A urologist is a specialized surgeon focused on the urinary, genital, and reproductive systems in both men and women. While women often turn to gynecologists for genital concerns, men commonly consult urologists for urinary and sexual health issues, particularly those involving the prostate. Learn when it's time to see this vital specialist.
Urologists are surgeons who diagnose and treat disorders of the urinary and genital systems in men and women. This includes the kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to the bladder), bladder, urethra (the tube carrying urine out of the body), and the prostate in men.
Following six years of medical school, aspiring urologists complete a five-year residency and three additional years of specialized training to earn a Diploma of Complementary Specialized Studies (DESC) in urological surgery.
Just as gynecologists specialize in women's genital health, urologists manage men's, addressing prostate and bladder conditions like infections, adenomas (benign tumors), and cancers.
Urologists treat urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, vaginal dryness in women, male infertility, and erectile dysfunction (andrology) in men across both genders.
Urologists handle detection, medication, and surgery for urinary and genital diseases. Early consultation at the first sign of issues often leads to quicker, more effective treatment.
Watch for symptoms like burning during urination, discomfort, frequent nighttime urges (nocturia, especially in men signaling prostate problems), or difficulty urinating.
Men aged 50+ (or 45+ with family history) should discuss prostate cancer screening with a urologist. Start with your primary care physician for referral and insurance coverage.
Women see urologists for urinary issues like incontinence, cystitis, or tumors; gynecologists typically manage reproductive concerns.
Men consult for prostate hyperplasia, kidney stones, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, infections, or urogenital cancers (prostate, testicle, kidney).
Initial exams may include perineal auscultation or digital rectal exam. Further tests could involve urine analysis, flowmetry, cystoscopy, urodynamics, ultrasound, or X-rays. Surgery is an option if needed.
