What happens during a visit to the urologist: stages and procedure

Damien

What happens during a visit to the urologist: stages and procedure

The article in brief

A consultation with a urologist is essential for urinary and genital health, and involves a number of important stages.

  • Initial maintenance discussion of symptoms and history
  • Physical examination abdominal palpation and examination of the genitals
  • Additional examinations urine tests, ultrasound scans if necessary
  • Diagnosis and treatment explanation and treatment options
  • Follow-up Report and planning of next steps

Visiting a urologist can be a worrying experience, but it's essential if you want to maintain your urinary and genital health. As a specialist in urology, I'm going to explain in detail what happens during a urological examination. visit to the urologistto help you prepare as well as possible and allay any fears you may have.

What is a urologist and when should I see one?

A urologist is a doctor specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary and genital systems. We treat men, women and children. In the course of my career, I've noticed that many patients don't know when they need to see a urologist. Here are some common situations requiring a consultation:

  • Urinary problems (difficulty urinating, frequent infections)
  • Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Fertility problems or sexual dysfunction
  • Preventive monitoring (particularly for men over 50)

Please note that you do not need a prescription to consult a urologist. However, your GP can refer you to our speciality if he or she considers it necessary after an initial diagnosis.

Making an appointment

When you make an appointment, please explain briefly the reason for your consultation. This allows us to plan the time needed and to anticipate any additional tests that may be required. If you're wondering whether you should come with a full or empty bladder, please note that this depends on the reason for your appointment. If in doubt, ask when you book your appointment.

Preparing for the consultation

To make the most of your visit, I recommend that you prepare a few things:

  • A list of your symptoms and their evolution
  • Your medical and surgical history
  • A list of your current medicines
  • Results of previous examinations (analyses, X-rays, etc.)

This information will help us to make an accurate diagnosis and propose an appropriate treatment.

The consultation with the urologist

A visit to the urologist generally takes place in several stages. The average consultation lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, but this may vary depending on the complexity of your case.

Initial maintenance

The consultation begins with an in-depth discussion. I'll ask you questions about your medical history, your current symptoms and any urological problems you may have. Don't worry, I'm used to approaching these subjects with tact and professionalism. Your frankness is crucial to an accurate diagnosis.

During this interview, we will also discuss your lifestyle, eating habits and alcohol and tobacco consumption. These factors can have a significant impact on your urological health.

Physical examination

After the interview, I will carry out a physical examination. This may include :

  • Palpation of the abdomen
  • An examination of the external genitalia
  • A rectal examination to check a man's prostate gland

I want to reassure you that this examination, although sometimes a little uncomfortable, is generally not painful. As an experienced urologist, I ensure that it is carried out with the utmost respect and delicacy.

Examination Objective Approximate duration
Abdominal palpation Detect any masses or pain 2-3 minutes
Genital examination Check the appearance and health of the external organs 3-5 minutes
Rectal touch Assessing the size and consistency of the prostate gland 1-2 minutes

Additional examinations

Depending on the results of the interview and physical examination, I may prescribe further tests. These may include urinalysis, ultrasound or other specific tests. These examinations will enable us to refine the diagnosis and suggest the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

I remember a patient who came to me with urinary problems. Thanks to an ultrasound scan, we were able to quickly detect a small kidney stone, which meant that the patient could be treated quickly and effectively.

What happens during a visit to the urologist: stages and procedure

Diagnosis and treatment prospects

At the end of the consultation, I will explain my diagnosis and possible treatment options. These may range from simple monitoring to prescribing medication, or even surgery in some cases.

Don't hesitate to ask me any questions you may have. My role is to inform you clearly about your state of health and guide you in your therapeutic choices. Together, we will decide on the best approach for your situation.

Post-consultation follow-up

After the consultation, I'll give you a detailed report and, if necessary, prescriptions for further tests or treatments. We will also plan the next steps in your care, whether this involves regular follow-up or specific interventions.

Remember that urological health is an important aspect of your overall well-being. A preventive consultation is recommended for men aged 49-50 and over, even if there are no symptoms. Don't wait until you have problems to seek advice!

As a urologist with a passion for my work, I strive to make every consultation as informative and reassuring as possible. Your health is my priority, and I'm here to support you at every stage of your urological journey.

Sources :

wiki urology

urology department

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