home Thyroid Routine urological examinations of boys, at what age and why they are needed. Urology

Routine urological examinations of boys, at what age and why they are needed. Urology

When children get sick, this is always another reason for parents to worry. However, it is much easier to treat your baby if you know which doctor you need to contact in a particular situation. For example, it is clear that if you have a sore throat or runny nose, you need to contact an ENT doctor and pediatrician, and if you have problems with your eyes, you should contact an ophthalmologist. But illness genitourinary system, unfortunately, are also common in young children. And today we will talk about in what cases a pediatric urologist is needed.

Urology is a branch of clinical medicine that studies the male genitourinary system. Of course, first of all, a pediatric urologist is a doctor for boys, but also for girls, especially during active growth– need consultation with a urologist.

A pediatric urologist deals with a fairly wide range of problems - from psychological and physiological to genetic.

In other words, a pediatric urologist predicts the likelihood of developing pathologies that affect erection, spermatogenesis and the urinary system.

A pediatric urologist is necessary for both newborns and children under 18 years of age.

You should contact a pediatric urologist if you find the following problems in your child:

The appearance of bloody, purulent or mucous discharge from the genitals;

Problems with urination (painful, difficult, frequent, urinary incontinence or any other discomfort associated with urination);

Swelling, tenderness and redness in the genital area (scrotum, penis, groin area, labia);

Previous trauma to the genital organs;

Undescended testicles into the scrotum in newborns and other anomalies of the genital organs;

Past infectious diseases (mumps);

Inability to expose the head of the penis (phimosis);

Pain associated with the kidneys and bladder(pain when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen or lower back).

But remember - when something hurts, this is a signal that the disease is already in the acute stage. Therefore even if visible reasons There is no need to contact a pediatric urologist - you should show the baby to a specialist. It often happens that diseases of the genitourinary system, which are present in a child from a very early age, manifest themselves already in teenage years– when it is already more difficult to cure them. To prevent this development of the situation, immediately after birth it is necessary to show the child to a pediatric urologist. Pediatric urologist needed newborn for the prevention of diseases of the genitourinary system and early detection possible developmental anomalies. The sooner certain diseases are identified, the easier it will be to get rid of them.

The most common diseases requiring consultation with a pediatric urologist

One of the very first urological problems diagnosed in newborns may be undescended testicles into the scrotum (cryptorchidism). If cryptorchidism is not addressed in time, it can lead to male infertility. The testicles may descend into the scrotum during the first year of life. And it is better if this happens under supervision pediatric urologist. If by the age of one year one testicle has still not descended, the active intervention of a pediatric urologist in this process is necessary. This usually occurs through surgery.

The second common problem in boys is early age is phimosis - narrowing of the opening of the foreskin and the inability to expose the head of the penis. In boys under 3 years of age this is physiological state, so do not worry if phimosis does not go away at one or two years of age. Typically, as the head of the penis grows, the foreskin moves back. By the age of one, phimosis resolves in 50% of boys, and by the age of three – in 90%. However, if the baby is very worried about the narrowing of the foreskin opening, or phimosis occurs even in the fourth year of life, a pediatric urologist is needed. Sometimes, with long-term persistent phimosis, an operation to circumcise the foreskin is performed.

Girls and boys often have inflammatory diseases, for which a pediatric urologist is needed. First of all, these are cystitis and pyelonephritis. Cystitis is an inflammatory disease of the bladder. The causes of cystitis can be infections, hypothermia or decreased immunity due to psychological stress or allergies. A timely visit to a pediatric urologist will help cure cystitis and reduce the risk of relapse.

Pyelonephritis – infectious inflammation kidneys, accompanied by fever, lower back pain, and urinary disorders. If you do not contact a pediatric urologist in time, untreated pyelonephritis can lead to the development renal failure. In addition, pyelonephritis is often a consequence of other kidney diseases, the presence of which can only be determined by a doctor - and in this case pediatric urologist needed.

Due to their age, young children do not take good care of their hygiene, so they are most susceptible to various kinds infections – including infections of the genitourinary system. The situation is complicated by the fact that if an infection is present, there may be no symptoms at all - with the exception of slight soreness when urinating. But it is worth remembering that any infection of the genital organs and urinary tract develops according to upward path and can affect the kidneys. In this regard, if the slightest discomfort appears in the genital area - and even more so if discharge and pain appear - you need to contact a pediatric urologist.

