UROLOGY DOCTORS

Urology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Urologists are doctors trained in both medicine and surgery, enabling them to manage a broad spectrum of conditions. Here’s an overview of urology doctors and subspecialties:

General Urologists

• Treat a wide range of urinary and reproductive conditions in men, women, and children.
• Common issues: kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder issues, and prostate diseases.

Urology Subspecialties and Specialists

1. Female Urology/Urogynecologists

   • Focus on female pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence.
   • Common treatments: pelvic organ prolapse repair, bladder injections, and slings for incontinence.

2. Male Urology/Andrologists

   • Specialize in male fertility, erectile dysfunction, and testosterone-related issues.
   • Treatments include vasectomy reversals, hormone replacement therapy, and penile implants.

3. Pediatric Urologists

   • Treat urinary and genital conditions in children, including congenital abnormalities.
   • Examples: hypospadias repair, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) treatment.

4. Oncologic Urologists

   • Focus on cancers of the urinary and reproductive organs, such as bladder, kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer.
   • Use treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and advanced robotic techniques.

5. Endourologists

   • Experts in minimally invasive procedures using endoscopic tools to treat kidney stones, urethral strictures, and other obstructions.

6. Neuro-Urologists

   • Specialize in urinary conditions related to neurological disorders like spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis.
   • Treatments often include bladder re-training, medications, and neuromodulation devices.

7. Reconstructive Urologists

   • Focus on restoring normal anatomy and function, often after trauma or surgery.
   • Common procedures: urethral stricture repair, fistula repair, and bladder reconstruction.

8. Transplant Urologists

   • Specialize in kidney transplantation for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Procedures Performed by Urologists

1. Diagnostic Procedures

   • Cystoscopy: Examine the bladder and urethra.
   • Urodynamics: Assess bladder function.
   • Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI of the urinary tract.

2. Minimally Invasive and Surgical Procedures

   • Lithotripsy: Break up kidney stones using sound waves or lasers.
   • Prostate Surgery: TURP or robotic-assisted prostatectomy.
   • Nephrectomy: Removal of a kidney.
   • Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal.

3. Advanced Robotic Surgeries

   • Da Vinci robotic systems for precision in prostate, kidney, or bladder surgeries.

When to See a Urologist

• Recurrent UTIs or kidney stones.
• Difficulty urinating or incontinence.
• Abnormalities in the genital or pelvic area.
• Infertility or sexual dysfunction.
• Blood in the urine (hematuria).
• Pain in the lower abdomen, back, or genitals.