While you might not think about it often, your urinary tract is a critical aspect of your overall health and wellness. A urologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of your urinary tract. Some patients assume that a urologist specializes in the treatment of men only, but this isn’t true. In fact, a urologist will treat men, women, and children because they all may develop issues that can impact their urinary health.
Your urinary tract will consist of four primary areas: your bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. You will see a urologist when you have symptoms that are caused by or affect any of these areas. For many people, symptoms could include anything from pain when urinating to urinating too often or not often enough.
Once you reach a certain age, you may be encouraged to see a urologist regularly for routine care and screening. The urology team at Yankton Medical Clinic Norfolk can help you maintain and improve the health of your urinary tract and diminish uncomfortable symptoms.
When Should You See a Urologist?
In general, most patients will see a urologist when they have trouble urinating or with their urinary tract. But you may also see a urologist when you develop issues with your adrenal glands or your reproductive system. That’s because your adrenal glands are located quite close to your kidneys. Additionally, your reproductive system and urinary systems are closely linked.
Some common symptoms that are often treated by a urologist include the following:
- Urinary incontinence: If you have a hard time controlling when you urinate, there may be something wrong with your urinary tract. In these cases, a urologist can help provide treatment.
- Issues with your prostate: For men, prostate issues can develop due to age. An enlarged prostate, for example, can interfere with your ability to urinate. Treatment may include medication or surgery.
- Pain when you urinate: In general, pain when you urinate is not normal, and it’s a sign that something is wrong. Consistent or severe pain should be brought to the attention of your urologist.
- Erectile dysfunction: This often occurs due to more general health issues (such as high blood pressure), but your urologist may be able to provide effective solutions for some forms of erectile dysfunction.
- Blood in your urine: In general, urine should not be bloody. Noticing blood when you urinate is something you should talk to your urologist about.
The general rule of thumb is that if you have pain or discomfort when you urinate–or you urinate too often (or not often enough), you should make an appointment with your urologist.
What Conditions Does a Urologist Treat?
Your urologist will be able to assist with a wide variety of urinary-tract related conditions. Among the most common include the following:
- Enlarged Prostate: Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate can make urination uncomfortable. Urologists at Yankton Medical Clinic can help alleviate discomfort by removing excess prostate tissue or with new procedures that help move the prostate out of the way.
- Kidney stones: In some cases, kidney stones can pass on their own. In other cases, they may create significant obstructions–or at the very least cause significant pain and discomfort. Your urologist will be able to help treat your kidney stones and manage your discomfort.
- Urinary tract infections: If you experience frequent UTIs, it may be important to see your urologist. Medications can sometimes help treat UTIs when they occur.
- Cancers of the bladder and urinary tract: Your urologist can help screen for, identify, and treat various cancers of the bladder and urinary tract.
This list is not exhaustive. There are other issues that your urologist will be able to help you with. Additionally, for men over 40, annual screenings with a urologist are highly recommended.
Yankton Medical Clinic in Norfolk NE offers urology services for patients who are in need of care to address health concerns regarding their urinary tracts. Our urology specialists diagnose and treat conditions of the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureter as well as male reproductive organs. If you or a loved one are in need of urologic care, contact Yankton Medical Clinic in Norfolk.
For Urology appointments: 402-844-8110
If you have questions about your urology and urinary health, talk to a urologist today!
