What is urology, and who are urologists?
The field of healthcare that focuses on the health of the urinary system and its conditions is called urology. The urinary system includes kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
Urologists are experts who are well-versed in the medical science of the urinary system, including the urinary bladder, ureters, kidneys, and urethra. They can also treat problems specific to the men's reproductive system, such as those affecting the penis, testes, prostate, and scrotum. If you experience long-term symptoms due to kidney stones, prostate cancer, or problems with urine control, the urologist can effectively help treat and manage your condition.
Urologists typically undergo four years of study at medical school, after which they undertake at least five additional years of specialized training focused on the urinary tract, kidneys, and the male reproductive system. Many urologists further streamline their practice to one core subspecialty of urology, such as cancer, women's urology, male infertility, sexual health, reconstructive urology, etc. To begin practicing as a specialist, doctors must pass an examination to earn board certification from the American Board of Urology.
How are urologists different from nephrologists?
While these medical specialists are related, they are different. Urologists are surgeons specializing in urinary tract conditions. Nephrologists, on the other hand, are doctors who specialize only in kidneys. Nephrology is considered a subspecialty of internal medicine. Nephrologists also manage conditions in the body that can occur due to or cause kidney problems, such as high blood pressure.
Some conditions treated by nephrologists include:
- Hypertension
- Kidney disease, which includes acute and chronic cases and diabetic nephropathy
- Glomerulonephritis
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney stones
- Renal failure (the kidneys' inability to filter waste from the blood)
- Renal obstruction (caused by kidney stones, tumors, etc.)
Bottom line, if you are dealing with kidney-related concerns such as hypertension, kidney disease, or other conditions affecting renal function, it is advisable to consult a nephrologist. On the other hand, for urinary tract conditions and surgical interventions, a reputable urologist near you would be the appropriate medical professional to consult.
Visiting a urologist and the procedures they offer
During your first visit with the best urologist near you, you must inform them about your medical history, current symptoms, ongoing medications, etc. After a brief clinical history, the urologist will conduct a physical examination, which includes a general body checkup and that of the genitals or rectum. Additionally, they may advise laboratory or imaging tests such as a CT scan or an ultrasound to evaluate your condition.
Urologists usually prescribe medicines to treat acute illnesses. However, they can also help patients with chronic diseases through physical training. For example, they may recommend exercises to help strengthen the pelvic muscles to manage urinary incontinence.
Additionally, a urologist is licensed to perform various procedures depending on the patient's condition. Some examples of these procedures are:
- Ureteroscopy: This procedure helps visualize the inside of the ureters and kidneys.
- Cystoscopy: Similar to ureteroscopy, this procedure helps analyze the bladder and the urethra internally using a thin, flexible cystoscope.
- Vasectomy: This surgical procedure is also called male sterilization and is a contraceptive measure where the sperm-carrying tubes are snipped, which stops the sperm from entering the semen.
- Prostate biopsy: A urologist extracts a small tissue sample from the prostate to screen for cancer cells.
- Nephrectomy: This surgery helps treat cancer and involves the removal of the kidney. A nephrectomy may be partial or complete.
What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland next to the urinary bladder in males. Cancer that develops in this gland is called prostate cancer. It is the second most significant cause of male cancer-related deaths in the United States. Various growths of the prostate gland can be either benign, i.e., not cancerous, or malignant, i.e., cancerous.
As the name suggests, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is not cancerous. It is common amongst older men. This extra tissue growth is a normal physiological aging process and does not invade surrounding tissues. It is possible to remove such growth easily and bear a good prognosis.
On the other hand, malignant growths are commonly known as prostate cancer. These may threaten life or spread to nearby organs such as the rectum or the urinary bladder. They can also metastasize to other parts like the bones and lungs. While surgery can remove them or destroy them radiologically, they have a chance of growing back.
Prostate cancer is difficult to detect early, as there may be no symptoms. An enlarged prostate gland or BPH can be an indicator. However, there may be other unrelated symptoms as well. If you are facing urinary issues, it is advisable to consult a urology specialist to rule out the possibility of prostate cancer.
Frequent urination, painful ejaculation, bone pain, blood in the urine, dull aching in the pelvic area, and discomfort in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs are all signs of prostate cancer. Doctors can also screen for prostate cancer through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood levels, a digital rectal examination (DRE), etc. Most importantly, it is essential for men between the ages of 55 and 69, or those with a history of prostate cancer, to get screened routinely.
Some risk factors for prostate cancer
Risk factors increase the likelihood of developing diseases like cancer, with different types of cancer linked to specific factors. A person can quit cancer-causing habits like smoking, but one cannot alter factors such as age or family history.
