Do you know who to turn to if you experience persistent burning while urinating, or if that dull back pain becomes a kidney stone? You may be thinking of a doctor, a nephrologist, or perhaps you’d try some home remedies first — but the true specialist for these maladies is the urologist.
But what exactly is a urologist? Many people assume that urologists are “just” for men’s issues or don’t treat anything other than urinary infections. The truth is far bigger.
From taking care of kidney stones to maintaining bladder health, from addressing male infertility to providing the most innovative surgical treatments – a urologist is the expert for your entire system.
Let’s simplify this. In this post, you’ll discover what a urologist is, what they treat, and how they work to solve life-changing issues involving the kidneys and urinary system. And if you’ve been putting off that doctor visit, well, this could be your sign to schedule that appointment.
Who is a Urologist?
A urologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. This includes:
- Kidneys
- Ureters (tubes that go from the kidneys to the bladder)
- Bladder
- Urethra (the tube that carries urine outside the body)
- Male sex organs (testicles, prostate, penis)
Though some doctors work exclusively with the kidneys (namely nephrologists), urologists are the authority on all things related to these organs, issuing both medical and surgical treatments.
Urological Conditions Urologists Commonly Treat
Here is a look at the variety of problems treated by urologists.
1. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are one of the most frequent reasons patients go see a urologist. These agonizing stones develop when minerals and salts crystallize and accumulate in the kidneys.
Treatment may include:
Stone passage medications
The breaking the stones (e.g, shockwave therapy (ESWL)
RIRS (retrogade intra-renal surgery) or PCNL for big stones.
2. UTIs
Such infections are not limited to women; both women and men can get UTIs, and recurrent infections often require the expertise of a urologist. Chronic or severe UTIs could indicate underlying issues such as bladder dysfunction or kidney issues.
3. Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Men (those who are 50+) often suffers from frequent urination due to BPH. Both medical and minimally invasive surgical options for prostate enlargement can be provided by Urologists.
4. Bladder Problems
Overactive bladder, urinary incontinence (urine leakage), or bladder stones are conditions that many urologists treat with medications, treatments, or surgery.
5. Kidney and Bladder Cancer
Urinary tract cancers are frequently diagnosed early-on by a urologist. They are responsible for everything from biopsies to complex surgical treatments — and sometimes even the care plan in coordination with oncologists.
6. Male Infertility & Sexual Health
Urologists also have a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, erectile dysfunction and other sexual health issues.
7. Urinary Blockage or Structural-Related Issues
If anything is obstructing or disrupting the normal flow of urine from the urinary system, mobility exercises would be performed there and it should be evaluated and often surgically corrected by a urologist.
When to See a Urologist
If you’re not sure whether you should see a urologist, here are a few signals:
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow
- Recurrent UTIs
- Lower back or side pain that does not go away (possible kidney stones)
- Painful or burning sensation while passing urine
- Swelling in the testicles or pain when someone with testicles has sex (for men)
- Unexplained urinary leakage
- Sexual health issues (for men)
Discounting these symptoms may result in more serious issues, especially with a condition such as kidney stones or prostate problems.
How Does a Urologist Test for Kidney and Urinary Issues?
These are some of the advanced diagnosis the urologists have to find out the actual cause of your symptoms:
- Tests of your urine to check for infections or blood
- Ultrasound or CT scans to see if there are any kidney stones, tumors, or abnormalities
- Uroflowmetry, to test how quickly you expel urine from your bladder
- Cystoscopy to look inside the bladder with a narrow camera
- Blood tests to assess kidney function
Advanced Treatments Offered by Urologists
Gone are the days when treating kidney stones or urinary issues meant long hospital stays. Today’s urologists, especially those trained in advanced surgeries, use minimally invasive methods to ensure quicker recovery and better results.
The most recent treatments:
- RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery):
A flexible scope is inserted into the urinary tract to shatter stones with a laser — no cuts, no stitches, quicker recovery.
- PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy):
For extremely large kidney stones. Laparoscopic surgery entails a small incision in your back where stones are extracted from the kidney itself.
- TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate):
Prostatectomy Most common surgery to treat urinary concerns from an enlarged prostate.
- Laser Surgery:
For stone removal, prostate issues and some cancers.
So why does it matter who I choose as my urologist?
While most doctors are able to treat infections or write prescriptions, a qualified urologist offers advanced surgical skills and custom-tailored treatment.
Selecting the Best Urologist Means:
- Prompt detection of serious problems
- The best and newest treatments
- Your recovery will be faster, safer and less painful
- Personalized — for your body’s needs
Conclusion: Trust The Expertise of a Kidney Specialist
If you’re suffering from kidney stones, bladder issues or even if you’ve been postponing seeing a specialist—it’s time to take that next step.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is one of the best urologist in Gurgaon at CureStone and Specialized for kidney stone and advanced RIRS procedures. Renowned for executing few of the fastest RIRS surgeries in Gurgaon, Dr. Deepanshu locks perfectly the trio of skill, precision and patient-friendly care that bring you back to life -stone free and stress free!
Don’t ignore your symptoms. Don’t rely on random advice. Choose expertise. Choose comfort. Trust Dr. Deepanshu Gupta at CureStone.