Urologists are physicians with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of the genitourinary tract. The genitourinary tract includes the bladder, kidneys, adrenal glands (located on top of the kidneys), urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), and ureters (the tubes that move urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Urologists also treat all components of the male reproductive system, which includes the penis, prostate (a gland under the bladder that adds fluid to sperm in order to create semen), and the testicles. Urologists are trained to diagnose and treat male infertility and issues such as low testosterone. Additionally, urologists also treat erectile dysfunction. A skilled urologist can perform surgeries related to any of these areas, such as vasectomies, vasectomy reversals, or prostate procedures.
Urologists can also specialize in certain areas such as pediatric urology, urologic oncology (cancer), or male fertility. A urologist can also work as part of a medical team for treatment of medical issues such as cancer of the kidney, or treating patients in renal (kidney) failure. Common conditions that you would see a urologist for include:
· Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections (cystitis)
· Kidney stones
· Kidney failure
· Blood in the urine
· Urinary incontinence (leaking bladder)
· Infertility
· Undescended testicles
· Enuresis (bedwetting due to a condition in which the bladder cannot properly void)
· Hypospadias (a birth defect in males where the urethra, is not located at the tip of the penis)
· Cancers of the urinary tract
· Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
· Epispadias (a birth defect in which the bladder and urethra do not form normally)
· Bladder exstrophy (a birth defect where the bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall)
If you have any of the following symptoms or conditions, you should make an appointment to see a urologist immediately:
· Lower abdominal pain
· A lump in your testicles
· Trouble urinating or voiding completely
· Decreased sexual desire or Infertility
· Blood in your urine
· Foul smelling urine
· Burning or pain of any kind when urinating
· Frequent urges to urinate
· Leaking urine
· Kidney stones
A urologist is an important member of your health care team. They have the specialized training to diagnose, treat and care for those specific health needs. If you live or work in the Phoenix area, and are looking for a board-certified urologist that has the knowledge and skill to treat all manner of urology related issues, look to Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. With many successful outcomes and satisfied patients, Dr. Avila is a specialist in men’s health who stays up to date on the best new techniques. Call Ironwood Urology at (480) 961-2323 today, or make an appointment online.
