Urologist Frequently Asked Questions
What is a urologist?
Aurologistis a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women. Urologists also specialize in treating conditions of the male reproductive tract. Occasionally, a urologist may even perform surgery to remove certain cancers or blockages from the urinary tract.
Urologists treat manyconditionsof the urinary tract in men, women, and children. Some common and overlapping conditions treated include:
- Blockages or other problems of the urinary tract
- Cancers of the bladder and adrenal glands
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
From diagnostic tests to surgery, urologists perform a wide range of procedures, including:
- Imaging — CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasounds to see inside your urinary tract
- Cystograms — x-ray imaging of your bladder
- Cystoscopy— a thin scope used to see inside your urethra and bladder
- Urine tests — used to check for bacteria that cause infections
Some surgeries your urologist may perform include:
- Biopsies — used to test tissues from the bladder, kidneys, or prostate for disease
- Cystectomy — a surgery to remove the bladder to treat cancer
- Kidney transplant — a surgery to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy one
- Surgery to open blockages, repair damage, or correct malformed organs
- Prostatectomy — a surgery where part of the prostate is removed to treat cancer
- Vasectomy— a surgery for men used to prevent pregnancy
Depending on your condition, your primary care physician may refer you to a urologist if you have the following persistent symptoms:
- Blood in your urine
- 勃起dysfunction
- Painful urination
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain that radiates to your lower back
- Trouble emptying or controlling your bladder
For men over 40, it’s also common to schedule regular visits to a urologist to have their prostates checked.