What is a Urologist?
Urologists are specialized in treating diseases of the male and female urinary tract (kidneys, ureters), as well as disorders of the male reproductive organs.
Common Urological Disorders
Urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection (UTI), male infertility and erectile dysfunction are just some of the many conditions in the field of urology that urologists treat. Various types of subspecialties exist, this includes urologic oncology such as bladder or prostate cancer and renal transplantation (kidney failure). Some common signs and symptoms that require consultation with a urologist include:
- Kidney stones
- Overactive bladder
- Bloody urine (hematuria)
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Low back pain
- Difficulty urinating
Other signs and symptoms in men include:
- Any abnormality of the prostate (or following an abnormal prostate exam)
- Elevated PSA
- Lump in testicles
- Problems with fertility
- Erectile dysfunction
Common Urological Procedures
Patients undergo a thorough examination by a urologist, including a full medical history and various diagnostic procedures in order for a diagnosis to be determined and thus treated. Urologists also treat varicocele, enlarged veins of scrotum and hydrocele – a build-up of fluid that surrounds the testicles. Common procedures include:
Urologists fall under a surgical specialty, performing invasive and non-invasive surgeries, including treating cancer of the bladder, prostate, kidneys and organs that cover the urology scope. Some of the types of surgery include:
- Biopsy
- Prostate cancer treatment – prostatectomy
- Vasectomy (and reversals)
- Kidney transplantation
Urologists trained in urogynecology are also able to treat bladder prolapse, which is common in women. In summary, urology covers a wide scope of conditions and diseases; urologists in Israel are highly regarded and continuously updated in treating urological conditions effectively.
