In ancient Egypt and Greek times, doctors frequently examined urine’s color, smell, and texture. They also looked for bubbles, blood, and other bacteria.
All of modern medicine focuses on the health of urine. This is called urology. Here’s what a urologist functions and all about it.
What is a Urologist?
Urologists diagnose and treat urinary tract infections in both men and women. They also diagnose and treat anything that affects a man’s growth.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary. For example, it can clear cancer or open up a blockage in the urine. Specialists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private clinics, and urology clinics.
The urinary tract is a system that produces, stores, and eliminates urine from the body. A urologist can handle any of these procedures. These include:
- The kidneys: Organs which filters waste products from the blood and produces urine
- The ureter: Tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder
- The bladder: Hollow bag that holds urine
- The urethra: Tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body
- The adrenal glands: Adrenal glands at the top of each kidney that release hormones
Urologists also deal with all areas of male reproductive health. This system includes:
- The penis: Organ that urinates and eliminates sperm from the body.
- The prostate: Gland under the bladder that adds fluid to semen to produce semen
- The testes: Two oval organs in the scrotum that produce testosterone and produce sperm.
What is Urology?
Urology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diseases of males’ urinary tract and reproductive tract. Some urologists treat urinary tract infections. Others specialize in certain types of urology, such as:
- Female urology: Focus on growth and female urination
- Male infertility: Focuses on the issue of preventing a man from getting pregnant with his partner
- Neuro-urology: Focuses on urinary problems caused by brain situations
- Pediatric urology: Focuses on pediatric urinary problems
- Urologic oncology: Focus on urinary system cancer, including bladder, kidneys, prostate, and testes.
What are Education and Training?
You must have a four-year degree in college and a four-year medical degree. After graduating from medical school, you need to complete four to five years of hospital training. During this time, called residency, you work with a specialist urologist and learn about the surgery.
Some urologists decide to take one to two years of additional training. This is called a fellowship. During this time, you will learn skills in your particular field. This can include urologic oncology or female urology.
After completing the training, the Urologist must pass the urologist certification.
Urologist Functions
Urologists treat a variety of conditions affecting the urinary system and the male reproductive system.
In men, urologists treat:
- Cancers of the bladder, penis, kidneys, adrenal, testicles, and prostate glands
- Enlargement of prostate glands
- Erectile dysfunction or difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Interstitial cystitis also called bladder syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Infertility
- Kidney stones
- Prostatitis, a condition of the prostate
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Varicose veins or large blood vessels in the scrotum
In women, urologists treat:
- Bladder prolapse or bladder drop into the vagina
- Cancer of the bladder, kidneys, and adrenal glands
- Interstitial cystitis
- Kidney stones
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary tract infections
- Incontinence
In children, urologists treat:
- Wetting of bed
- Prevention of urinary tract infections and other problems
- Testicles
Diagnostic Tests Performed by a Urologist
When visiting the Urologist, he can do one or more of these exams to see your conditions.
- CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound, so the inside issues can be found.
- They can suggest a cystogram, in which X-ray images are taken of your bladder.
- He can carry out a cystoscopy. In which a thin scope is used to see the inner side of your bladder and urethra.
- A post-void residual urine test can be performed to examine how fast urine is eliminated from your body while urinating. It also indicates after urination how much urine remains in your bladder.
- They can use the urine to identify the bacteria of diseases that cause infection.
Surgeries Performed by Urologist
Biopsy
Of bladder, prostate, and kidneys
Cystectomy
Removal of the bladder for treating cancer
Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy
Breaking of the kidney stones to remove them easily
Kidney transplant
Replacement of unhealthy kidney with a healthy one
Prostatectomy
Removing all prostate gland’s parts to treat its cancer
A sling procedure
Mesh strips are used for supporting the urethra and keeping it closed for the treatment of urinary incontinence.
Transurethral surgery of the prostate
Removal of extra tissue from an increased prostate.
Transurethral needle excision of prostate
Removal of extra tissue from an increased prostate.
Ureteroscopy
Removing stones in the ureter and kidneys using a scope.
Vasectomy
Performed to prevent pregnancy.
If you think you have any of the functions we described above, you can consult a urologist.
It is essential to go for a regular checkup with an expert. If you don’t know whom to consult or where to find such a specialist, you can go to Marham. On Marham, you will find a list of the best specialists for each field. You can easily book an appointment with one of the best Urologists through Marham.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- What is the function of a urologist?
They specialize in genitourinary diseases (kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, urethra, and meningitis) and menopause. Urologists are also trained in surgery and the treatment of illnesses associated with these problems.
2- How Does a Urologist Diagnose a Man?
He will perform a male genitourinary exam during the first visit. This is a comprehensive urinary tract exam. Doctors examine the prostate through rectal exams. The Urologist may also perform other tests.
3- What prompts urologists to test urine?
Urine samples are used to look for bacteria, nitrates, and white blood cells (indicating infection), including foreign products such as illegal drugs and potentiating steroids.
