A urologist is a surgical physician who specializes in the care of the male and female urinary systems – the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urologists also treat conditions of the reproductive organs and the adrenal glands, which are located near the kidneys.

Urologists are extensively educated, completing four years of medical school, a five- to six-year residency in general surgery and related subjects, and additional years of training in their specialty. Prior to practicing, they are licensed and board certified by a professional governing body. They maintain this certification throughout their career with supplemental training and testing.

What Does a Urologist Do?

Urologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in the urinary and reproductive organs, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, incontinence, interstitial cystitis, bloody urine, pelvic organ prolapse, erectile dysfunction, infertility, prostate enlargement, and various types of cancer. They accomplish this through doctor-patient interaction, conducting physical exams, ordering tests, prescribing medications, performing surgical procedures, and arranging for other forms of specialized medical care.

How Urologists Diagnose and Treat Conditions

Urologists use various procedures to diagnose conditions affecting the urinary and male reproductive systems, including:

• Medical histories to understand a patient’s overall health
• Physical exams to assess current health
• Urinalysis (evaluation of a urine sample)
• Blood tests
• Imaging procedures

Conducting some or all of these processes enables urologists to evaluate the patient's genitourinary health and identify the causes of any problems they’re experiencing.

Urologists are skilled in many types of procedures for addressing urinary tract and reproductive problems. These include cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, vasectomy, prostate biopsy, and major surgeries like removing a kidney as part of a patient’s cancer treatment. Urologists can also prescribe medication and recommend behavioral training, such as exercises that strengthen your pelvic muscles to improve your ability to hold urine.

Urologists are found in both private-office and hospital settings. Because urologists are specialists, you will typically require a referral from your primary care physician prior to scheduling a visit.

 

What Types of Urologists Are There?

There are seven specialties recognized by the American Urological Association in which urologists can train:

• Female urology
• Kidney transplantation
• Neurology (interactions of the nervous and urinary systems)
• Pediatric urology
• Urology oncology (urinary tract cancers)
• Urinary tract stones

Another area of growing interest involves minimally invasive surgeries, including endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures.

When Should You See a Urologist?

You should see a urologist whenever you experience symptoms commonly associated with a urinary or reproductive condition:

• Bedwetting
• Urinary difficult, pain, or incontinence
• Bloody urine
• Changes in urinary frequency
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pelvic pain
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Bladder leakage
• Kidney stones
• Pelvic-organ prolapse

Urologists also treat cancers of the urinary tract and reproductive organs.

What Can I Expect at My Visit to the Urologist?

Your first urology appointment will proceed like other physician visits. Your urologist will ask about your symptoms, record your family history, and perform a physical exam. He or she might also order one or more tests to gather additional data about your condition. These could include blood tests, semen tests, urinalysis, and imaging scans (ultrasound or computerized-tomography scans). With this information, your urologist can create a treatment plan specific to you, possibly including medications and/or a surgical procedure.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have a family medical history that concerns you, the Baptist Health urology team is ready with expert care. For more information, contact your Baptist Health Provider.