Modern medicine is an extensive scientific industry, which combines various specializations. Sometimes this gives rise to many misunderstandings, and patients cannot determine which specialist to go with a particular ailment. In particular, there is often confusion with such medical specialties as a urologist / andrologist. Who is this and how do they differ?
The relationship of urology and andrology
Undoubtedly, these areas of medicine are interconnected, because they, one way or another, deal with the urogenital system of men. However, not so long ago, andrology was considered part of urology and became a separate discipline only in recent decades. If we take into account the characteristics of the male body, namely the close relationship of the urinary and reproductive systems, then it should not surprise the existence of such a specialty as an urologist andrologist. Who is it?
In this case, we are talking about a specialist with a wide profile, who can also be a sexopathologist. Moreover, in some cases, it may require the help of a narrow specialist focused on a certain range of problems.
What does a urologist do?
Urology is one of the branches of surgery, and it has a fairly wide spectrum that studies the genitourinary system and the processes associated with it (urologist patients can be both men and women). In particular, diseases of the adrenal glands and some endocrine disorders are also administered by a urologist. Partially, urology comes into contact with nephrology, therefore, in case of kidney problems, both a nephrologist and a urologist can deal with the patient.
A urologist treats various diseases of the kidneys and adrenal glands, the bladder and urethra, diseases of the prostate gland, and infections that are sexually transmitted, both medically and surgically. In some cases, an examination by a urologist-andrologist can become intermediate if the help of a specialist is required.
What does the andrologist do?
Andrology at one time "budged" from urology and is one of its specific areas. The main field of work of the andrologist is the male reproductive system and the processes associated with this part of life. Thus, this specialist can be called a fully male doctor, by analogy with a female doctor - a gynecologist. Another important difference that should not be discounted: andrology as such does not deal with acute conditions.
It is easy to understand why the question arises: urologist-andrologist - who is it ?. After all, both specialties are often involved in the same problems, but there are differences. Any of these specialists may be involved in the disease, depending on the severity of the diagnosis and the type of treatment to be undertaken.
Urologist / andrologist: who is this and what is the fundamental difference?
Since we are talking about related specialties, then with the accumulation of professional knowledge, a doctor can combine profiles. In this case, it is called a "urologist andrologist." If a specialist declares himself strictly as an andrologist, then in the vast majority of cases he has a good experience as a urologist. Do not also forget that urology is a branch of surgery, therefore, part of urological diseases is treated in an operational way. This requires a high degree of professionalism and significant work experience.
Symptoms for a visit to the urologist
First of all, potential patients should remember that they do not have to have the ability to self-diagnose. If something is disturbing in the body, then they first turn to the therapist - it is this doctor who determines the scope of the disease and, if necessary, sends to a narrow specialist, including an urologist andrologist. Diseases can be of an infectious nature, with endocrine disorders, or these are pathological changes in organs.
You can make an appointment with a urologist, and bypassing the therapist, especially if the following symptoms are observed:
- pain during intercourse or urination;
- reproductive dysfunction (infertility, difficulty with an erection);
- pain in the lumbar region (may indicate kidney problems);
- problems with urination (incontinence or delay);
- any problems with the prostate gland ;
- discharge from the urethra.
A urologist is clearly required if the symptoms turn into an acute condition, that is, seriously worsen the quality of life, reduce the degree of socialization.
Symptoms for a visit to the andrologist
In the vast majority of cases, an andrologist is contacted for male problems that do not apply to acute conditions: there is no pain, temperature or significant problems with urination. In fact, a good urologist andrologist is able to solve those problems that are traditionally called delicate.
Reasons to contact the andrologist:
- low libido (lack of sexual desire);
- infertility;
- endocrine disorders of the male urogenital system.
If a urologist accepts both men and women, then the andrologist is a specialist only for men.
Children's urologist andrologist
For boys and youths, up to adulthood, a children's andrologist andrologist works. You need to contact him when you find any symptom related to the genitourinary system. In this case, the responsibility lies primarily with the parents, because the baby can not complain of discomfort. If the boy has some problems with urination (including enuresis after four years), the testicle is lowered into the scrotum, inguinal hernias have formed, the foreskin is not removed from the head or neoplasms or tumors are found, then you should definitely contact an urologist andrologist.
A broad specialist will conduct an examination, if necessary, prescribe tests, including on the level of hormones: often in overweight boys, inhibition of testosterone production function is observed.
Even if there are no problems with male health at first sight, a visit to the urologist-andrologist is necessary for preventive purposes, because any disease is easier to prevent than to cure.
Prevention is the best way to stay healthy
By the age of forty, a man needs regular visits to an andrologist, even if nothing bothers him. In most cases, recommendations are issued similar to the ones that women receive for preventive examinations by a gynecologist: 1-2 times a year it is highly advisable to visit a doctor and take tests.
Age-related changes in the male body have three periods of potential risk. In infancy, the easiest way to fix some of the nuances in the development of the genital organs, which in the future can go into the category of problems. In adolescence, extreme hormonal changes that require increased attention can begin. At maturity, by about forty, problems with the prostate gland may begin, and the andrologist-urologist will help in early diagnosis. The reviews indicate that a visit to a specialist does not necessarily mean that serious problems will be discovered. On the contrary, a calm self-confidence will significantly improve the quality of life.
You can choose a specialist based on the feedback of patients who have already used his services. The recommendations of relatives and friends sometimes turn out to be the best advertising. Only an experienced specialist should trust men's health, therefore it is advisable to contact medical centers and clinics that have a good reputation, have the necessary technical equipment for examination, and are not involved in any scandalous events.