Also known as genitourinary surgery, urology is a medical specialty concerned with the urinary tract system in both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system. Children and adults of all ages can be impacted by the various medical conditions that urologists diagnose and treat. But when you’re experiencing issues, how can you be sure that a urologist is the right type of doctor to see? Here’s a breakdown of the practice and the symptoms that warrant a visit to the Urology Department at Carthage Area Hospital.
What Is a Urologist?
Urologists specialize in identifying and diagnosing conditions of the urinary system in both men and women. They also treat issues of the male reproductive organs and system as a whole. If your symptoms relate to either of these areas, a visit to a urologist can help reveal what’s going on and provide relief. However, in many cases, you’ll need to see a primary care doctor first to assess your condition and get a referral. For more advanced issues that involve other parts of the body, your urologist may involve other specialists in your treatment.
While any urologist can treat general diseases of the urinary tract or male reproductive system, there are many concentrations within the field of urology for specialization. These include:
- Female urology
- Male infertility
- Neurourology
- Pediatric urology
- Urologic oncology
The type of urology specialist you’ll see will be based on your unique symptoms and needs as a patient. Your referring physician will help determine which subspecialist, if any, is needed for your treatment.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Problems
While some symptoms are obvious, others cannot be detected unless you are tested. That’s why it’s even more important to see a urologist early if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Incontinence
- Blood in your urine
- Severe constipation
- Pain in your sides, pelvis or lower back
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Urgent need to urinate on a frequent basis
- Urine leakage, especially when sneezing, laughing or coughing
- Issues during urination, such as weak urine flow, pain, burning or trouble releasing urine
These symptoms are not to be ignored. While they may indicate minor problems, like UTIs, you may also be on the verge of something more serious. Some of the conditions these symptoms point to include kidney stones and diseases, overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) and cancers of the kidneys, adrenal glands and bladder.
Signs of Male Reproductive Issues
In addition to the symptoms of urinary tract problems, men have another list of red flags they must watch out for when it comes to urologic conditions within their reproductive system. These signs could lead to the diagnosis of both easily treatable conditions and major diseases. These symptoms include:
- Bed wetting
- Constant pain
- Fertility concerns
- Low sexual desire
- Testicular lump or mass
- Abnormal prostate exam
- Undescended testicles in children
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
- Changes in your prostate-specific antigen
If you notice any of these signs, see your urologist right away. The root cause could relate to prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), prostate cancer and more.
Urology Care at Carthage Area Hospital
As with any segment of medicine, early detection is key when it comes to the treatment of urological conditions. When the need for you or a loved one to see a urologist arises, come to Carthage Area Hospital. We offer a wide range of treatment options for even the most advanced diseases, including medications, behavioral therapy and surgery. For more information, contact the Urology Department by calling 315-519-5990. We offer appointments Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 3 Bridge St in Carthage, NY.