If you want to know about that What is a Urologist For? then you arrive at the right place let’s start with our main motive.
If you have a problem with your urinary tract or your body’s urination system, you may need to see a specialty doctor called a urologist. They are specialists who can treat problems ranging from kidney stones to cancer.
What Is a Urologist?
A urologist knows all about your urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters (the thin muscles that carry urine to the bladder), and urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder).
Urologists also treat the male reproductive system, which includes the penis, testicles, scrotum, and prostate.
A urologist could even serve as your primary doctor if you have:
- Regular problems with kidney stones
- Prostate cancer
- Long-term problems with holding your urine
What Kind of Training Does a Urologist Have?
In addition to 4 years of medical school, urologists have at least 5 years of specialized training focusing on the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Some urologists limit their expertise to a field of care such as cancer, pediatric urology, male infertility, sexual health, kidney stones, or reconstructive urology.
Urologists must pass an exam and be certified by the American Board of Urology.
Why Would You See a Urologist?
A urologist can treat bladder problems, urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney cancers, kidney blockages, and kidney stones.
Men might also see them for:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
Women might also see a urologist for
- Urination problems after pregnancy
- Pelvic organ prolapse (when an organ, such as the uterus or bladder, begins to fall or exerts pressure inside or outside the vagina)
Children may need to see a urologist if they have abnormal urinary tract problems such as nocturnal enuresis.
What Treatments Can a Urologist Offer?
Urologists can prescribe medications and provide what’s called “behavioral education.” For example, you can manage some urinary retention problems by doing exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles.
Urologists may also perform a number of procedures. Some will do this in their offices. Others are major surgeries done in the hospital.
Some common procedures include:
Cystoscopy. This is a close-up look at your bladder and urethra with a special telescope-like tool called a cystoscope.
Ureteroscopy. Similar to cystoscopy, it’s a look inside your ureters and kidneys.
Prostate biopsy. The urologist removes a tiny tissue sample from your prostate to test for cancer in a lab.
Nephrectomy. This is surgery to remove a kidney to treat cancer.
Vasectomy. The urologist cuts the tubes that carry sperm to prevent pregnancy.
When Should You See a Urologist?
In some cases, your regular doctor can treat mild urinary tract problems. But if your symptoms are severe or do not go away, you should see a urologist.
Some of the signs include:
- Blood in your urine
- Loss of bladder control
- Pain when you pee
- Pain in your lower back, stomach, or groin (which can mean kidney stones)
- Trouble having or keeping an erection
- Enlarged prostate
- Cancers of the urinary tract
Be sure to contact your health insurance. Many health plans require a referral from your primary care doctor to see a urologist.
Reference:webmd.com
