Everything You Need To Know About Urology
The idea of seeing a urologist can be a bit awkward. However, the conditions they treat are no laughing matter. Here's a closer look at some of the issues a urologist can treat and the importance of getting over any embarrassment for the sake of your health.
What Is a Urologist?
A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women.
What Kind of Conditions Does a Urologist Treat?
A urologist treats diseases and conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, prostate, testes, penis, and adrenal glands, including:
- Kidney stone. Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. They can be painful, and you may experience symptoms such as blood in your urine, pain in your abdomen or groin area, and frequent urination. Sometimes your urologist may need to use a scope to manually identify or remove the stones.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria invade the urinary system. Symptoms include pain or pressure in the lower abdomen and a burning sensation when you urinate. UTIs are more common in women but can affect men as well.
- Enlarged prostate. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder in men and can become enlarged as you age. The symptoms include difficulty urinating, weak urine streams, frequent urination at night, and an increased risk of UTIs.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is a condition that affects over 52 percent of men at some point during their lifetime and can be caused by psychological, physical, or lifestyle factors. Symptoms include difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
- Incontinence. Incontinence is the inability to control your bladder, and you may experience unintentional leakage of urine. Your urologist can diagnose the underlying cause and suggest different treatment options.
Urologists also provide preventive care services such as screening for cancer or sexually transmitted diseases and may perform surgeries, such as bladder reconstruction.
What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Urologist?
Having access to an experienced urologist offers several advantages when it comes to managing your health, including:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Appropriate treatment
- Advanced treatment option
Furthermore, since many urological conditions can be sensitive topics for patients to discuss openly with anyone, having a separate specialist with whom you feel comfortable talking about these issues can be essential for receiving quality care.
Seeking a urologist is highly recommended if you're looking for treatment for any condition related to your urinary tract or reproductive system. They are highly trained specialists, so they can access more advanced treatments than general practitioners. Consult with a urologist at a health service such as Nashville Healthcare Center to help manage your long-term health needs.