Urology

• Prostate Exam
• Kidney Disease

Urology

Urology is the area of medicine concerned with the urinary tract. Urologists are specialized in treating complaints of the kidney, bladder, uterus, urethra and male reproductive organs. Problems with the urinary tract are often connected to changes or problems with the reproductive organs. 

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The most common urology problem is a urinary tract infection. UTI's are a bacterial infection in the urinary tract which can cause pain and discomfort when urinating. Symptoms of a UTI include frequent urination, pain passing urine, bladder spasms, blood in the urine and lower abdominal pain. Urologists diagnose urinary tract infections with a urine test and treatment is commonly antibiotics.

Bladder Infection

A bladder infection is a more severe version of a UTI. A bladder infection occurs if a urinary tract infection is not treated and the bacteria advances to the bladder. The majority of bladder infections are caused from sexual intercourse transmitted UTIs. Untreated bladder infections can lead to incontinence so it is important patients visit a urologist if symptoms occur.

Incontinence

Incontinence can affect people of all ages and occur for a number of reasons. Diabetes, bladder damage, obesity, pregnancy and stroke can all cause problems controlling the urge to urinate. There are three degrees of incontinence; stress incontinence, overactive bladder and overflow incontinence. Therapy to train the bladder muscles, electrical stimulation of the bladder muscles and walls and medications are frequently used to control incontinence. In cases of severe incontinence, urologists may recommend surgery.

Prostate

As men age, the prostate is one area of the body where problems are likely to occur. The prostate is located close to the bladder making problems with the prostate a concern of urologists. Infections of the prostate, an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer are all treated by urologists. If men experience problems or pain urinating, painful ejaculation or difficulty gaining an erection a visit to a urologist is recommended.

Vasectomy

The male reproductive organs and the urinary tract system are closely connected. Urologists are the medical professionals which treat complaints of the penis and testes.A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control for men: a urologist performs a small surgical procedure which prevents the release of sperm when a man ejaculates. Although a vasectomy is considered a permanent method of birth control, reverse vasectomy is possible and this is also performed by a urologist.

Kidney

The kidneys are a major organ in the urinary system. Urologists ensure that the kidneys function properly to filter the urine and the blood. Kidney infections are often treatable with antibiotics. Urologists diagnose and treat all forms of kidney disease.