A urologist is a doctor that specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of urinary tract-related disorders. These specialists deal with patients of all ages, from pediatrics to adults. Today, we’re going to take a look at the most common conditions that urologists regularly treat their patients for.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia [BPH]
Also referred to commonly as an enlarged prostate, this condition is characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. This condition makes it difficult for patients to fully empty their bladder and keep a solid stream during urination. Depending on the severity of the condition, an experienced urologist may recommend specific medications to treat the problem or they may need to perform surgery. The most typical procedures performed are UroLift and green light laser therapy. Both of these procedures are minimally invasive for the patient.
Bladder Cancer
Cancer that develops in the bladder is handled by a urologist. These specialists use a telescopic exam method, called a cystoscopy, to do a biopsy of the cancerous tissue. This helps them to determine what specific type of cancer is in the bladder so they can decide on the right course of treatment. In some cases, treatment can range from avid surveillance for growth to surgically removing the cancerous mass.
Erectile Issues
Urologists are responsible for treating issues such as erectile dysfunction, hypospadias and circumcisions. There are many causes for erectile dysfunction and discussing these issues with a urologist will help you both to discover what the underlying trouble is. When children are born with abnormalities in the penile region, a urologist will perform surgeries, such as in the case of hypospadias, to assist in correcting these deformities. Circumcisions are a widely popular procedure performed by urologists mainly after birth at the requests of the parents.
Incontinence
Urine leakage can range from slight to severe and in some cases can be completely involuntary. Patients dealing with any range of urine leakage are sent to a urologist for a comprehensive evaluation. The treatment for this condition highly depends on the severity of the issue. Both men and women tend to struggle with this malady and it can drastically decrease their quality of life if left untreated.
Kidney Stones
Kidneys stones can be a very painful condition for individuals. A urologist can help with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kidney stones. The size and quantity of the kidney stones will determine the course of treatment that the urologist prescribes for their patient. A common procedure urologist may opt to perform is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or ESWL, for short. This procedure uses soundwave vibrations to break apart the stone into smaller, more manageable, stones for easier passing through the urinary tract.
Dealing with issues of the urinary tract is not something that any individual wants to worry about. Unfortunately, ailments of the urinary system do happen, and urologists are the specialists that can help you in your time of need. If you are dealing with any of the issues above, you should be speaking with a licensed urologist to get the assistance you need.
