Urology is a branch of medicine that deals with health problems of the male and female urinary systems, and the male reproductive system. The urinary tract stores and gets rid of urine (liquid waste) and extra water. The urinary tract is a pathway in the body. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
The male reproductive system makes, stores, and moves semen to make babies. It’s made of the prostate, scrotum, testes and penis. A doctor who specializes in these body parts is called a urologist.
What are Urologists?
A urologist is a medical doctor and a surgeon. They are trained to find, treat, and handle urinary and genital problems. They gain more than 15 years of school and training before they can be certified by the American Board of Urology. They learn about up-to-date care by training throughout their career. This type of doctor is called a “specialist.”
Urology nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and physician assistants (PAs) also work in a urology office. They gain training to work in urology too. Some urologists are sub-specialists. This means they have extra wisdom in parts of urology. They may focus on children, cancer, infertility, the kidneys or the nervous system. For example, children with urologic conditions are treated by pediatric urologists.
Why Visit a Urologist?
Urologists help patients with health issues like:
- Pain when urinating (peeing), like a Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Problems with urine leaks, like with incontinence
- Bladder issues, like overactive bladder (OAB)
- Kidney stones
- Problems with urine flow
- Problems getting pregnant (infertility)
- Problems with genitals (male or female sex organs)
- Enlarged prostate or prostatitis
- Cancers in the kidneys, bladder, testicles, penis or prostate
- Male hormone problems, like low testosterone
Source: urologyhealth.org/healthy-living/care-blog/2019/what-to-expect-at-your-first-urology-visit
