Urology is a branch of medicine that is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of diseases of the genitourinary system. A doctor in this specialty accepts absolutely all patients, including women and children. Therefore, he is not only a “male doctor,” as many are used to thinking. Answering the question of who the urologist is, we can say that this is a doctor who examines patients with problems of the genitourinary and reproductive systems and prescribes appropriate treatment.
General information
Urology is an extensive branch of medicine that studies the etiology and pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases of the genitourinary system. It is aimed at the prevention and treatment of both congenital and acquired pathologies in this area. All this is done by a urologist. Contrary to stereotypes, this is not only a “male doctor”. Yes, for the most part this specialist consults representatives of a strong half of humanity. However, this does not mean that he does not have women and children at the reception. While the competence of the gynecologist is limited exclusively to the sexual sphere, the work of the urologist affects the entire urinary system. Nevertheless, the "male" of this doctor is called for good reason. The fact is that in representatives of the strong half of humanity, the excretory and reproductive systems are much more closely connected than in women.
The specifics of the doctor
Urology is a very extensive field of medicine. That is why all the doctors of this specialty are divided into several areas, depending on the age of the patients and their diseases.
Who is an urologist andrologist? A doctor in this specialty is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of male genital organs. His competence includes such pathologies as congenital malformations, tumors and various inflammatory processes (for example, prostatitis). Also included are violations of erectile function and infertility (male). But that is not all. The doctor of this specialty also treats various diseases of the excretory system in women (the differences are only in the diagnosis and methods). Representatives of the beautiful half of humanity are most often diagnosed with cystitis, because because of the structural features of the infection, it is much easier to penetrate the excretory canal.
In addition, the competence of this doctor includes urolithiasis (can be completely asymptomatic, with the exception of frequent pain in the lumbar region) and renal failure. The latter can be both acute and chronic. Currently, both urologists and nephrologists (narrower specialists) are involved in the treatment of renal failure.
Who is a pediatric urologist? This is a doctor who examines and treats exclusively small patients of both sexes. Its competence includes a wide variety of dysfunctions, for example, such a common phenomenon at this age as incontinence. Only those patients who are not yet 18 years old will be admitted to a pediatric urologist. A doctor in this specialty treats both congenital and acquired pathologies. In addition to enuresis, the competence of a specialist includes acute and chronic cystitis and urethritis. In young boys, the doctor diagnoses and treats phimoses (pathologies of the foreskin), in girls - various infections that develop rapidly due to the structural features of the urethra.
Who is an oncologist urologist? This doctor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases. He explores the features and nature of cancerous tumors and defines the methods of their treatment. The doctor can choose the appropriate oncotherapy and prescribe an operation to remove the neoplasm if necessary. After surgery, the doctor monitors the recovery and rehabilitation of the patient. In the last stages of cancer, a specialist prescribes potent medications that reduce the severity of pain. He also recommends various preventive measures that prevent the formation of malignant tumors.
Who is a urologist-venereologist? A doctor in this specialty is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of various sexually transmitted infections. His competence includes a variety of sexually transmitted diseases (ureaplasmosis, syphilis, candidiasis and many, many others). In this case, the complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that some pathologies can be asymptomatic, therefore, they can only be determined after passing the tests. Talking about what a urologist specializing in venereology treats, one can not help but mention HIV, human papillomavirus and other infectious diseases that are sexually transmitted.
How is the reception?
Consultation of a urologist begins with a medical history. The doctor evaluates the general health of the patient, finds out the medical history and fixes complaints. Then the specialist conducts a visual examination and performs palpation in order to pre-diagnose the pathology. In addition, depending on the initial diagnosis, such studies as urethro- and pyeloscopy, cystostomy, cyst puncture can be prescribed.
Male inspection
The doctor finds out the current complaints, and then examines the genitals, scrotum and inguinal lymph nodes. The state of the prostate gland by palpation is also evaluated. If it is assumed that the prostate is not in order, a rectal examination may be performed. Do not be afraid of this study, since it is painless.
Women examination
After collecting an anamnesis, the patient is invited to a gynecological chair. The doctor assesses the condition of the urinary system. He also examines the genitals (determines the dryness of the vagina and other pathologies). If the diagnosis is difficult, then complex tests can be prescribed, including ultrasound and MRI.
Inspection of children
First of all, the urologist assesses the condition of the lymph nodes in young patients. In future men, the genitals are checked. In this case, the presence of one of the parents of the child during the examination is mandatory. Checking the appendages in girls or the prostate gland in boys may not be the most pleasant procedure, but qualified specialists do everything quickly and with minimal discomfort for the patient.
What diseases does a urologist treat in children? In fact, most often a doctor of this specialty is visited by patients aged four to six years. It is in this "intermediate" period that pathologies of the reproductive organs and various infectious diseases are often detected.
Urologist andrologist: who is it and what heals
A doctor in this specialty is engaged in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various pathologies of the reproductive system in men. Among them are:
- Sexual disorders.
- Climax
- Infertility.
- Problems in the work of the prostate gland.
- Cancer.
It is worth noting that the andrologist is a highly specialized doctor. His profile is various violations of sexual and reproductive functions. At the same time, the andrologist-urologist, among other things, can diagnose and treat various diseases of the urinary system, and in patients of both sexes.
How to understand that it’s time to make an appointment?
There are a huge number of diseases that fall within the competence of a doctor in this specialty. Understand the following symptoms to understand what a urologist is treating :
- Painful urination.
- Atypically frequent desires for little need.
- The appearance of blood in the urine.
- Burning and pain when coping with small needs.
- Problems removing urine (in order to go to the toilet, you have to make an effort and push).
- Pain in the groin and lower back.
- In men: erectile dysfunction, decreased potency, problems with ejaculation.
- In women: pain during intercourse.
If you have at least one or more symptoms, you should seek help from a doctor. Ignoring alarms can lead to very serious consequences.
Where to find a good specialist?
To choose a qualified urologist with extensive experience, it is best to read reviews of real people. You can inquire with relatives, friends and acquaintances. These reviews will be the most reliable. You can also read what they write on the thematic forums. But you should not trust suspicious "laudatory odes", because positive comments can be paid, and negative comments can be deleted. It is important to note that it is better to determine the doctor’s choice more quickly, because the symptoms can be serious and progress.
Finally
In the case of diseases of the genitourinary system, you can not let everything go by itself. If alarming symptoms appear, seek the help of a urologist. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. In many cases, the cause of the appearance of unpleasant symptoms lies in poor nutrition and lifestyle, as well as bad habits. However, without passing the appropriate analyzes this cannot be known for sure.