A urologist is a specialist in urology and they can help you with conditions effecting the urinary tract. In this article we explore what a urologist does and why you may need one.
Intro
Urologists have a wide remit. They deal with the urinary tract which contains the kidney and the bladder and the connecting tubes (ureters and urethra). In addition a urologist deal with the male organs including the penis, testes, scrotum, prostate etc.
In this article we explain what a urologist does, the types of conditions they treat and how home based urinalysis testing may help you gain insight and manage various conditions.
"Urology is a part of health care that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra). It also deals with the male organs that are able to make babies (penis, testes, scrotum, prostate, etc.). Since health problems in these body parts can happen to everyone, urologic health is important.".
The urinary tract
The urinary tract is an important system within out body. We are all aware that the urinary tract produces urine, an important waste product of the body, however it does much more. The urinary tract is responsible for:
- eliminating waste from the body
- regulating blood volume and blood pressure
- controlling levels of electrolytes and metabolites
- and it regulates blood pH
The urinary tract is in fact much more than a drainage system for our body.
Allot of the magic happens in our kidneys which filters our blood and regulates blood pressure and regulates necessary blood factors. When our kidney’s are healthy we can lead normal and healthy lives. There is a branch of medicine which deals directly with the kidney called Nephrology. We will discuss that in a different article.
Male Urinary Tract
Female Urinary Tract
Conditions of the urinary tract
There are a number of issues that can occur within the urinary tract. The key ones include:
- Bladder issues, like overactive bladder (OAB) or incontinence
- Infections
- Cancers and tumors that occur in the urinary tract such as bladder or kidney cancer
- Birth defects
- Kidney stones
- Bleeding in the urinary tract which could have a number of different sources
And within these key groups there are many different diseases and conditions.
Urologists are also equipped to deal with male fertility and other diseases with male reproduction such as prostate issues.
A specialist urologist is equipped to diagnose and treat these conditions.
What is a urologist
Know we know what the urinary tract is and some of the diseases that effect it, we can ask what Urology is.
The Urology Care Foundation defines urology as “a branch of medicine that deals with health problems of the male and female urinary systems, and the male reproductive system”. And put simply, a doctor who specializes in these body parts is called a urologist.
Urologists are highly skilled doctors. They are both a doctor and a surgeon. Within Urology there are various sub-specialisations, for example, a urologist may specialise in children, or cancer amongst other areas.
A urologist is supported by various highly trained professionals such as a urology nurse.
The Urologist has a number of techniques they use to diagnose and treat conditions of the urinary tract.
When to see a urologist
Now the question becomes when you need to see a urologist. The Urology Care Foundation recommends to see a urologist when:
- Pain when passing urine (peeing)
- Problems with urine leaks
- Peeing too much or problems with urine flow
- Kidney stones
- Blood in urine; among others
- Kidney pain
- Abnormal result from home urine testing
Conclusion
A urologist is a highly skilled professional that can treat problems in the urinary tract. There are a number of conditions that they can help with. If you suffer any abnormalities from your urinary tract you can consult them to get treated.
