The article in brief
Urology is a complex medical speciality dealing with the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Here are the key points:
- Diagnosis and treatment urinary pathologies and urological cancers
- Urological surgery for various interventions
- Patient care men and women
- Key role in the prevention and screening
- Long, specialised training to become urologist
s a urologist, I'm often asked the question: "What does a urologist do? Let me explain in detail the roles and responsibilities of our medical speciality. Urology is an exciting branch of medicine that deals with problems related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Our field of expertise is vast, encompassing a wide range of pathologies, from simple urinary disorders to the most complex cancers.
The role of the urologist: much more than just a bladder doctor
As a specialist, I treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Our field of action extends far beyond the bladder, contrary to what many people think. Here's an overview of the main responsibilities of a urologist :
Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract diseases
An important part of my work involves diagnosing and treating disorders of the urinary tract. This includes urinary tract infections, kidney stones, incontinence and micturition disorders. To make an accurate diagnosis, I ask patients about their symptoms, carry out a clinical examination and, if necessary, prescribe additional tests such as urinalysis or imaging.
Management of urological cancers
Approximately 40% of my activity is devoted to urological cancers. I specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancers of the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles. This part of my work is particularly rewarding, as it enables me to support patients throughout their care, from early detection to remission.
Urological surgery
I am also a surgeon. I perform a range of surgical procedures, from organ removal to the correction of malformations and endoscopies. These procedures require great precision and cutting-edge technical expertise. I remember a particularly delicate operation on a patient with bladder cancer, where every gesture counted to preserve his future quality of life.
When and why consult a urologist?
It is vital to know when it is necessary to consult a urologist. Here are some common situations that require our expertise:
- Persistent urinary burning or discomfort
- Urinary leakage (incontinence)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Male infertility problems
- Pain in the kidneys, bladder or genitals
In general, consultations are carried out on the basis of a prescription from your GP. However, don't hesitate to consult directly if you have any concerns about your urological health.
The first consultation: what to expect
During your first visit, I will take the time to listen to you carefully and answer all your questions. We recommend that you bring your previous examinations and results with you to help with the diagnosis. Don't worry, the consultation will take place in a confidential and caring environment.
Women and urology
Contrary to popular belief, urology is not just for men. As aurologistI also treat many female patients for problems such as recurrent urinary tract infections, incontinence and prolapse. Women's urology is a fast-growing field that deserves special attention.
The urologist: a key player in prevention and screening
As well as treating pathologies, our role also extends to prevention and screening for urological diseases. I am particularly involved in raising awareness of prostate cancer, encouraging my patients to have regular check-ups from the age of 50 (or earlier if there is a family history).
Training and specialisation in urology
It takes a long time to become a urologist. After studying medicine for six years, we spend five years as surgical interns, followed by three years specialising in urology. Some of us choose to specialise further, for example in andrology (study of the male genital tract) or neuro-urology.
Urology in figures
To give you an idea of the importance of our speciality, here are a few key figures:
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of urologists in France | Approximately 1200 |
| Proportion of female urologists | 6% |
| Average price of a consultation | Between €25 and €60 depending on the sector |
In short, the role of the urologist is vast and crucial to the health of men and women. From prevention and surgery to the diagnosis and treatment of complex pathologies, our speciality is constantly evolving. Don't hesitate to consult us if you have any concerns about your urological health. Your well-being is our priority.
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