Conditions

Conditions that affect both men and women

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs are a common urological condition that affects both men and women. It is caused by bacteria that infects the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, and kidneys.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are another urological condition that can affect both men and women. They are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract.

Incontinence

Incontinence is the inability to control urination, and it can affect both men and women. There are different types of incontinence, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and mixed incontinence.

Bladder infections

Bladder infections, also known as cystitis, are a type of UTI that specifically affects the bladder. They can cause pain and discomfort when urinating, as well as frequent urination.

Overactive bladder

Overactive bladder is a condition that affects both men and women and is characterized by a sudden and strong urge to urinate, even if the bladder is not full.

Interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that affects both men and women and is characterized by bladder pain and pressure, as well as urinary frequency and urgency.

Urethritis

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, and it can affect both men and women.

Urethral Stricture

A urethral stricture is scarring that leads to a narrowing of the tube that allows us to pass urine outside of the body, which can lead to medical problems in men and women.

Conditions that affect men

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, a small gland that produces semen. It can cause pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, as well as urinary symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty urinating.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, and the need to urinate frequently.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland. It can cause urinary symptoms similar to those of BPH, as well as other symptoms such as blood in the urine or semen and erectile dysfunction.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, the male reproductive organs that produce sperm. It can cause a lump or swelling in the testicle, as well as pain or discomfort in the scrotum.

Epididymitis

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and transports sperm. It can cause pain and swelling in the scrotum, as well as urinary symptoms such as painful urination.

Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a birth defect in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. It can cause urinary problems and may require surgery to correct.

Raised PSA

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a small protein secreted from the prostate into the blood. Low levels of PSA are normal but raised PSA could indicate prostate problems.

Recurrent UTIs

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are becoming an increasing problem, and can lead to debilitating urinary symptoms if left untreated.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (or impotence) in men is the ongoing inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is firm enough for sex.

Male Infertility

Male infertility refers to health issues in a man that cause the inability to achieve pregnancy with their fertile female partner.

Haematuria (blood in urine)

Blood in your pee can be alarming. It is usually a sign of urinary tract or kidney infection. But it can also be the first sign of cancer within the urinary tract so is something that should be checked out.

Tight Foreskin

When a foreskin is too tight to be pulled over the head of the penis, this can have an extremely negative effect on a man’s quality of life, and sex life.

Reasons you might see a urologist

You may make an appointment or get a referral to a urologist if you have:

Trouble urinating (peeing), including getting started or having a strong flow of urine, pain, cloudy urine or blood in the urine.
Changes in urination, like frequent urination or feeling like you always have to go.
Trouble getting or keeping an erection.
Infertility.
A feeling that something is falling down into your vagina or heaviness in that area.
Pelvic pain.
Urinating when you don’t want to, like at night or when you sneeze, laugh or exercise.

What does a urologist do?

A urologist has the ability to diagnose and treat a variety of issues. While some urologists may choose to practise without performing surgical procedures, all urologists receive training as surgeons.

There are subspecialties in urology, including:

- Pediatric urology.
- Urologic oncology.
- Kidney transplantation.
- Sexual medicine.
- Male infertility.
- Genitourinary reconstruction.
- Minimally invasive surgery (robotic, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery).

What you can expect during your visit to a urologist?

If you arrange an appointment with a urologist, or if your primary care provider refers you to one, it is crucial to be prepared to clarify the reason for your visit. It may be useful to bring along a list of questions or symptoms related to your health concern. Furthermore, you should be prepared to provide information about your medical history and any medications you are currently prescribed.

Your urologist will likely request diagnostic tests to precisely diagnose your condition and determine the optimal treatment.

Some of these tests may include:

Physical examination varies based on gender. Men may undergo a rectal exam, while women may require a pelvic exam.
Your doctor may request urine, blood, and semen samples for analysis and testing.
To ensure that you can provide a urine sample during your appointment, it may be advisable to drink some water beforehand.
Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans, may also be conducted.