Urinary incontinence in young children - common occurrence. But for some, urinary incontinence accompanies them right up to school time. There are three reasons for this: illness, congenital anomaly or psychological trauma (stress). If periodic urinary incontinence is observed in children under 5 years of age, this can be considered normal. But at the age of 5 years and older, urinary incontinence is a direct signal that the child needs a pediatric urologist. Treatment for this problem requires integrated approach– and it’s better to start it as early as possible.

Remember: genitourinary problems can be difficult to recognize, but if they are accepted running form– it will be much more difficult to cope with them. In this regard, do not neglect consultations with a pediatric urologist, even in cases where the problem seems insignificant to you.

Thank you

Make an appointment with a urologist

Who is a urologist?

Urologist is a doctor who diagnoses, treats and prevents diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as other related organs.

The areas of activity of a urologist include:

Diseases urinary system in men and women. This group of pathologies includes dysfunction of the kidneys, ureters ( which carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder and urethra ( urethra).
Disorders of the reproductive system in men. This group includes diseases of the testicles and their appendages, prostate, and penis.
Diseases of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are special glands that secrete various hormones. These hormones regulate the activity of many systems in the body ( including the reproductive system).

It is worth noting that urology is a surgical specialty. A urologist works primarily in a special urology department of a hospital. At the same time, many clinics have a urologist’s office, where the doctor consults patients on various issues, conducts a clinical examination and, if necessary, prescribes additional tests or instrumental studies. If a pathology requiring surgical treatment is detected, the doctor may recommend hospitalization to the patient.

Interesting Facts

The first “urologists” appeared in the 5th century BC. Then they were called “stone cutters” because they knew how to remove stones from the bladder surgically. It is worth noting that in those days the concepts of medicine were very scarce, so operations were carried out without anesthesia and in unsanitary conditions. More than half of the patients died.
The first specialized urology department was opened in Paris in 1830.
International Urologist Day is celebrated on October 2.

Today, urology as a specialty has become very developed, and therefore smaller varieties have appeared in it related to the treatment of certain pathological conditions.

Pediatric urologist

The need to identify pediatric urology as a separate specialty is due to the fact that the anatomy and physiology of the pediatric genitourinary system differs from those of an adult. A pediatric urologist deals with diagnosis and treatment birth defects development of the bladder, urinary tract or external genitalia ( in boys). This doctor can also perform various urological surgeries on children.

Urologist-sexologist ( sex therapist)

This is a doctor who studies sexual sexual) human behavior, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies in this area. Sexology is inextricably linked with urology, which is due to the anatomical and functional connection between sexual desire and the organs of the reproductive system ( in men). At the same time, it is worth noting that in order to become a sexologist, a urologist must undergo additional training.

Urologist-oncologist

Doctors in this specialty study, diagnose and treat tumor diseases genitourinary system. The need to separate oncourology into a separate specialty is due to the fact that the removal of benign and ( especially) malignant tumors requires from the surgeon certain theoretical knowledge and practical skills that ordinary urologists do not possess.

A urologist-oncologist treats:

tumors ( cancer) kidneys;
prostate cancer;
testicular tumors;
tumors of the penis and so on.

What is the difference between a urologist and a reproductive specialist?

A reproductive specialist is a doctor who deals with issues of infertility in men and infertility in women. Reproductology is a rather narrow specialty that can be mastered by both urologists and doctors of other professions ( for example, gynecologists). Unlike a reproductive specialist, a urologist focuses his attention not only on the issue of infertility, but also on other problems of the patient’s genitourinary system.

What does a urologist-andrologist treat?

A urologist-andrologist specializes in studying issues related to the male reproductive system and also treats diseases or malformations of the male genital organs.

The areas of activity of an andrologist include:

Problems male infertility – they can be caused by the anatomical features of the genital organs or a violation of the hormonal activity of the testicles ( male gonads).
Questions male contraception – methods to prevent pregnancy in a sexual partner.
Issues of reducing sexual activity in men– including in old and senile age.

