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Urologist

Urologist

An urologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Urologists are meant to be surgeons who have specialized in the aforesaid field. Urologists specialize in treating diseases related to the kidney, uterus, urinary bladder, male reproductive organs and urethra. Urologists have to complete medical school followed by one year internship and then followed by specialization of three years in the field of urology. They can further attain qualifications in sub-specialties such as pediatric urology, female urology, neurourology etc.

Tasks of an urologist

Urologists mainly focus on:

Prescribe medications for urinary infections. In women, urogynecologists treat problems related to the reproductive systems in women.

Perform surgeries for urinary infections.

Treat problems such as incontinence (holding back urine).

Give treatment for urinary stones.

Treat impotence in men and any other related problem with the reproductive organs of men such as infertility.

Conduct renal transplants (kidney transplantation).

Latest techniques employed in the field of urology

Modern technologies have seen the use of:

Ultrasound and various other diagnostic imaging techniques are used to detect stones in the bladder. They give clear picture of the bladder and its contents.

Cytoscope is used to study the bladder in detail thereby giving a clear picture of any disorder present.

Testicular Cancer

Though the causes for Testicular cancer are unknown, it is mostly noticed in young males between ages 15 and 34. Men who have had a history of late descended or undescended testicles are more prone to this form of cancer. Testicular cancer affects sperm-producing cells. Cancer of the testicles manifests as a hard lump or swelling in the testicle. Most often it does not cause any discomfort.

To diagnose testicular cancer, a Urologic consultation is the first step. He will need to peruse the medical history of the patient coupled with a physical examination. Ultrasound of the testicle and Special blood tests (e.g. alpha-fetoprotein, beta-sub-unit HCG) will need to be done to aid the diagnostic process. Surgical exploration in the form of Biopsy (removal) of the testicle may be necessary in some cases.

To determine the treatment of testicular cancer, the extent of spread of the disease must be evaluated. In cases of localized testicle cancer, there is all possibility of a cure. In cases where the disease has spread, surgical removal of the cancerous testicle is required. Radiation therapy and Chemotherapyare used in the treatment of testicular cancer. Combining surgery along with chemotherapy and radiation can go a long way in controlling and curing the disease.

Do not ignore any suspicious lump or mass in the testicles. Get it examined by a Urologist.

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is an emergency condition that is characterized by sudden and severe pain in the testicle. It is essential for testicular tortion to be diagnosed and treated promptly else it can lead to loss of testicle. If the testicle is left for more than 6 hours without adequate blood supply, it is likely to lose its ability to function. Typically testicular tortion is noticed in younger males, less than 30 years. This condition occurs due to a twist in the spermatic cord. This prevents blood supply to the testicle.

Sports activity without adequate athletic support, injury to the scrotum, sexual arousal or activity and sometimes exposure to cold weather are causes for testicular tortion. Testicular tortion is accompanied by severe pain in the affected testicle as well as swelling. There might be nausea or vomiting. Swelling of the scrotum is also seen. The urologist will examine the abdomen, groin, testicles and scrotum. A scrotal ultrasound may be done to check the blood flow. In most cases, surgery is the only treatment.