When you’re experiencing urology problems, your first instinct may be to feel embarrassment. While that’s a common reaction, it’s not necessary.
Urology problems are common. Each year, Americans are seen by a medical provider more than 8 million times for urinary tract infections (UTIs) alone.
Your next question might be whether your health issue can be treated by your primary care doctor or needs the specialized attention of a urologist. Let’s take a deeper dive into the topic.
Defining Urology
Urology encompasses anything related to the urinary tract, including the bladder, ureters, kidneys and urethra. That means that a urologist has years of education and experience specifically related to problems affecting those parts of the body.
Urologists also receive specialty training related to the male reproductive system, including the penis, testes, scrotum and prostate.
When a Urologist Can Help Treat Urology Problems
Your primary care provider (PCP) can still be your first stop for urology problems. In many cases, your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat minor urologic conditions, such as mild UTIs. In cases where your health issue is more complex, your PCP will refer you to a urologist who can help. Under some insurance plans, this referral is a necessary step.
But in other cases, if you have urologic symptoms, you can seek the care of a urologist on your own. The urologist will use specialized knowledge to determine the cause of your health issue and provide you with a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms.
This level of care is especially important in cases that are medically complex or that keep recurring even after initial treatment. That includes treatment for conditions such as male fertility issues, pelvic floor disorders and prostate cancer.
What to Expect During a Urologist Examination
A urologist examination will include several components. First, the urologist will ask you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, your medical history and your lifestyle habits.
From there, your urologist will likely conduct a physical examination, paying particular attention to areas of the body that are experiencing symptoms. If necessary, he or she will also order diagnostic tests to confirm the cause of your symptoms and offer an effective treatment plan.
More to Read
- The Importance of Urology Health
- Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Incontinence
- How to Spot the Signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)
- Having Urinary Problems? Learn These 5 Warning Signs for Men
