The article in brief
Urology treats a variety of urinary and genital problems requiring specialist consultation. Here are the main reasons:
- Urinary disorders infections, difficulty in urinating, incontinence
- Urological cancers prostate, bladder, kidney, testicle
- Sexual dysfunctions male and fertility problems
- Urinary calculi and renal colic
- Congenital malformations of the urogenital system
As an experienced urologist, I am regularly faced with a wide variety of cases requiring specialist consultation. Urology, the branch of medicine that treats disorders of the urinary and genital systems, covers a wide range of health problems. In this publication, I will guide you through the most common situations that warrant a visit to the urologist.
Urinary disorders and common urological conditions
Urinary problems are one of the most frequent reasons for consulting a urologist. They can manifest themselves in a variety of ways and have a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Here are the main cases I see every day in my practice:
Urinary tract infections and difficulty urinating
Urinary tract infections are extremely common, especially in women. They are characterised by symptoms such as burning on urination, frequent urination and sometimes fever. When these infections become recurrent, a urological consultation is essential to determine the cause and implement appropriate treatment.
The difficulty in urinating are also a frequent reason for consultation. They may manifest themselves as a weak stream, frequent urination or a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. These symptoms can be linked to a variety of conditions, including :
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostatic adenoma)
- Urinary stones
- Neurological disorders affecting the urinary tract
Urinary incontinence and prolapse
Urinary incontinence is a problem that affects many people, particularly women after pregnancy or the menopause. It can manifest itself in the form of stress urinary leakage or urinary urgency. When to consult a female urologist: signs and recommendations is a question I often receive. It's vital to seek help as soon as the first symptoms appear so that you can benefit from early and effective treatment.
Prolapse, or organ descent, is another common condition in women. It can affect the bladder, uterus or rectum, causing a sensation of pelvic heaviness or urinary difficulties. A urological consultation enables the severity of the prolapse to be assessed and appropriate treatment, either conservative or surgical, to be proposed.
Urinary calculi and renal colic
Urinary calculi, or lithiasis, are a frequent cause of emergency consultations. They can cause intense pain, known as renal colic. These painful attacks require rapid treatment to relieve the pain and assess the size and location of the stone. Urological follow-up is then essential to prevent recurrence and treat residual stones.
Urological pathologies requiring specialist follow-up
In addition to urinary disorders, urology also deals with more complex pathologies that require regular monitoring and specialised expertise.
Urological cancers: screening and treatment
Urological cancers account for a large proportion of my work. Visit prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, followed by bladder, kidney and testicular cancer. Early detection plays a crucial role in the management of these diseases. That's why I strongly recommend regular check-ups, particularly for men over 50 or with risk factors.
Here is a summary table of the main urological cancers and their common symptoms:
| Type of cancer | Common symptoms |
|---|---|
| Prostate cancer | Urinary problems, pelvic pain |
| Bladder cancer | Blood in the urine, frequent urination |
| Kidney cancer | Lower back pain, blood in urine |
| Testicular cancer | Painless lump, feeling of heaviness |
Problems with male sexual function
Erectile dysfunction and other male sexual problems are frequent reasons for consulting a urologist. These difficulties can have various origins, ranging from psychological causes to vascular or hormonal problems. A urological assessment is used to determine the underlying cause and to suggest appropriate treatment, whether medical or surgical.
Male infertility is also an important area of urology. It can be linked to problems with sperm production or transport. A full urological work-up, including a spermogram and imaging tests, is essential to identify the cause and guide treatment.
Malformations and congenital anomalies
Malformations of the urinary and genital systems are common Why consult a urologist: when and why? particularly in children. These abnormalities may include:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin)
- Testicular ectopia (undescended testicle)
- Urinary tract malformations
Early management of these conditions is crucial to prevent long-term complications and ensure normal development of the urogenital system.
When should I schedule a urology consultation?
In the course of my career, I've noticed that many patients hesitate to consult a urologist, often because they're embarrassed or don't know what to expect. Yet early consultation can make all the difference in the management of many urological conditions.
I strongly recommend consulting a urologist in the following situations:
- Presence of blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Persistent urinary disorders
- Discovery of a testicular mass
Don't forget that urological consultations are not just for men. Many women also benefit from urological follow-up, particularly for problems of incontinence or recurrent urinary tract infections.
As a specialist, I'm here to listen to you, examine you and suggest the most appropriate solutions for your situation. Don't hesitate to consult me as soon as persistent urinary or genital symptoms appear. Early attention is often the key to effective treatment and a better quality of life.
Sources :
wiki urology
urology department
