stewart, Dr. Tyler Stewart or another urology specialist.

This blog is intended for general informational use. Any health-related information shared is not meant to provide or replace professional medical advice and does not establish a patient-provider relationship. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.