1. What is urology?
Urology is a surgical specialty that focuses on diseases affecting the urinary tract of males and females, and the male reproductive organs.
2. What training do urologists receive?
Following medical school, urologists must complete at least two years of general surgical training, followed by another four years of specialty training in urologic surgery.
3. What are some common conditions urologists treat?
Our doctor can manage virtually any urologic condition, including incontinence, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer and male infertility.
4. Can urologists treat children?
Absolutely! Pediatric urologists have the expertise to diagnose, treat and manage many urinary and genital problems affecting children, from simple to complex.
5. What types of treatments do pediatric urologists provide?
Pediatric urologists typically provide surgical treatment for urinary tract infections, genital abnormalities, and other conditions.
6. What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection is a common infection that affects the urinary system. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. While any part of the urinary system can become infected, most infections involve the lower urinary tract (the bladder and urethra). Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include
- Strong-smelling urine
- A strong, urgent need to urinate
- Urine appears cloudy
- Blood in the urine
- A burning feeling when urinating
- Passing small amounts of urine frequently
- Pelvic pain (women)
- Rectal pain (men)
7. How is a urinary infection treated?
Antibiotics are usually prescribed. What kind and for how long, depends on your condition and the type of bacteria causing the infection.
8. What is urodynamic testing?
Urodynamic testing is designed to evaluate the functioning of the bladder and its ability to empty itself steadily and completely. Urologists usually recommend a urodynamic evaluation if you have the following symptoms:
- painful urination
- incontinence
- urinate frequently
- unable to empty your bladder completely
- frequent urinary tract infections
- difficulty starting a urine stream
- a sudden, strong urge to urinate
Urodynamic testing can range from simple to complex. The type of test you need depends on the problems you are having.
9. How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is very common; affecting 1 in 6 men. African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer.
10. What is a prostate cancer screening?
Prostate cancer screening includes a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. During a DRE, a doctor exams the texture, size or shape of the prostate. If any abnormalities are present, further tests may be needed. For a PSA, a blood sample is analyzed for the presence of PSA, which is naturally produced by the prostate. A minimal amount of PSA in the bloodstream is normal, however, a large amount could indicate infection, inflammation, enlargement or cancer.
11. What is urinary incontinence? How is it treated?
Urinary incontinence is the inability to control urinating. There are seven types of incontinence, including stress, urge, overflow or functional. Treatment, which varies for each person, may include medications, lifestyle or behavioral modifications or surgery.
12. What are the subspecialties within urology?
The American Urological Association recognizes the following subspecialties within urology:
- Pediatric Urology
- Urologic Oncology (cancer)
- Renal Transplantation
- Male Infertility
- Calculi (urinary tract stones)
- Female Urology (urinary incontinence, pelvic outlet relaxation disorders)
- Neurourology (voiding disorders, urodynamic evaluation of patients and erectile dysfunction or impotence)