Urologists: Who Are They And What They Do?

In ancient times, physicians would look for evidence of a patient’s illness in their urine sample. The health of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, urethra, bladder, prostate, penis, and testis, is now the focus of an entire branch of medicine.

Urology is the medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the urinary tract system. The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra are the urinary tract’s main organs. 

The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing urine. It contains waste, toxins, and water. All parts of the urinary tract must cooperate for urination to happen normally and without issues.

A urologist is an expert in detecting and treating conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. If your general physician believes you may require treatment for a condition involving the urethra, kidneys, bladder, or adrenal glands, they may refer you to a urologist. Urologists also treat conditions affecting the epididymis, penis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testes in male patients.

Dr. Neeta Verma is one of the best urologist in Bhubaneswar. She is highly trained, qualified, and competent in her field. She offers advanced and most-effective treatment for kidney and urinary tract stones, kidney, ureter, or bladder infections, as well as other benign and cancerous urinary tract conditions.

Moreover, Dr. Neeta Verma, a highly-skilled urology surgeon in Bhubaneswar, specializes in urological emergencies and lower urinary tract endourological procedures. She has immense expertise in robotic uro-oncology, reconstructive urology, and endourology.

Now, let’s discuss,

How often should one visit a urologist?

A urologist is qualified to identify and address urinary tract issues. Both men and women can visit urologists for kidney and bladder problems. In men, they can diagnose and treat issues with the prostate, penis and testicles as well. Infertility in men and sexual disorders are also under their care.

Which urological conditions does a urologist treat?

Urinary tract infections (UTI) 

These frequently result when bacteria move from the digestive tract to the urethra. Some symptoms include atypical urination, incontinence, pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, and fevers. Women are primarily affected.

Incontinence

Involuntary loss of bladder control may result from a problem with the urinary system. This may happen to women because the pelvic floor muscles weaken during pregnancy.

Kidney and ureter stones

Tiny, hard mineral and acid salt crystals that form in the kidneys and can pass through into the ureters are kidneys and ureteral stones. They can make urination difficult and cause pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Male infertility

Damage to the male reproductive system and various sperm disorders can contribute to male infertility. Varicoceles, an enlarged vein in the sac below the penis, is one typical cause. Sometimes, surgery is beneficial.

Kidney disease

Symptoms of kidney damage include swelling in the hands and ankles and high blood pressure. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to function properly. In the end, it might be fatal.

Kidney transplantation

If the kidneys fail, a person may need a kidney transplant.

Bladder prolapse

It occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and tissues cannotsupport the pelvic organs in their normal position.

Cancers 

Malignancies that affect the urinary system or, in men, the reproductive system, such as those that affect the bladder, kidneys, testicles, prostate gland, and others.

Erectile dysfunction

The penis cannot become rigid enough to participate in sexual intercourse fully. This is frequently a sign of a deeper issue.

Peyronie’s disease

A fibrous layer of scar tissue forms on the penis’ skin. This can hurt, make it challenging to have sex, and cause the penis to curve or bend (phimosis) during an erection.

Painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic bladder inflammation that can cause mild to severe discomfort.

Urethral structure

Urinary flow from the bladder may be restricted or blocked by urethral strictures, which are scarring of the urethra. Infection, inflammation, or injury are some of the causes. Painful urination and decreased output are symptoms. Urinary tract infections and prostatitis are a couple of the complications that can result.

Pediatric urology

Treatment of urological issues in children that are too complex for pediatricians without additional training falls under pediatric urology.

What can I expect from a urologist?

Typically, the urologist conducts a physical examination and asks questions about the patient’s medical history. They might also recommend a few tests.

• A urine test may look for bacteria or other disease symptoms.
• The urologist can locate the issue with imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans.
• The urinary tract can be viewed inside with the help of a cystoscope, a long, thin probe with a camera that can also occasionally be used to collect a tissue sample for analysis.

• A biopsy can be used to look for cancer and other conditions.
• Urodynamic testing can measure the pressure inside the bladder, how quickly the urine leaves the body, and how much urine is still in the bladder after urinating.

Let’s know,

What are the urological treatments?

The course of treatment will depend on the diagnosis. It involves both the use of drugs and surgery.

Medication categories include:

• antibiotics to treat illnesses
• hormone therapy for prostate cancer
• medications called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as tadalafil or Cialis for erectile dysfunction
• drugs that work on the smooth muscle in the bladder to treat urinary incontinence
• chemotherapy for cancer

Surgery may involve:

• Conventional open surgery
• Laparoscopic or minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery
• Laser treatment for conditions like kidney stones, cancer, and BPH

A urologist may perform surgery to: 

• Treat cancer, remove a tumor, or remove the bladder, prostate, or other affected parts.
• Urethral dilation relieves scar tissue-induced strictures in the urethra.
• Lessen stress incontinence through a sling procedure.
• Remove or break kidney stones
• Remove a portion of a kidney
• Renal transplantation

Urologists also do circumcisions. For cultural, religious, or medical reasons, the skin from the tip of the penis is removed during this procedure.

A urologist also perform a vasectomy, a long-term method of male contraception.

It is crucial to pay attention to symptoms as soon as they emerge because the urinary system is responsible for removing waste and is connected to many other parts of the body, including the reproductive system. 

Consult one of the best urologist in Bhubaneswar immediately if you experience any discomfort or changes in the regularity of your urination.

Finding a qualified and accredited urologist is crucial, just like any other medical specialist. Additionally, you should see a urologist with whom you can easily communicate, mainly if your treatment will be ongoing.