Visiting a urologist can be intimidating, but it’s important to take control of your health and know when it’s time to seek professional help. Urologists are specialized medical doctors who focus on the health of the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys. This article will discuss the importance of visiting a urologist, common urological conditions, and what to expect when you visit.
First, What Is A Urologist?
Dr Erik Goluboff, who has been a respected figure in the medical for his thirty-year professional experience, defines urologists as medical doctors who are specially trained to diagnose and treat urinary tract disorders.
Urologists are often affiliated with a specialty clinic, such as a hospital, clinic, or even an outpatient surgery center. Urologists treat a variety of conditions that affect the urinary tract, including infections, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, and more.
Why You Should Regularly Visit A Urologist
If you experience urinary symptoms regularly, or you notice an increase in your symptoms, it may be time to visit a urologist. Urologists can screen for common conditions, such as infections or kidney stones, that cause urinary symptoms. If your symptoms are related to a serious condition, a urologist can offer you treatment and improve your quality of life.
In addition to screening for and treating common conditions, many urologists specialize in the treatment of rare, complex issues. This means they have additional experience treating unique disorders, like those that cause urinary incontinence. Having a urologist as part of your health team can provide you with professional medical care.
Some Common Urological Conditions
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) refer to bacterial infections that usually affect one’s urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the urethra (the tube between the bladder and the outside of the body), the kidneys, and the bladder, and it’s the most common location for UTIs.
Symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation when you urinate, frequent urination, or increased urination at night. If you’re taking antibiotics and notice a sudden change in your symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Kidney stones refer to the hardened mineral deposits that were formed in your kidneys. While you may experience back pain or other signs of kidney stones, the most common symptom is blood in your urine. If you experience blood in your urine, call your doctor right away. A kidney stone may require emergency surgery to remove the stone.
Lastly, urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine without any visible signs of leakage. Incontinence can be caused by a physical injury or psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety. Symptoms of urinary incontinence include unintentional urination or leaking of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. A doctor may perform a pelvic exam to diagnose urinary incontinence.
Here’s What You Can Expect From A Urologist Visit
Dr Erik Goluboff states that when you visit a urologist, you’ll likely meet with a primary care physician (PCP), such as a general practitioner. Depending on your condition, a PCP may refer you to a urologist. During your visit, your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and medical history, as well as perform a physical exam and test to rule out other conditions.
Your doctor may also request additional tests, such as a urinalysis or imaging, to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will likely recommend a treatment plan based on your symptoms and diagnosis. The treatment plan may include medication, surgery, or treatment to correct a weakness or blockage.
