A urologist is a specialist surgeon who treats men, women and children with problems of the kidneys, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs. These conditions include cancer, stones, infection, incontinence, sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor problems.
You should consider seeing a urologist if you have kidney stones or kidney blockage, bladder and kidney cancer, or any urinary issues — trouble urinating, incontinence, or blood in the urine (hematuria). Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common reason a woman may need to see a urologist.
The doctor will perform a male genitourinary exam during your first appointment. That is a complete examination of the urinary tract region. The physician will perform a genital exam and a digital rectal exam to explore the prostate. The urologist may evaluate other areas as well.
You'll be asked to fill out forms and discuss your medical history with the urologist, as well as describing any symptoms you may be experiencing. It also helps if you have the names of any medications you're taking to hand, as the urologist will want to know what you're on.
You need to be referred to the clinic by your doctor, nurse or GP. We do not accept self-referrals. We'll try to see you within a few weeks of receiving a referral letter.
A urine sample and evaluation of your pain will be necessary to determine a diagnosis. Based on the initial results, more specialized tests could be ordered for further evaluation, including a cystoscopy or urodynamics test to evaluate bladder function.
People often worry that a cystoscopy will be painful, but it does not usually hurt. Tell your doctor or nurse if you feel any pain during it. It can be a bit uncomfortable and you may feel like you need to pee during the procedure, but this will only last a few minutes.
Urology is a part of health care that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra). It also deals with the male organs that are able to make babies (penis, testes, scrotum, prostate, etc.).
Urologic diseases or conditions include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems, and prostate problems, among others. Some urologic conditions last only a short time, while others are long-lasting.
Urine collection and blood tests are commonly the first steps in diagnosing and screening urologic conditions.
A urinalysis is the most common urine test and is used to test for bacteria, foreign materials, and blood cells. This test can also help to determine urinary tract infections, diabetes, and early stages of diseases.
During your first office visit you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your medical problems, including medical history, medications, allergies, and social history. You should come to the office with a full bladder so that a urine specimen can be analyzed.
What does a standard urology exam entail? Along with a general exam, a urological exam generally consists of examination of the pelvic and genital areas. You would be asked to undress and given a gown to wear.
You can see a urologist at any age, but most often, urinary problems arise after age 50. When you come into the office, your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and concerns. The exam may include specific tests based on your symptoms.
When Should I See The Urologist? Your doctor may advise you to visit a urologist if you're exhibiting symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), difficulty in passing urine, blood in urine, Incontinence (urinary leakage), or Erectile Dysfunction.
Urinary tract infections are among the most widespread urological health issues. “A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urethra or bladder that occurs when outside bacteria gets into those spaces,” Murawsky said.
Examples of urinary disorders include cancers of the urinary tract, incontinence (inability to control urine flow), interstitial cystitis, kidney stones, kidney failure, and urinary tract infections.
Urine Tests – Urologists will test a urine sample to determine any number of urological conditions, to include urinary tract infections and kidney disease.
A urinalysis is used: To diagnose things like a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, kidney stones, diabetes or pregnancy. Before an operation to screen for problems.
Confirmatory tests for the presence of bilirubin (Ictotest), ketones (Acetest, acetoacetic acid) and protein (sulfasalicylic acid precipitation test, SSA) may be performed if there is a positive result on the dipstick. Urine specific gravity is measured via refractometry.
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have: A new persistent urge to urinate. Bloody or cloudy urine. Involuntary loss of urine.