Did you know there is a whole medical field focused on the health of the urinary system, called urology? Urology focuses on the care of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, the prostate gland, and your reproductive health. Urologists can diagnose, treat, and monitor disorders of the urinary tract and the external genital organs, which can include kidney, ureter, urethra, bladder, and prostate issues. They also conduct surgery if necessary, such as procedures performed on the adrenal glands (which sit on top of your kidneys). You may need to see a urologist for several reasons.
Prior to your first visit to the urologist, it is helpful to understand what a urologist is, about the urologist you are seeing, and to make a list of any questions that you would like answered during your consultation.
Clear communication with your urologist is one of the key factors to a successful treatment outcome. Here at Ironwood Urology, we encourage our clients to prepare a set of questions before their consultation, so they can get all the information they need for a successful outcome.
Generally, a person will not be referred to a urologist unless the primary physician thinks the patient has some condition requiring a urologist’s opinion. While there is no recommended age for a urologist visit, based on most medical standards, people are not typically referred to a urologist based on their age alone. Simply, go to your urologist if you have the following:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Urinary incontinence; overactive bladder
- Pain or blood during urination
- Interstitial cystitis
- Prostatitis
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney stones
- Male and female infertility
- Sexual dysfunction (male or female)
- Cancers throughout the urinary tract (kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers)
While urology concerns can be a sensitive subject, they are definitely important and need to be addressed as soon as possible. If you would like more information about urology or have any further questions or concerns, call Ironwood Urology at (480) 961-2323 to request an appointment with Dr. Desi Avila, or request an appointment online.
