What is a urologist?
A urologist is a physician that specializes in the treatment of medical conditions and surgical problems that involve the urinary tract (the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, and urethra). They can prescribe medications and perform surgery. Many urologists specialize in specific conditions or surgeries.
What are some reasons to see a urologist?
Most people are referred to a urologist if they develop any condition that prevents the body from expelling urine effectively. Some of the most common are:
- Prostate enlargement (BPH)
- Prostate cancer
- Kidney stones
- Multiple severe urinary tract infections
- Abnormalities in the urethra, penis, or bladder that are present at birth
Men see urologists more commonly than women given that prostate issues (which only occur in men) are one of the most common reasons for urology referral. Despite this, many women still see urologists for issues related to urination.
What does a urologist do on your first visit?
Your first visit with a urologist will be very similar to a regular yearly doctor's visit. They will ask you about what led you to see them and your medical history, and then perform a physical examination. If you are seeing a urologist for a surgical referral they may order scans or tests that need to be done after the visit.
How do I prepare for a urologist visit?
No special preparation is required for a majority of visits to the urologist. In some cases, they may want to perform a procedure in the office. If this is the case, they will often ask you not to eat or drink anything other than water for 6 to 12 hours before your appointment.
In the event you are going to the urologist for surgery, you will have to take multiple steps to prepare. These steps will depend on what surgery is being performed and will be discussed in detail with you at the urologist’s office.
What are urology problems?
The majority of urology problems result in difficulty urinating, pain, or infections.
- Difficulty urinating can be caused by damage to the bladder or urethra from trauma, enlargement of the male prostate, blockage by a kidney stone, or abnormalities in the urinary tract that you are born with.
- Pain is most commonly caused by kidney stones. A urologist may treat you with medications if you are having repeated episodes of kidney stones. They will also perform surgeries to remove especially large stones that cannot be urinated out.
- Infections, specifically urinary tract infections, can be triggered by urine that is stuck in any area of the urinary tract. If an obstruction exists that is leading to multiple infections, surgery may be recommended to relieve the obstruction.
What questions should I ask my urologist?
Your urologist will have a large amount of information regarding any condition that affects the urinary tract. It is always a good idea to ask about the different treatment options for your condition, what symptoms should lead you to come back to the urologist, and any potential side effects of whatever treatment they recommend.
