Urology in New York, NY

What Is Urology?

Urology focuses on the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, as well as the prostate, testicles, and penis in men. Because these organs control urination, fertility, and sexual function, urologic health is closely tied to overall well-being. Urology combines medical and surgical care, which means a urologist can diagnose a condition, prescribe medication, and perform surgery when needed.

What Is a Urologist?

A urologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Some urologists focus on a subspecialty such as urologic oncology (cancer), pediatric urology, female urology, kidney stones, or male infertility and sexual health.

What Training Should a Urologist Have?

Urologists complete four years of medical school followed by a five- to six-year urology residency that includes general surgery training. Many complete additional fellowship training in a subspecialty, and board certification confirms they meet rigorous national standards.

Why Do You Need to See a Urologist?

You should see a urologist if you experience:

• Blood in the urine
• Frequent, urgent, painful, or difficult urination
• A weak urine stream or trouble emptying your bladder
• Urinary leakage or incontinence
• Pain in the lower back, side, pelvis, or groin
• An elevated PSA or abnormal prostate exam
• Erectile dysfunction or low testosterone
• A lump or swelling in the testicles

Men over 50, or over 45 with risk factors, should also see a urologist for routine prostate cancer screening.

What to Expect at Dr. Samadi’s Office

Your first visit includes a detailed review of your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam, and a discussion of any previous test results. Depending on your concerns, Dr. Samadi may order a urinalysis, PSA test, imaging, or other studies. You will leave with a clear understanding of your condition and the next steps.

Conditions We Treat

• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer and kidney cancer
• Enlarged prostate (BPH)
• Urinary issues, including incontinence and retention
• Prostatitis and urinary tract infections
• Erectile dysfunction and men’s health concerns

Tests a Urologist May Perform

• Urinalysis and urine culture
• PSA and other blood tests
• Ultrasound, CT, and MRI imaging
• Cystoscopy to look inside the bladder and urethra
• Urodynamic testing to measure bladder function
• MRI fusion prostate biopsy

Procedures and Surgeries Urologists Perform

Urologic treatment ranges from in-office procedures to complex cancer operations, including:

• Robotic radical prostatectomy, including Dr. Samadi’s SMART Surgery technique
• Robotic cystectomy for bladder cancer and partial or radical nephrectomy for kidney cancer
• Transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT)
• BPH procedures such as UroLift, GreenLight Laser PVP, and TURP
• Vasectomy and penile implant surgery

Common Urologic Treatments

Many conditions are first treated with medications, such as alpha blockers for BPH, antibiotics for infections, PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction, and bladder medications for overactive bladder. Pelvic floor therapy and lifestyle changes also play an important role.

How to Improve Your Urologic Health

• Drink enough water to stay hydrated and help prevent kidney stones
• Quit smoking, the leading risk factor for bladder cancer
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and salt
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
• Do pelvic floor exercises to support bladder control
• Keep up with recommended prostate cancer screenings

Call Prostate Cancer 911 at (212) 365-5000 to schedule a urology consultation with Dr. Samadi.

Urology FAQs