Urology is a particular area of medicine that only some understand and many wonder about. However, most of us will likely need the support of a Urologist at some point in our lives.
In this article, we’ll talk about Urology in simple terms, explaining what Urologists do and the many health issues they handle – including kidney stones, a common problem many of us face. By the end, you’ll understand why Urologists are so critical for our health and when to seek their help.
What Problems Does a Urologist Treat?
A Urologist is a doctor who focuses on problems with the urinary system and, for men, the reproductive system. This means they look after body parts like the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them.
Men and women experiencing pain or other symptoms in these areas of their body can get help from a Urologist, who investigates their problem through to diagnosis treatment.
What does a Urologist do for males?
Urologists help men with the following:
- Prostate Issues: The prostate is a small gland in men. Sometimes it becomes enlarged and causes urinary problems, or it may develop cancer cells.
- Erectile Dysfunction: When a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection, impacting their sex life.
- Infertility: When a couple can’t have a baby, sometimes this is due to issues with the man’s sperm.
What does a Urologist do for females?
Urologists help women with the following:
- Urinary Incontinence: When a female experiences issues with urinating – going too often, not enough or experiencing pain when passing urine.
- Bladder Prolapse: When the bladder drops into the vagina because of weak muscles.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): When the part of the body that passes urine becomes infected – which can be painful and requires treatment.
- Kidney Health: Urologists advise on keeping kidneys healthy and treating any problems.
In short, Urologists are important doctors who help us with many issues related to urinating, our kidneys, and, for men, reproductive health. If you experience problems in these areas, a Urologist is the best person to see.
What Does a Urologist Do for Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are extremely common – as many as 1 in 10 Australian men suffer from them. This makes them a much-discussed topic between patients and Urologists in Australian hospitals and private clinics.
Kidney stones occur when a buildup of minerals and other substances in the urine crystalises and forms hard lumps. As they move, they can cause lots of pain and sometimes a blockage in the urinary tract.
1. Finding the Stone (Diagnosis):
Urologists use specialist equipment to perform an ultrasound or CT scan and see what is happening inside our bodies. This helps them to locate the kidney stone (or stones) and confirm their size, providing critical information about the best treatment.
2. Getting Rid of the Stone (Treatment):
- Small Stones: If the stone is small, the Urologist might tell you to drink lots of water. This can help the stone move and pass as you urinate.
- Big Stones: If the stone is big or causing a lot of pain, the Urologist might use a special machine to break it into tiny pieces. One common method is ESWL, which uses shock waves to break up the stone.
3. Stopping Stones from Coming Back (Prevention):
After treating the stone, the Urologist will give advice to stop more stones from forming. This could include:
- Drinking more water every day.
- Changing what you eat – with some foods making stones more likely.
- Taking medicine to help stop stones.
Final Words
If you’ve ever wondered about the various problems a Urologist addresses, you’re not alone.
Urology covers a wide range of conditions that affect both men and women. This medical speciality delves into the complexities of the urinary system and, for men, the reproductive system. From common urinary tract infections to more severe conditions like bladder cancer, Urologists are the go-to experts.
While the world of Urology might seem vast and complex, skilled professionals are ready to assist with issues like kidney stones, prostate health, and urinary incontinence.
Gaining knowledge about these conditions and the treatments available can offer reassurance, a sense of direction, and a cure.
Katelaris Urology in Sydney helps patients to resolve their health issues, providing diagnosis and treatments for a range of conditions.
If you or someone you know is grappling with Urological concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert team Katelaris Urology and arrange a confidential chat with our team.
