Urologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women.
It’s important to see a urologist as soon as you notice any signs and symptoms that indicate something is wrong. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of reversing the problem.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when microbes like bacteria invade your urinary system. They are more common in women than men and can cause serious health problems if not treated.
Most UTIs develop in the lower part of your urinary tract, called the urethra and bladder. If not treated, the infection can move up the urethra and into your kidneys, called cystitis.
Symptoms and urine test results can help your doctor diagnose a UTI urologist online. A urine sample may be sent to the lab for a microscopic examination and culture of the bacteria in the urine.
Getting treatment for a UTI is important to relieve symptoms and prevent other complications, including pyelonephritis, a serious infection of the kidneys. Several antibiotics are available to treat UTIs.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a common condition. They form when there are high levels of certain dissolved minerals and salts in your urine. These can include calcium oxalate, phosphate, cystine, uric acid and struvite.
The kidneys help regulate these minerals and salts to prevent them from building up in your body, forming stones. If you have a stone, your doctor will do blood and urine tests to find out why it formed and what type of treatment is needed to treat it.
Most small kidney stones pass on their own without treatment. However, some larger stones can cause pain or hematuria (blood in the urine) that requires treatment and surgery to remove them.
Bladder Problems
The bladder is a sac-like organ that holds urine that comes from your kidneys. It expands when you urinate (pee) and shrinks when you don’t.
A tube called the urethra goes down from your bladder to your toilet. It has a muscle called the sphincter that opens to release urine.
Symptoms that may signal a bladder problem include frequent urination, leakage or burning of the urine, or feeling as if your bladder is emptying too quickly.
Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and ask you to keep a bladder diary. This will help them understand your day-to-day symptoms and how they affect your life biographypark.
Infertility
Infertility is a condition where one or both partners cannot get pregnant after having regular, unprotected sex for six months to one year. Infertility occurs in 10-15% of couples, and the longer a woman tries to get pregnant without medical help, the less likely she is to conceive on her own.
For men, infertility can occur when there is not enough sperm or when the sperm are poor quality. Treatments for male infertility may involve medicine therapy or surgery to correct anatomical problems that impede sperm production and maturation or ejaculation.
Infertility can also be caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Surgical procedures such as a laparoscopy can be used to treat these conditions or repair blocked fallopian tubes.
Cancer
Cancer is a disease that starts when cells mutate and begin to multiply and grow. Sometimes it happens in the form of a solid tumor, like a breast or colon cancer. Other times it’s a liquid tumor, like leukemia or lymphoma.
During your appointment, a urologist will ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms. They will also do a physical exam, including a genital and rectal examination.
Conclusion
You may be asked to take a urine test, which can help identify bacteria in the urinary tract. The doctor will also order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to help locate the problem. Often, your urologist will also do a cystoscopy, which is a special telescope-like tool that allows the doctor to see inside the bladder and urethra.