What is urology?
Urology (genitourinary surgery) is a field of medicine that focuses on surgical and non-surgical treatments of urinary tract disorders and reproductive organs. This body part includes various organs, such as the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, adrenal glands, and male/female reproductive organs. Problems in all these areas can affect overall health.
Waste and water are combined to form urine, which is expelled through the urinary tract and serves as a drainage system. If the urinary tract is not working usually, several disorders appear, such as prostatitis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and difficulty with bladder control.
According to the American Urological Association, urology consists of seven subspecialties—pediatric, oncology, renal (kidney) transplant, male infertility, neuro-urology, and female urology.
Who is a urologist?
A urologist is a medical expert who specializes in diagnosing and treating urinary tract conditions affecting men, women, and children. They know all the parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidney, ureters (muscles carrying pee into the bladder), and urethra (which drains pee out of the bladder).
They also treat conditions in the male reproductive system, including the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate. You can also consult your urologist when you have chronic problems—kidney stones, prostate cancer, or long-term conditions with the urinary tract.
Urologists treat urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence (difficulty controlling urine), hematuria (spotting blood in the urine), benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), interstitial cystitis (pain in the bladder), erectile dysfunction, and congenital urinary tract issues (born with problems in the urinary tract), among other ailments.
What are some urology subspecialties?
A urologist can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. While some urologists may employ non-surgical procedures, they all receive surgery training.
Some of the subspecialties in urology include the following:
- Urologic oncology
- Pediatric urology
- Kidney transplantation
- Male infertility
- Sexual medicine
- Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic surgery)
- Genitourinary reconstruction
How does the urinary system work?
All the body parts function together to ensure a healthy urinary system. The main components of this system for both male and female bodies are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Kidneys are small (fist-size) organs that produce urine. They are on both sides of the spine, stomach, pancreas, and bowels. Kidneys work in a way that turns the extra water and waste in the body into urine. After leaving the kidney, the urine flows into the ureters. These are thin tubes of muscles connecting the kidneys to the bladder. They carry the urine from one place (kidneys) to another (bladder).
Urine is stored in the bladder. It is a hollow, balloon-like organ made up of a lot of muscles. The bladder helps hold the right amount of urine and enables you to urinate when it becomes full. Through the brain impulses, it tightens and pushes the urine out. The urethra connects the body to the bladder. This hollow tube allows urine to exit the body as it flows.
What tests and procedures can urologists perform?
Urologists can carry out various surgical and non-surgical procedures. Here are some of the tests they can perform:
- Imaging tests, such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound, to see inside the urinary tract.
- Urodynamic testing measures the pressure and volume inside the bladder.
- A cystogram involves capturing X-ray images of the bladder.
- Cystoscopy consists of seeing inside the urethra and bladder with a thin scope called a cystoscope.
- The post-void residual urine test helps determine how fast urine leaves the bladder after urination and shows how much urine remains.
- Biopsies of the bladder, kidneys, or prostate
- Cystectomy involves treating cancer by removing the bladder.
- Kidney transplant
- Repair of urinary organs that aren't well-formed.
Common urological problems faced by females
Urological issues among females are prevalent. Proper care may help you learn about the problems and locate the best remedy. While there are various conditions a urologist treats, here are some of the common ones:
- Incontinence during or after pregnancy: Pregnancy might cause unintentional leakages during a cough, sneeze, or physical exertion. It is often more common after giving birth and among individuals in their late 30s and older. Other causes, like excess body weight, can also lead to leakages.
- Overactive bladder: When the bladder is overly active, you might have to pee at all hours and with little warning, causing a hindrance in your daily life. Overactive bladder is typically an aging problem that affects both males and females. Lifestyle habits like caffeine intake, regular alcohol consumption, and diuretic medications can also cause this condition.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): Infections in the urinary tract system can be painful. It results in foul-smelling urine, severe pain, and burning sensations accompanied by unhealthy frequency and urgency. Antibiotic use can exacerbate symptoms of several overlapping conditions, including overactive bladder and urinary tract infections. If overprescribed, some may develop a tolerance for antibiotics.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: The pelvic floor comprises a "bowl" of muscles supporting the bladder, vagina, and rectum. These muscles get disrupted after childbirth and result in inflammation or irritation. Tension in these muscles can put a lot of strain on the body and cause frequent urination or lower back issues.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: This is like a hernia of the vagina, where weak spots in the walls can cause the adjacent organs to move from their position. During childbirth, injury in the pelvic muscles causes the organ to prolapse. Some signs to identify prolapse are a bulge in the vagina or a sensation of bulging or discomfort when sitting.
When should you visit a urologist?
If you are facing bladder or urinating issues, you must visit a urologist near you. Here are some conditions you may have that would require a urologist to examine:
- If you have trouble while urinating or experience a strong urine flow.
