Urology is a branch of medicine that focuses on medical conditions of the male and female urinary tract systems. The urologist is a medical professional that specialises in the urinary system in both men and women. In ancient times, doctors used to examine the urine of a patient for clues about their illness.
Today, there is an entire field of medicine that focuses on the health of the urinary system which includes the kidney, bladder, prostate, penis & testis. Modern urologists are well versed in all aspects of urology, medical procedures used for the care, and aftercare treatment offered after surgeries.
Below mentioned FAQs broadly describe the urology problems and mention the alarming signals of seeing a urologist.
Urologists must have a medical degree from a certified institution. They can join a medical college after clearing the NEET examination. To prepare for a urology examination or NEET, one must stand well-versed in subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology.
After medical school, urologists undergo a residency in a urology facility. After five years, the student must pass a specialist board test. After residency and board tests, urologists can work at hospitals or create their own offices.
The kidneys, ureters, and bladder, are the key components of the urinary tract. The urinary tract is your body’s drainage system for removing urine. Urine is a combination of waste and water. In order for urination to occur normally and without any complications, all body parts in the urinary tract need to work together.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the most common condition that mainly occurs when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urethra and infects the urinary tract. Usually, women have a shorter urethra than men making it more likely for bacteria to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause the infection.
A urologist is trained to diagnose and treat problems of the urinary tract. Urologists deal with men and women alike. With women, a urologist deals only with the problems of the urinary tract.
Female urology covers a set of conditions such as overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse which are treated by a female urologist or urogynecologist.
With men, however, the urologist can diagnose and treat disorders of the penis and testicles also. They also look after male infertility and sexual disorders.
If you get an appointment with the urologist, they will generally take notes regarding your condition from the referring doctor during their first visit. They will examine your medical history and do the physical examination in the following phase.
During the examination, the patients are asked to undress themselves from the waist down and are provided with a gown so that the urologist can easily examine the exact issue.
Urology mainly focuses on diagnosing and treatment of diseases concerning the urinary system. The major function of the urinary system is to keep the body clean and filter out toxins and wastes from the body.
Major organs that come under urology and are treated by urologists in males and females are-
A urologist also treats male reproductive system parts like -
You should see a urologist when suffering from pain, bleeding, or inflammation of the urinary tract. The common symptoms are:
Symptoms in Men
Symptoms in Women
If you are consulting a general physician and these problems persist, they may recommend you to a urologist. Both male and female patients are referred to urologists. Many women visit gynaecologists when suffering from urinary infections and trauma. A urologist will help treat diseases and conditions affecting women during treatment.