Urologists treat any disease or condition that affects the urinary tract and the reproductive system. They also conduct preventive testing such as PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests and prescribe medications that can treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and fertility issues.
Men tend to see urologists just like women tend to see gynecologists, but both men and women can develop bladder problems, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections – which are best treated by an experienced urologist.
Conditions Urologists Treat
There are many reasons to visit a urologist, including:
- ED
- Blood in urine
- Testicular pain
- Abnormal prostate exam by your primary care physician (regular doctor)
- Elevated PSA levels
- Difficult or painful urination
- Urinary incontinence
- Infertility
Urologists also treat bladder cancer, kidney disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), enlarged prostate, and issues with reproductive organs.
Procedures Urologists Perform
Most primary care doctors can treat a person for a UTI, but they may refer patients to a urologist if symptoms do not improve or if the patient requires special treatment. Tests like a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound allow them to see the urinary tract.
If there are urinary issues, urologists can perform a cystogram, which is an X-ray of the bladder. The doctor may also conduct post-void residual urine testing to determine:
- How quickly urine leaves the body during urination
- Measurement of any remaining levels of urine in the body following urination
- Pressure and volume inside the bladder
For men who have decided that they no longer wish to father children, urologists are also the doctors who perform vasectomies. They also perform vasectomy reversals if a man had a vasectomy but later changes his mind about fathering children.
When to Visit a Urologist
Urologists are trained to perform diagnostic tests and surgery on the bladder, kidneys, prostate, and other parts of the body that are related to the urinary tract and male sexual organs. A primary care doctor may refer patients to a urologist for further evaluation and specialized treatment.
While urology is a medical specialty on its own, many urologists further specialize. Therefore, the urologist who treats a patient for kidney stones may refer a patient to a colleague to treat any urologic cancers or special fertility issues.
Urology in Phoenix, Arizona
There are many reasons to see a urologist, whether you are male or female. Urologists treat a large number of conditions, from kidney stones to sexual dysfunction to cancer, and they can play a crucial role in a patient’s overall health at all stages of life.
If you live in the Phoenix area and are looking for a qualified and highly skilled urologist, Dr. Desi Avila is ready to serve you. Dr. Avila specializes in treating men’s issues such as infertility, low-T, erectile dysfunction, penile implants, Peyronie’s disease, and prostate health.
Contact Ironwood Urology today by calling us at (480) 961-2323 or schedule an appointment online. We have offices conveniently located in Phoenix and Gilbert, and we look forward to seeing you at the location nearest you.