However, having one or more risk factors does not ensure the onset of the disease. Many individuals with risk indicators never develop cancer, while some who do may lack known determinants. Researchers have identified specific factors influencing prostate cancer risk:
- Advancing age: Prostate cancer is uncommon in men under 40, with the risk escalating significantly after age 50. Approximately 6 in 10 prostate cancers occur in men over 65.
- Obesity: Numerous studies have indicated that obesity generally does not significantly impact the overall risk of prostate cancer incidence. Nevertheless, there is evidence suggesting that obese men might be more prone to developing more aggressive variants of prostate cancer.
- Family history: Prostate cancer displays a familial pattern, indicating a potential inherited or genetic factor. At the same time, most cases occur in men lacking a family history. Having a close male relative, such as a brother or father, with prostate cancer can make a man twice as susceptible to developing the illness. It increases notably if the affected relatives were diagnosed at a young age.
- Inherited gene changes: Certain inherited gene variants, such as those in BRCA1 or BRCA2, linked to increased risks in breast and ovarian cancers, can also heighten prostate cancer risk. Men with Lynch syndrome, stemming from inherited gene changes, face an elevated risk of various cancers, including prostate cancer.
Considering these factors, one must be aware of one's risk profile and take proactive measures, such as regular checkups with a healthcare professional. If you have concerns about prostate health, consulting a urologist near you can provide personalized guidance and appropriate medical advice.
Tips for maintaining good urological health
A balanced diet can help maintain urological health. For example, drinking adequate water and specific dietary and lifestyle changes can preserve the health of your urinary system.
Following are some healthy tips to maintain urological health:
- Consume rainbow vegetables and fruits —carrots, eggplant, strawberries, asparagus, cauliflower, and collard greens.
- Drink enough water, which will help maintain the health of the urinary system.
- Reading nutrition labels lets you know what you are consuming and how much sugar, sodium, and calories are in your favorite foods.
- If you have a sensitive bladder, limit your intake of artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, and alcohol.
- Avoid food items with refined carbohydrates and added sugars.
- Eat bladder-friendly food such as bananas, eggs, nuts, green beans, and whole grains.
- Try eating organic food and avoid fruits and vegetables with high pesticide residue.
- Try to have a protein-rich diet. Specific dietary and lifestyle changes will be unique for each individual and defined by your urologist. You can also run this by a nutritionist if you have certain restrictions.
Find the best urologist near you in Scottsdale, AZ
Urological problems often demand immediate medical attention. Considering the number of medical practitioners, finding a suitable specialist to look into them may take time. In such situations, Zocdoc can help.
Access a repository of medical practitioners near you by entering your location details or symptoms on the website. While browsing this list, you can learn about a practitioner's licensure, educational qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. Zocdoc also lets you know the practitioners' affiliations, accreditations, and awards. Further streamline your search by adding filters to find practitioners who treat children, accept your insurance plan, etc.
After browsing, you can finalize a urologist by going through the user reviews left by previous patients under each profile. Depending on your needs, you may opt for an in-person or virtual consultation with the best urologist near you in Scottsdale, AZ.
Booking an appointment is quickly and securely possible on Zocdoc and at no extra cost!
Urology stats in Scottsdale, Arizona
The American Cancer Society's Cancer Statistics Center estimated that in 2024, there would be reports of 4,630 new prostate cancer cases in Arizona. Moreover, the association predicted new urinary bladder and uterine cancer cases to be 2,060 and 1,380, respectively. Their studies also projected that there would be reports of approximately 460, 290, and 270 new ovarian, cervical, and testicular cancer cases, respectively, in 2024.
The Center also concluded that in 2024, there would be an estimated 890 deaths due to prostate cancer in the state. The incidence rates of prostate cancer between 2014 and 2018 were approximately 79.6 per 100,000 Arizona population, while that of uterine cancer was nearly 23.4 per 100,000.
National Cancer Institute's State Cancer Profiles found that between 2014 and 2018, the incidence rates for prostate cancer were the highest in Maricopa County, where Scottsdale is located. Reports noted that this cancer affected nearly 84.3 people for every 100,000 in the county. The average annual number of instances reported in the county was around 1,954. Regular screening by a urologist can aid in the early detection and prevention of such cancers.
Sources
Cancer Statistics Center
National Cancer Institute
Urology Care Foundation[1]
WebMD
Urology Care Foundation[2]
Commonwealth Nephrology Associates
Healthline
Mayo Clinic
American Cancer Society
Johns Hopkins Medicine
