A urologist is a medical doctor with a specialization in treating the urinary tract in male and female patients of all ages. Additionally, these same professionals treat male reproductive dysfunction and problems, while a gynecologist will specialize in the treatment of the female reproductive system.
Most people will never have to use the services of the urology department. However, for those that are having difficulty with chronic or accurate issues of the urinary tract these professionals can often determine the root cause of the problem and provide options for treatment or management of the symptoms.
Conditions and Diseases Treated
If you are recommended to see a specialist in the urology you may have one of the following health issues:
- Male infertility or dysfunction
- Prostate cancer or cancers of the bladder or urinary tract
- Chronic or acute urinary tract infections
- Overactive bladder
- Incontinence
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract stones
- Difficulties in emptying the bladder
There are specializations in urology. Pediatric urology deals with issues with infants and children, which can include malformations of the urinary tract that are corrected with surgery or other methods.
Some urologists also work with patients undergoing a renal (kidney) transplant. They may work with the patient before, during and after the procedure.
What to Expect
The urologist will typically run different types of tests based on the symptoms you are experiencing. These can include both urine and blood tests as well as scans, x-rays, biopsy tests and different types of scopes to determine structural malformations.
Depending on the specific tests required they may be performed at the initial visit or scheduled for a follow at a later date. There will be minimal downtime for any of these tests and typically they will be performed by the doctor in his or her patient treatment room.
