For every illness or disease, we have a specialist, so when it comes to any problem related to the urinary tract, the person is required to visit an Urologist. Urology is the speciality of medicine that provides treatment to the issues associated with the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. The specialists are trained to examine and treat from minor issues of a kidney to severe cases of cancer.
What does a urologist do?
Urology is the specialised field of medicine associated with the disorders and diseases of both the male and female urinary tract. The role of the urologist is to find out the root of the disease and provides the treatment according to the condition. Various conditions affect the functioning of the urinary bladder that includes, kidney, ureter, urethra, bladder and adrenal glands. Also, the study of male reproductive parts comes under the urology, which can treat problems concerning prostate, testes, penis, epididymis and seminal vesicles.
A skilled urologist surgeon can perform surgeries if required to remove growing cancerous cells or blockage in the urinary tract.
Why would you need to visit a Urologist?
A urologist can treat common urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney problems such as stones and blockages and other bladder issues.
Symptoms of General Urological Problems are;
A person’s body shows few signs that indicate urinary tract infections and directs to consult a urologist as soon as possible. These signs include
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Burning sensation during urination
- Strain or excess pain during urination
- A recurring urge to pass urine
- Unbearable pain in lower back, and pelvis region
- Urine leakage
- Dribbling
Some severe conditions may require the visit to the urologist, especially to men. The problems which require prompt treatment includes;
- Prostate enlargement or cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Erectile dysfunction
- Peyronie’s disease
- Infertility
- Varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the scrotum
- Interstitial cystitis
Women can also consult urologist for;
- Arise of urinary problems after pregnancy
- Pelvic organ prolapse
What can you expect while visiting a Urologist?
Visiting a urologist will give you the same experience as the general physician or any other specialist. You need to make an appointment or follow the procedure of filling forms. The urologist will ask a few necessary questions regarding family health history, current problems and symptoms or the medications you are following regarding any disease.
The next steps to physical examinations may include a rectal and genital exam. Other methods of testing may consist of a blood test, an imaging test like ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scan to introspect the organs closely.
What Treatments can a Urologist provide?
A urologist can recommend some exercises and prescribe medicines related to the disease. Also, in case of urinary tract problems, like loss of control in handling urine, a urologist will guide to the bladder/behaviour training in which some methods of exercises are trained to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
Also, a urologist can perform some surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat mild to severe cases. Here is the list of few common methods;
- Cystoscopy – In cystoscopy, the urologist will closely examine and treat the issue involving the region of bladder and urethra. The procedure is done using a specially designed telescopic-like tool known as a cystoscope.
- Ureteroscopy – It is quite similar to cystoscopy, which involves a minimally invasive surgery to treat problems present in your ureters and kidneys.
- Prostate biopsy – It is done to take a sample from the prostate gland to test for cancer in a lab. The urologist will remove a few tiny tissues from the organ as per the requirement.
- Nephrectomy- It’s a practice to perform surgery to remove a part of a kidney to treat cancer.
- Vasectomy– It’s a complicated procedure where the urologist makes an incision to the tubes that stores sperm to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Conclusion-
A well-trained urologist will treat disease and guide you through proper precautions, aftercare, medication and lifestyle changes while ensuring safe treatment practices. You need to find the right urologist, who is best for you. Take some referrals from the family doctor or neighbours, find out their credentials, learn about the experience of the doctor, its clinic or hospitals. Before going for the surgical options, take the second opinion. Have your time and visit the best urologist to get a reliable treatment on time.