- If you are experiencing blood in the urine, cloudy urine, or pain while urinating, you must see a urologist.
- You should also see a urologist if you see a change in your urination pattern, such as frequent or no urination.
- If you are facing issues in keeping or getting an erection, you should see a healthcare practitioner, preferably a urologist.
- If you may face infertility issues, then you can visit a urologist for treatment and guidance about other options.
- If you are experiencing heaviness near your vagina or if it feels like something is falling into it, then you should see a health care practitioner.
- If you are experiencing pelvic pain, a urologist will be able to treat your condition after a proper diagnosis.
- If you do not have control over your urination, for example, if you urinate while sleeping or when you exercise, laugh, or sneeze, you should see a healthcare practitioner for treatment.
- If you notice that your prostate has enlarged, you should get it checked as soon as possible. A urologist will be able to diagnose and treat your condition.
- If you have cancer of the urinary tract, then you also need to visit a urologist for treatment.
Ensure that you check with your insurer before your appointment. Many health plans require you to have a referral from your primary healthcare practitioner to visit a urologist.
What can you expect when visiting a urologist?
When you schedule an appointment with a urologist or your primary care provider refers you to one, you will need to discuss your concerns with them. It can help if you bring a list of issues or symptoms you have been experiencing. The urologists may also ask questions about your medical history and any medications you may be taking.
Your urologist will likely perform tests to identify your disease and determine the most effective treatment. These tests may include the following:
- Physical examination: Men may need a rectal exam, while women may need a pelvic exam.
- Urinalysis, blood tests, and semen samples: You will have to provide samples of your urine, blood, and semen (It helps if you drink some water before you visit the urologist since they may ask you for a urine sample there).
- Imaging tests: These tests may include computed tomography (CT) scans or ultrasounds.
How can you prepare for your urology appointment?
Now that you know what to expect during your first appointment with a urologist, the next step would be preparing for it. Enough preparation can put you at ease and help you maximize your time with the provider. If you are not sure where to begin, the following tips will help you:
- Carry documents for paperwork: During your first visit, the office staff will help you with the initial onboarding process. You may need your insurance card, photo identification card, doctor's referral letter, and payment method.
- Bring health information: As discussed earlier, carry details of your urology symptoms, other health conditions, allergies, injuries, and surgeries. If you take any medications, whether prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, or herbal remedies, list them and their dosages. Lastly, be prepared to discuss your family history.
- Write down your questions: Receiving a new diagnosis and treatment can prompt many questions. Do not hesitate to bring up your doubts and queries during the appointment. You can ensure you remember everything by recording them in your journal or smartphone. If you need suggestions, here are some common questions you can ask: What caused my condition? What are my treatment options? Will my issue be resolved permanently or recur? Can you recommend any prevention strategies?
- Call the office: Before your appointment, call the provider's office and ask what tests you can expect and how to prepare for them.
How can you find the best urologist near you in Forest Hills, Queens, New York?
The primary healthcare professional will refer you to a urologist if you face urinating, pelvic pain, or sexual problems. Your doctor could order various tests to diagnose accurately and recommend the best course of action. It's also crucial to communicate your health problems to the doctor.
You can register with a free account on Zocdoc to look for the best urologist nearby. After signing in, you will see an advanced search filter. In the search box, you can type your symptoms, diseases, the doctor's specialty, location, date, or insurance carrier, and plan. Based on the entered field, a curated list of all in-network urologists will appear.
You can use our insurance detector feature if you cannot find your health plan in the drop-down menu. Follow these easy steps: Go to your account settings > Locate the insurance section > Upload a clear image of your insurance card > Wait for Zocdoc to scan it > Receive the desired results. You can add the information to the search bar and continue looking for providers who accept your insurance. Do you have trouble uploading the photo? Contact our service team. Do you have any more related questions? Visit our patient help center page.
Furthermore, every specialist has a unique profile. You can click their profile to learn about their academic background, medical expertise, accreditations, research interests, languages they speak, experience, awards, availability, and so on. There is also a dedicated space for verified past patient ratings and reviews.
Once you have decided on the best urologists near you, schedule an in-person or video appointment based on the doctor's availability. All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, 100% free, and secure!
Statistics on urologists in Forest Hills, Queens, New York
Based on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases' 2021 factsheet, high blood pressure and diabetes are common in the USA. They are the two leading causes of kidney diseases. Almost 37 million U.S. adults suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), nearly 1 in 3 people have diabetes, and about 1 in 5 have high blood pressure. Moreover, about 9 in 10 people were unaware of this condition.
According to the 2019 American Urological Association, the United States had about 13,044
practicing urologists; of these, 85.6% were actively practicing. In New York, about 356 urologists were actively practicing.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Urology Care Foundation[1]
Urology Care Foundation[2]
Michigan Medicine University of Michigan
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Healthline
Byram Healthcare
Mayo Clinic
