Urology – What is it and how to find a urology specialist?
Health issues such as prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, UTI, or urinary incontinence need the expertise of a urology specialist for diagnosis and a remedy. At some point in their lives, men are going to need a urologist to restore their quality of life.
- What is urology?
- What is the difference between urology and nephrology?
- What are common urologic diseases?
- What procedures are done in urology?
- What health problems does a urologist treat?
- When should you see a urologist?
- What to expect from a urologist visit?
Since urinary health is a key component in men’s healthcare, learn more about the expert in charge of urinary health. Discover what exactly is urology, the differences between urology and nephrology, common urology problems, and more.
What is urology?
Urology is a field of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract, male reproductive organs, and female reproductive organs.
The word urology comes from the Greek word “ouron” meaning “urine”. Urology is a branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the urinary tract, male reproductive organs, and female reproductive organs. It also includes surgical procedures for these parts.
Urologists are doctors who specialize in this field. They diagnose and treat patients with problems related to the following:
- Kidneys;
- Bladder;
- Prostate gland;
- Testicles or ovaries.
What is the difference between urology and nephrology?
Urology is the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Nephrology is a branch of medicine that deals with kidney diseases.
Therefore, men should pay a visit to nephrologists when they are diagnosed with diabetes or kidney failure. However, whenever the urinary tract is affected by the kidneys, the specialist in charge of treating these conditions is the urologist. As it is, kidney stones and kidney obstructions are conditions that fall under the expertise of a urologist.
Nonetheless, there are also cases when nephrologists are consulting with urologists in order to devise the most optimal treatment. Usually, this happens when an underlying issue in the kidneys starts affecting the bladder or urinary tract.
What are common urologic diseases?
The most common urologic diseases men are confronted with are:
- Urinary tract infections;
- Kidney stones;
- Bladder control issues;
- Prostate conditions.
Men are recommended to contact a urology specialist in case they experience one or several of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty with starting to urinate;
- Difficulty with holding urine back;
- Weak streams of urine;
- Stream breaking off;
- Painful urination;
- Painful ejaculation;
- Bone pain;
- Pelvic discomfort;
- Erectile dysfunction (ED);
- Blood in the urine;
- Blood in the semen.
What procedures are done in urology?
Urology surgery is a surgical procedure performed by a surgeon who specializes in this area of medicine to treat disorders affecting the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or enlarged prostate gland. Nonetheless, there are other common procedures urology specialists need to perform in order to diagnose and treat urologic diseases. The most common are:
- Vasectomy (a procedure for permanent male birth control);
- Vasectomy reversal;
- Prostate biopsy;
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP);
- Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP);
- Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA);
- Ureteroscopy (the procedure used for diagnosing kidney stones);
- Lithotripsy (a shock wave or laser-based treatment that breaks down stones in the bladder, kidney, or ureter);
- Cystoscopy (a procedure that examines the lining of the bladder and urethra);
- Penile implants that treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
What health problems does a urologist treat?
Urology specialists can alleviate men from common diseases but also rare conditions at the level of the urinary tract system. Some of the most typical infections of the urinary tract that urologists can treat are:
- UTIs;
- Urinary incontinence;
- Hematuria (blood in the urine);
- Enlarged prostate;
- Interstitial cystitis.
When it comes to complicated conditions that are threatening men’s quality of life, urologists are trained in treating:
- Bladder, kidney, and prostate bladder;
- Erectile dysfunction (ED);
- Kidney stones;
- Pelvic organ prolapse;
- Congenital urinary tract issues (urinary tract diseases that are present from birth).
A urologist can be a general practitioner or a specialist in one or more areas of urology. They may work in hospitals, private practices, or research laboratories.
When should you see a urologist?
A key part of maintaining a healthy urinary tract is establishing a good relationship with a urology specialist. Regular checkups are crucial in detecting urologic diseases before they start causing pain and other side effects.
You should see a urologist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Painful urination;
- Blood in urine;
- Difficulty urinating;
- Urinary incontinence;
- Painful ejaculation;
- Infertility;
- Loss of bladder control.
Generally speaking, it is a red flag when you start feeling like you always have to go even a few minutes after urinating. In addition, the urge of urinating at the most inconvenient of times (such as at night or during physical training) is also an indication that you need to talk to a urologist.
What to expect from a urologist visit?
For first-time visits, urologists usually undergo a male genitourinary exam to get an overview of the urinary tract system. This exam is a complete examination of the urinary tract system.
The doctor will receive you after you complete a survey. The questionnaires usually consist of questions about symptoms or concerns.
Once you’re in the office, the specialist is going to also ask you direct questions regarding your medical history. Therefore, it’s recommended to refresh your memory on what medication you are currently taking before your visit.
Afterward, the urologist may proceed to take a urine sample. Therefore, make sure you are well hydrated before your doctor’s appointment.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.