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A urologist is a specialist medical professional who is trained to treat urinary tract infections in both men and women. They can treat anything in male and female urinary systems including kidney stones, prostate infections, etc.

The urinary system involves the following:

• Kidneys: Organs that filter out bodily wastes.
• Urethra: A tube in the body through which the urine travels from the bladder and moves out of the body.
• Ureters: These are the tubes that lead the urine to flow from the kidneys to the bladders.
• Bladder: It is a hollow bag-like organ that stores urine.
• Adrenal glands: Hormones released by these glands that are present above each kidney have a vital role in the urinary system.

These specialists can deal with problems related to any of the above-mentioned parts of the urinary system.

Urologists can also manage and deal with male reproductive parts. It including:

• Penis: It is a male reproductive organ that carries urine and sperm out of the body
• Prostrate: It is a gland that is present underneath the bladder and adds a particular kind of fluid to the sperm to produce semen.
• Testicles: They are the sacs present near the penis that make the reproductive hormone testosterone and produce sperm.

Urologists can treat a variety of conditions. Some of them are mentioned below:

In the men’s urinary system:

• Cancers of bladders, kidneys, adrenal glands, prostate, penis, testicles, etc.
• Enlargement of the prostate gland
• Problems with erection or erectile dysfunction
• Kidney problems- stones or infections
• Cysts in the bladder also known as interstitial cystitis
• cases of infertility
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Inflammation of the prostate gland, also known as prostatitis
• Enlargement of the scrotum veins, known as varicoceles

In the women’s urinary system:

• Kidney problems- stones or infections
• Cysts in the bladder also known as interstitial cystitis
• Prolapse growths in the bladder or vagina
• cases of infertility
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Cancers of bladders, kidneys, adrenal glands, prostate, penis, testicles, etc.
• Urinary incontinence

In a child’s urinary system:

• Blockage of the urinary tract
• Bed-wetting
• Testicles that are undescended

• Every urologist has to go through a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school.
• After graduating from medical school, they have to complete four or five years of hospital-based medical training. During this residency program, they will work alongside specialized and top in their field urologists and gain surgical skills.
• Some urologists choose to pursue extra specialization and training for a year or two. This is referred to as a fellowship. They can focus on specifically male genitals, female genitals, or other specializations.
• In the end, each urologist has to get certified by their national medical board to become licensed.

A urologist may further go for specialization or train in the following sub-specialties:

• Endourology
• Laparoscopy
• Pediatric urology
• Andrology
• Reconstructive urology
• Female urology
• Urologic oncology
• Neurourology

A urologist can order one of the following tests to find out the exact condition and cause of the problem that you may be suffering from:

• Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and other such imaging tests
• Cystogram- Taking images of the insides of the bladder
• Cystoscopy: Using an instrument known as a cystoscopy to look inside the urethra and bladder.
• Post-void residual urine test: Speed at which urine leaves the body while urinating.
• Urinalysis: for bacteria or other sources of infections.
• Urodynamic testing: to check volume and pressure in the bladder.

In cases the mild urinary tract infections become problematic or the general physician is not able to provide quality care for the urinary tract issues, a urologist may be referred.

Some common signs and symptoms that require a visit to a urologist are mentioned below:

• Blood in the urine
• Frequent urination
• Pain in the pelvis, lower back, etc
• Burning sensation or pain while urinating
• Trouble urinating
• Urine leakage
• Weak urine flow with pain
• deep pain in the lower abdomen
• Lump in the testicle, tumors, cancer

A physical examination by the urologist may involve the following:

• A digital rectal exam for males with prostate difficulties. This exam allows the clinician to examine the prostate physically.
• A urethral swab to rule out sexually transmitted infections and blood work to assess your Prostate-Specific Antigen level.
• A pelvic exam may be performed in conjunction with urinalysis for women who have recurrent urinary tract infections.
• A blood panel is often used to detect hormone levels in women with decreased sex drive.
• A cough stress test will be performed on those who have urinary incontinence symptoms to detect urine loss.
• Blood tests and related physical exams will be performed if there are any worries about cancer.

Your doctor will discuss their findings and possible solutions with you after they have evaluated you. The Urologist may prescribe medication, physical therapy, or surgery based on your symptoms.