Functions of a Urologist
Urology is is the medical specialty focusing on the urinary tracts of males and females as well the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat and manage patients with urological disorders.
What are the different functions and roles of a urologist?
- Urologists treat conditions any variety of conditions that are associated with the urinary tract: painful urination, urinary tract infections, hematuria, blood in the urine, incontinence and urinary tract pain.
- Urologists also treat conditions associated with the male reproductive system: male infertility, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory problems, vasectomies, benign prostatic hyperplasia, noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and cryptorchidism (undescended testicles).
- The organs that are routinely checked during a urology examination include the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladded, urethra, testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and penis.
- Although it is a relatively rare procedure, urologists also perform urinary tract reconstruction. This procedure is used to treat patients with severe bladder dysfunction, often caused by neurologic disease or spinal cord injury.
There are also several specializations in the field of urology:
Urogynecologist: a urologist who specializes in female urology.
Andrologist: a urologist who specifically treats male urology and reproductive problems.
Pediatric urology: a urologist that treats children with developmental and other problems involving the kidneys, bladder, urethra and genital tract.
Reconstructive urologist: a urologist who specializes in the area of reconstructive urology, performing surgical corrections and reconstruction on the urethra, ureter or the bladder often as a result of a patient undergoing cancer surgery.
Urologic oncologist: a urologist who treats cancerous tumors found in organs normally treated by a urologist, such as the prostate, bladder and kidney cancers.
Neurourologist: a urologist who treats problems with abnormal urination as the result of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.