What Is An Urologist?

An Urologist is a person who specializes in identifying and treating diseases of the male reproductive system and urinary tract. An Urologist generally treats diseases affecting the bladder, urethra, kidneys, adrenal glands, penis and prostate.

Urologists perform surgeries in cases wherein they have to remove cancer or eliminate a blockage in the urinary tract. An urologist can work in plenty of professional set-ups like a hospital or a private clinic.

Urology-Commonly considered a surgical speciality. Urologists carry out different procedures in order to ascertain the severity of the disease. Urology as a study deals with the conditions of the urinary tract and reproductive system of the males. An Urologist needs to be familiar with specialties like gynecology in order to effectively deal with associated problems. A thorough grasp of internal medicine helps in handling a wide variety of clinical problems.

Subspecialties

The American UrologicalAssociation (AUA) has divided Urology into seven sub specialities:

●     Urology oncology- This subspecialty deals with treatment of diseases like bladder and prostate cancer.

●     Paediatric urology- This branch deals with urological problems in children.

●     Neurology Ology- Handles erectile dysfunction in men. It also includes treatment of diseases like impotence and accommodates urodynamic assessment of male patients to prevent disorders.

●     Renal Transplantation- In some cases, the kidneys fail to revive despite proper medication and surgery. Therefore, renal transplantation implies kidney transplants.

●     Calculi- This subspecialty deals with the common problem of stone formation within the kidneys. Once formed, the stones have a tendency to move into the ureters.

●     Male Infertility- This branch deals with fertility problems found in men. It can include surgical procedures for correcting congenital obstruction within the male genitals.

●     Female Urology- This subspecialty deals with urinary incontinence among women.

Conditions treated by Urologists:

-Cancers of prostate glands, kidneys, testicles, adrenal and bladder

-Enlargement of the veins in the scrotum

-Kidney stones and other kidney related diseases

- Prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate gland

- Infertility

- Urinary tract infections

-Erectile dysfunction

All of the aforementioned diseases are associated with men

In Women, Urologists specialize in treating:

Bladder prolapse, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections and kidney stones, bladder cancer and cancer of the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Common tests performed by the Urologists:

-Imaging tests which enable them to see inside the urinary tract of patients. Imaging tests like CT scan, ultrasound and MRI scan

- X-ray images of the bladder

- Using samples of urine to determine if there is any kind of Infection

- Performing urodynamic testing in order to measure the overall pressure on the bladder

when it comes to surgeries, urologists may perform a surgery or an operation of urinary organs. Prostatectomy can include removal of parts or all of the prostate gland in order to treat prostate cancer. Whereas, a kidney transplant includes removal of the defected kidney and replacing it with a healthy one and surgery may be required to open any blockage within the urinary tract. A Cystectomy is when the bladder is removed to eliminate bladder cancer.

Seeing a Urologist

Your family doctor can take care of minor injuries or health issues. Mild urinary problems can also be treated by them as well, but if symptoms persist over a period of time, consider visiting an urologist.