Regarding Urological Doctors and Conditions Treated

A urologist is a specialist who studies the science of the urinary system (urology). Urology is a field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract diseases, both men and women. To become a urology specialist, a general practitioner needs to continue urology specialist education for approximately 10 semesters to get the Sp.U (Urology Specialist) degree. Urologists can diagnose and treat urinary tract disorders, either by administering drugs or by operating procedures.

Field of Work of Urologist Specialists

Urologists generally only treat conditions related to the urinary tract. Here are some sub-specialty of urology medicine, which are:

• Infertility in men (andourology)

Focus on handling issues related to fertility and health of male reproductive organs.

• Women's urology

A urologist who focuses on female urinary tract disorders.

• Pediatric urology

A urologist who focuses on urinary tract problems in children.

• Neurourology

A urologist who focuses on urinary tract problems caused by nervous system disorders.

• Urological oncology

Urologists focus on treating cancer or tumors in the urinary system, including bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular cancers.

• Reconstructive urology

The field of urology medicine that focuses on surgical techniques to improve the structure and function of the urinary tract.

• Endourology

Urological medicine that treats disorders of the urinary tract, such as urinary tract stones, with a minimally invasive method (using a small incision).

In addition to providing treatment, the urologist is responsible for providing education to prevent disease, evaluating the results of treatment, and treating the patient's condition after treatment. If the patient requires special treatment, a urologist can work with doctors from other specialties, such as oncologists, radiologists, internal medicine doctors, and obstetricians, to assist in the treatment process.

Diseases and Conditions Treated by Urologists

The following are the conditions and diseases that are handled by urologists based on their patient groups, namely:

• In men

Cancer of the urinary tract (kidney, bladder, prostate gland, penis, testes and adrenal glands), prostate problems such as enlarged prostate gland (BPH) and prostatitis, kidney disease including kidney stones and kidney failure, penile deformities such as phimosis and Peyronie's disease, urinary tract infection (UTI), and swelling of the veins in the scrotum (varicocele), urinary incontinence, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and cystitis.

• To women

Bladder prolapse, and cancer of the bladder, kidneys and adrenal glands. Female urinary tract diseases that can also be treated by urologists include cystitis, kidney stones, overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence.

• In children

Urinary tract disorders that cause the child to wet the bed, blocked or problematic urinary tract, hypospadias and epispadia, and undescended testes.

Actions performed by Urologists

In determining the diagnosis, the urologist will ask the main complaint or symptom of the disease being experienced, then conduct a physical examination. Afterwards, the urologist can recommend that you do several tests to determine the right diagnosis, including:

• Imaging tests, such as X-ray, urography, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound, to check the urinary tract.
• Cystopy or procedure using a special inspection tool (cystokop), to see the channel and the bladder
• Laboratory tests, including complete blood tests and urine tests to look for bacteria that cause infection or see abnormal substances in the urine.
• A urodynamic test, to measure the pressure and volume of your bladder.
• Urine residue test after urinating, to find out how fast the urine comes out of the body when urinating. This test also shows the volume of urine left in the bladder after urinating.

After making the diagnosis, the urologist can prescribe medicines and supplements to support treatment. However, in certain conditions, urology doctors can advise patients to undergo surgical procedures. The following types of surgeries are performed by urologists:

• Cystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the bladder, is usually used to treat bladder cancer.
• Bladder puncture, to pass urine or install a special catheter.
• Prostatectomy or prostate surgery, which is the removal of all or part of the prostate gland to treat the disorder
• Transuretral prostate resection (TURP) and transurethral needle ablation (TUNA). Two different types of surgery, but both are used to remove excess tissue from the enlarged prostate.
• Kidney transplant, which replaces damaged kidneys with healthy kidneys
• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or shock waves, to break up kidney stones so that they are more easily removed.
• Ureteroscopy, which is surgery using a special tool to remove stones in the kidneys and ureters (urinary tract from the kidney to the bladder).
• Bladder, kidney, or prostate biopsy.
• Procedure to open a blockage in the bladder system.
• Repairing bladder damage caused by injury or bladder organs that do not develop.
• Sling procedure to prevent bladder leakage.
• Vasectomy

When should you see a Urologist?

Generally, you will be referred to a urologist by a general practitioner or other specialist, when signs and symptoms are found that refer to diseases of the urinary tract or reproductive system. You are advised to consult a urologist immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Urine is pink, red or brown.
• Lower abdominal pain, back, or waist, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Pain when urinating.
• Always feel like urinating, even though you just pee.
• Urine volume is only small.
• Can not resist urinating.
• A lump in the testis.
• Experience sexual dysfunction.
• There are fertility problems in men.

What Needs To Be Prepared Before Seeing a Urologist

Make notes about your complaints and symptoms. You are also advised to bring personal and family medical history, as well as the results of previous examinations if available, for example CT scans and biopsies. Invite your family or close relatives when seeing a urologist, to help make decisions and provide mental support. Ask about the benefits and risks of treatment that you will or have lived.