Urology

Urologists are trained to treat disorders and conditions of the urinary tract in both men and women - nonetheless, these providers often concentrate their practice on providing care for men.

About Urology

Urologists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and complications relating to the urinary tracts of both sexes, as well as the male reproductive system. Diseases and conditions treated by urologists include those relating to the bladder, kidneys, prostate (males), urethra (males), ureters; specific conditions treated include kidney stones, urinary tract infections, prostate disorders, incontinence, urological cancers, male infertility (and sometimes female), Parkinson’s disease, and overactive bladder, among others.

Patients requiring a visit to a urologist vary in gender and age, as the field of urology encompasses a broad range of problems from urination trouble to male infertility problems. Urologists are trained to perform many diagnostic tests which aid in finding a correct diagnosis, which include ultrasounds, urinalyses, biopsies, cystoscopies, and X-rays. Urologists may also work closely with different specialists including oncologists, gynecologists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists and endocrinologists to successfully diagnose patients problems.

Once urologists come to a diagnosis, they have many surgical and non-surgical options to consider when treating patients. Many surgeries tend to be minimally invasive, using ground-breaking technology in robotics to aid in the surgical process. Every patient’s genitourinary tract is unique and each patient’s treatment plan may vary greatly giving urologists a close hands on approach with each patient.

Urology Education & Training

Urologists must complete a rigorous program of study before they may receive a license to practice within the specialty. The training to become a urologist begins with the completion of a bachelor’s degree before attending an accredited medical school. After graduating from an accredited medical school with an MD or DO degree, the physician must complete an internship and residency in urology.

Urology residency programs will expose the physician to the various facets of the specialty including reconstructive urology, female urology and urodynamics, male infertility and sexual dysfunction, pediatric urology, oncology and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Urology residents are trained through hands-on experience, supervision by experienced urologists, and observation of urological procedures. To subspecialize in an area of urology such as pediatric urology, male Infertility, or urological oncology, additional training is required in the form of a fellowship. Fellowships typically last at least two years, providing the physician with the requisite diagnostic and treatment skills. Many urologists seek board certification from the American Board of Urology; each state also requires urologists to become licensed in order to practice.