What is an Urologist?

About Urologists

A Urologist is a medical specialist who provides treatment and diagnosis focused on the health care of a range of organs comprising the male and female urinary systems. They also specialize in the health of the male reproductive system.

Urologists are referred to by general physicians to treat disorders affecting the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs.

As the urinary and reproductive systems are interconnected it is common that such conditions may affect both areas of the body. Disorders treated by a Urologist for males and females can include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, hematuria (blood in urine,) congenital abnormalities, overactive bladder or incontinence, and cystitis. Treatment provided solely for males includes conditions affecting the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis such as erectile dysfunction, male infertility, prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer.

Treatments provided and practiced by Urologists include both medical treatment as well as surgical including vasectomy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, cystectomy, bladder repair, and renal transplantation.

Depending on the condition, Urologists often consult and work in conjunction with other specialists including Oncologists. Due to their expertise in a wide array of organs Urologists also work alongside Nephrologists for kidney conditions, Gynecologists and Obstetricians (OBGYN) for female reproductive system health as well as Endocrinologists dealing with hormone disorders and Proctologists / Colorectal surgeons.

Some of the related specialties and sub-specialties within Urology include Endourology, Urologic oncology, Neurourology, Pediatric urology, and Andrology.

Useful Resources

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