Urology is a branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases of the genitourinary system. A doctor of this speci alty accepts absolutely all patients, including women and children. Therefore, he is not only a "male doctor", as many used to think. Answering the question about who a urologist is, we can say that this is a doctor who examines patients with problems of the genitourinary and reproductive systems and prescribes the appropriate treatment.
General information
Urology is an extensive branch of medicine that studies the etiology and pathogenesis of various diseases of the genitourinary system. It is aimed at the prevention and treatment of both congenital and acquired pathologies in this area. All this is done by a urologist. Contrary to stereotypes, this is not only a "male doctor". Yes, for the most part, this specialist advises representatives of the strong half of humanity. However, this does not mean at all that he does not have women and children at his reception. Whilethe competence of a gynecologist is limited exclusively to the sexual sphere, the work of a urologist affects the entire urinary system. Nevertheless, this doctor is called “male” for good reason. The fact is that in representatives of the strong half of humanity, the excretory and reproductive systems are much more closely related than in women.
The specifics of a doctor's work
Urology is a very broad field of medicine. That is why all doctors of this speci alty are divided into several areas, depending on the age of patients and their diseases.
Who is an andrologist urologist? The doctor of this speci alty is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of male genital organs. His competence includes such pathologies as congenital malformations, tumors and various inflammatory processes (for example, prostatitis). It also includes erectile dysfunction and infertility (male). But that's not all. A doctor of this speci alty also treats various diseases of the excretory system in women (the differences are only in diagnosis and methods). Representatives of the beautiful half of humanity are most often diagnosed with cystitis, because due to the structural features of the infection, it is much easier to penetrate into the excretory canal.
Among other things, the competence of this doctor includes urolithiasis (may be completely asymptomatic, except for frequent pain in the lumbar region) and kidney failure. The latter can be either acute or chronic. Currently treated for kidney failureboth urologists and nephrologists (narrower specialists) are involved.
Who is a pediatric urologist? This is a doctor who examines and treats exclusively small patients of both sexes. His competence includes a wide variety of dysfunctions, for example, such a common phenomenon at this age as incontinence. Only those patients who are under the age of 18 are admitted to a pediatric urologist. The doctor of this speci alty treats both congenital and acquired pathologies. In addition to enuresis, the competence of a specialist includes acute and chronic cystitis and urethritis. In little boys, the doctor diagnoses and treats phimosis (pathology of the foreskin), in girls - various infections that develop rapidly due to the structural features of the urethra.
Who is a urologist-oncologist? This doctor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases. He studies the features and nature of cancerous growths and determines the methods of their treatment. The doctor can choose the appropriate oncotherapy and prescribe an operation to remove the neoplasm, if necessary. After surgery, the doctor monitors the recovery and rehabilitation of the patient. In the last stages of cancer, a specialist prescribes potent medications that reduce the severity of pain. He also recommends various preventive measures to prevent the formation of malignant tumors.
Who is a venereologist? The doctor of this speci alty is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of various infections that are sexually transmitted. In hiscompetence includes a variety of sexually transmitted diseases (ureaplasmosis, syphilis, candidiasis and many, many others). In this case, the difficulty of making a diagnosis lies in the fact that some pathologies can be asymptomatic, so they can be determined only after passing the tests. Talking about what a urologist specializing in venereology treats, one cannot fail to mention HIV, human papillomavirus and other contagious diseases that are sexually transmitted.
How is the appointment going?
A urologist's consultation begins with an anamnesis. The doctor assesses the general he alth of the patient, learns the medical history and records complaints. Then the specialist conducts a visual examination and performs palpation in order to preliminarily diagnose the pathology. In addition, depending on the initial diagnosis, such studies as urethro- and pyeloscopy, cystostomy, cyst puncture can be prescribed.
Examination of men
The doctor finds out the current complaints, after which he examines the genitals, scrotum and inguinal lymph nodes. The condition of the prostate gland is also assessed by palpation. If the prostate is suspected to be abnormal, a rectal examination may be done. Do not be afraid of this study, as it is painless.
Examination of women
After collecting an anamnesis, the patient is invited to the gynecological chair. The doctor assesses the condition of the urinary system. He also examines the genitals (determinesvaginal dryness and other pathologies). If the diagnosis is difficult, then complex tests, including ultrasound and MRI, may be prescribed.
Examination of children
First of all, the urologist evaluates the condition of the lymph nodes in young patients. In future men, the genitals are checked. In this case, the presence of one of the child's parents during the examination is mandatory. Checking the appendages in girls or the prostate gland in boys may not be the most pleasant procedure, but qualified specialists do everything quickly and with minimal discomfort for the patient.
What diseases does a urologist treat in children? In fact, the most frequent visits to this speci alty are by patients between the ages of four and six. It is during this "interim" period that pathologies of the reproductive organs and various infectious diseases are often detected.
Urologist-andrologist: who is it and what does it treat
A doctor of this speci alty is engaged in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various pathologies of the reproductive system in men. Among them are:
- Sexual disorders.
- Climax.
- Infertility.
- Prostate problems.
- Cancer.
It is worth noting that an andrologist is a highly specialized doctor. His profile is various violations of sexual and reproductive functions. At the same time, the urologist-andrologist, among other things, can diagnose and treat various diseases.urinary system, and in patients of both sexes.
How do you know when it's time to make an appointment?
There are a huge number of diseases that fall within the competence of a doctor of this speci alty. You can understand what a urologist is treating by the following symptoms:
- Painful urination.
- Unusually frequent calls for small needs.
- The appearance of blood in the urine.
- Burning and pain during minor needs.
- Problems passing urine (to go to the toilet, you have to make an effort and push).
- Pain in the groin and lower back.
- For men: erectile dysfunction, reduced potency, problems with ejaculation.
- For women: pain during intercourse.
If you have at least one or more symptoms, you should seek medical help. Ignoring alarm signals can lead to very serious consequences.
Where to find a good specialist?
To choose a qualified urologist with extensive experience, it is best to read the reviews of real people. You can ask relatives, friends and acquaintances. These reviews will be the most reliable. You can also read what they write about on thematic forums. But do not trust the suspicious "laudatory odes", because positive comments can be paid, and negative ones can be deleted. At the same time, it is important to note that it is better to decide on the choice of a doctor faster, becausesymptoms can be severe and progressive.
In closing
In the case of diseases of the genitourinary system, everything should not be left to chance. If anxiety symptoms appear, you should seek help from a urologist. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. In many cases, the cause of the appearance of unpleasant symptoms lies in the wrong diet and lifestyle, as well as bad habits. However, without passing the appropriate tests, this cannot be known for sure.
