What To Expect When You See A Urologist?

If you are experiencing disturbing symptoms involving urinary system or if you are referred to see a urologist by a primary care physician, here is what to expect.

Urologists are specialized doctors who are trained in dealing with ailments of urinary as well as reproductive system. For best results, it is highly recommended to speak to your doctor prior to your visit to see:

• If you are required to bring in some medical or insurance documents on the visit
• If you have to bring your prior reports or investigations
• Your doctor may also advice a urinary test so make sure you check with the staff if you will have to provide a specimen on the day of appointment

What To Expect On The Day Of Appointment?

Upon visit the first thing asked will be patient history and a detailed physical examination. History involves information about onset, duration, and severity of symptoms. Urologist may carry out necessary diagnostic tests such as,

• Blood investigation include a variety of tests to see if there are any abnormalities in the serum concentration of certain compounds. This include total blood counts (to see if there are any signs of infection, or microscopic loss of blood). Blood tests are also used to assess renal functions. If prostate malignancy or growth is suspected, your doctor may advise a PSA evaluation.
• Ultrasound, MRI and CT scans are used to visualize abdominal and pelvic organs to locate the site of issue. The imagingstudies may be performed by transrectal or transabdominal approach
• Urine test to rule out infections and other diseases.

• Biopsy to look for possible cancer growths.
• Cystoscopy, in this procedure, a thin probe with camera is used to see inside of urinary tract and even for extracting tissue sample for analysis. This is an office-based procedure that does not require admission in the hospital or requirement for general anesthesia. After the procedure, you can go home the same day.
• Urodynamic testing is done to analyze functioning of urinary bladder for instance, how quickly urine leaves the body, bladder pressure and amount of urine left in bladder after urination.

Common Treatments For Urological Ailments

Depending upon diagnosis and severity of the disease, your doctor will prescribe appropriate treatments that include medicines and/or surgery.

Medications

• Antibiotics
• Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for treating ED. e.g. Cialis
• Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer
• Chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment

Surgical Procedures

Surgical methods can be performed for treating cancers, removal of kidney or urethral tones, kidney transplantation, etc. Depending upon requirement, these surgical procedures may be deeply or minimally invasive. Some of the common invasive procedures include:

• Laparoscopy
• Open surgery
• BPH, cancer and kidney stones may require laser therapy

Circumcision and vasectomy, a long lasting male contraceptive technique is also carried out by a urologist.

Dr. Elist is a urologist and surgeon with expertise in male sexual disorders such as infertility, impotency, erectile dysfunction and cosmetic issues. If you are experiencing any urological complaint, book an appointment today.