What is a Urologist?

What is a urologist doing to diagnose symptoms? The urologist is experienced in diagnosing the main symptoms of the urinary system such as, microscopic hematuria, gross hematuria, frequent urination, painful urination, urinary incontinence, back pain, abdominal pain and not being able to urinate are the most common symptoms involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, and urethra. It is the job of the urologist to pin down where and what the problem is. Each one if these symptoms can come from the different organs and different disorders from one organ can give the same symptom. That is why it can be dangerous to self-diagnose or to ignore symptoms.

What is a urologist doing to get a diagnosis, if a symptom can mean so many different things? Initially the urologist will look at your medical history, listen to you symptoms and complaints, and take some simple diagnostic tests such as a urine sample, urine flow, blood tests, or bladder ultrasound scan. This initial information may be enough to diagnose your problem and give you a solution. You may also have an x-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, cystoscopy, biopsy or urodynamic study to pin point your problem. These diagnostic tests will reveal the majority of urological disorders.

What can a urologist do about my symptoms? The first thing the urologist does is show you the results and explain them to you. You will discuss options that can be taken and your other doctors will be consulted to make sure your choice of treatment does not interfere with other medical problems that you may have. Once your treatment is completed you may have follow-up visits to take diagnostic tests to make sure the treatment works. Erectile dysfunction causes are diagnosed with a penile ultrasound and Doppler study to check on blood flow in the penis. The next page covers the urologist’s bladder surgeries.

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