While not often discussed, urology is a very important branch of medicine, dealing with health problems concerning the male and female urinary systems as well as the male reproductive system. As you may already know, the urinary tract is a pathway in the body that stores and gets rid of urine and extra water, and it includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Additionally, the male reproductive system is closely tied to the male urinary tract and system. A doctor specializing in these systems is called a urologist, and while it can be a bit taboo or uncomfortable to think about going for your first urology visit, it’s not a big deal at all and is an important factor in your overall health. Today, we’ll discuss some of the key things you should know before your first visit.
What is a Urologist?
A urologist is a physician specializing in the above mentioned urinary tract and male reproductive systems. In many cases, one will visit a urologist after meeting with a primary care physician who will refer you to a specialist, but sometimes, patients will come straight to the urologist.
Urology is a specialization that you may not have thought about much before, as the types of issues they help to remedy are in areas that you don’t really think about – until something’s wrong. A urologist can help.
Primary Conditions Treated
For men and women, there are many conditions and ailments that a urologist may treat. They can help with bladder problems, which can sometimes be mysterious and incredibly inconvenient. They can also deal with issues relating to the kidney, such as blockage or the dreaded kidney stones.
While there are other specialists that women will go see for their reproductive organs, male patients need not leave the urology office. Urologists help with erectile dysfunction or ED, as well as enlarge prostate glands, which can lead to discomfort and complications if not treated.
Your First Trip
Due to the private nature of many ailments related to urology, you might be nervous about your first urology visit. No one wants to be uncomfortable, and the last thing your urologist wants is to make you feel that way. That being said, it’s nice to know what to expect for your first trip to the urologist.
Your first visit will begin like most other appointments with physicians and doctors, as you’ll need to fill out the proper paperwork detailing your condition. After that, your physician will perform an exam on the areas in question. This will concentrate on the urinary and reproductive system(s) and evaluate other systems as well.
Once your urologist is done with the exam, they will discuss the next steps, which can include treatment and/or further testing, depending on your needs as a patient. Any new type of medical exam can be intimidating, but your urologist is a professional and will make sure you are taken care of.
Stay Hydrated
This note bears repeating: it’s extremely helpful for both you and your urologist that you remember to stay hydrated leading up to your appointment. In many cases, during your first visit you’ll be expected to provide a urine sample, as it’s difficult for a urologist to give you a proper diagnosis without one. So make sure to drink plenty of water before you arrive, and don’t use the restroom until you’re there!
Why Visit?
There are many reasons to visit a urologist, but unlike a common cold or stomach bug, it’s difficult to identify them for yourself. Plenty of symptoms of conditions are treated by urologists – like the feeling that you have to go to the bathroom all the time, or pain in your pelvis or bladder – sometimes they seem like they’re not something you need to visit a doctor for.
However, if you are feeling extreme or long-term discomfort, it’s time to visit your urologist. While it might seem inconvenient, it’s never a bad idea to make sure everything is in good shape. If you’re in need of urology care, contact us today. We are happy to schedule an appointment to discuss any needs you might have.
Visit our website https://www.normanurology.com/ or call us today at 405.360.9966.