A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary system in men, women, and children, as well as diseases that affect the male reproductive system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, while the male reproductive system includes the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate. Urologists treat a wide variety of conditions that affect the urinary system and male reproductive system, including but not limited to:
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Inability to control urination (urinary incontinence)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Conditions of the male reproductive system, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlarged prostate)
- Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder)
- Bladder problems
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bladder and kidney cancer
- Kidney blockage
- Kidney stones
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bedwetting and abnormalities in childrens urinary tracts
- Sexual health and erectile dysfunction
Urologists are trained as surgeons, and they can perform a range of procedures, including removing cancer or opening up a blockage in the urinary tract. Some urologists may also practice without doing surgery. Urologists must pass an exam and earn board certification from the American Board of Urology. There are also subspecialties in urology, including pediatric urology, urologic oncology, kidney transplantation, sexual medicine, male infertility, genitourinary reconstruction, and minimally invasive surgery.