What does a urologist surgeon do?

As stated earlier, urology is primarily a surgical specialty. A urologist-surgeon works in a special urological department of a hospital, where he treats patients with various diseases requiring surgical ( operational) interventions.

The responsibilities of a urologist surgeon include:

patient examination;
appointment of additional laboratory and instrumental studies;
identification of indications for surgery;
preparing the patient for surgery;
performing surgical treatment;
postoperative management of the patient ( prevention possible complications, identification side effects, prescribing medication after surgery, and so on).

What is the difference between a urologist and a gynecologist?

As mentioned earlier, a urologist deals with the treatment of the reproductive system in men. A gynecologist is engaged in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the female reproductive system and reproductive system. If during the examination the gynecologist reveals that a woman has any problems with the urinary system ( diseases of the kidneys, bladder, etc.), he should refer the patient for a consultation with a urologist.

What is the difference between a urologist and a nephrologist?

A nephrologist is a doctor who studies the functions, as well as diagnoses, treats and prevents kidney diseases. On the one hand, nephrology is closely related to urology. At the same time, nephrology considers kidney damage as a consequence of diseases of other organs and systems, and also evaluates the impact of the affected organ on the entire body as a whole.

Impaired kidney function can be a consequence of diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, urinary and many other body systems. A nephrologist examines all of the above systems, assesses their effect on kidney function, identifies existing disorders and prescribes appropriate treatment. The urologist concentrates his attention only on those issues that are associated with impaired urinary function of the kidneys.

What is the difference between a urologist and a venereologist?

Venereology is a field of medicine that studies sexually transmitted infectious diseases.

The urologist's competence includes treatment of:

prostate adenomas;
genitourinary system infections;
testicular diseases;

bladder diseases;
kidney diseases;
erectile dysfunction;
male infertility.

Prostatitis

Prostate ( prostate) is an organ of the male reproductive system that is located below the bladder and surrounds upper section urinary canal ( which passes through the gland). IN normal conditions prostate produces special substance required for normal functioning sperm ( male reproductive cells). Its other function is to block the outlet of the bladder during erection ( by increasing the volume and squeezing the urinary canal), which is necessary to protect sperm from accidental exposure to acidic urine.

With the development of prostatitis ( prostate inflammation) it can increase in size, as a result of which it will also compress the urethra, disrupting the process of urine excretion. Prostatitis is treated by a urologist who prescribes anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs ( in the event that the cause of the disease is an infection). Surgical treatment for uncomplicated prostatitis is not required.

BPH

Prostate adenoma is benign tumor, characterized by the proliferation of cells of a given organ. At the same time, gradual compression of the urethra also occurs, which over time leads to disruption of the urination process.

This disease develops mainly after 45 years of age, which is associated with disruption of hormonal activity in male body. On initial stages development of the disease, the urologist can prescribe drug treatment (antiandrogen drugs are used to reduce the effect of male sex hormones on prostate growth). In advanced cases, when the overgrown prostate tissue almost completely blocks the urinary canal, surgical removal of the organ is resorted to.

Infections

A urologist treats bacterial infections of the external genitalia or urinary tract. When such diseases are detected, drug treatment is prescribed ( various antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and other drugs are used), and if they are ineffective, it can be produced surgery, if possible.

A urologist can treat:

Infectious cystitis– inflammation of the bladder caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
Balanita– inflammation of the glans penis.
Balanoposthitis– inflammation of the skin of the glans, as well as the foreskin in the penis area.
Urethritis– inflammation of the urethra ( the urethra, which releases urine from the bladder).
Urethritis– inflammation of the ureters.

It is worth noting that, if necessary, the urologist can call for a consultation with an infectious disease specialist - a doctor specializing in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Testicular diseases

The testicles are organs of the male reproductive system in which male reproductive cells are formed ( spermatozoa) and male sex hormone ( testosterone). The development of various pathological processes in the testicles can reduce a man's libido or even lead to male infertility. That is why, if pain or other strange sensations appear in the scrotum area, a man should consult a urologist as soon as possible. The doctor will be able to conduct a full diagnosis, identify possible violations and start treatment in a timely manner ( medical or surgical).

A urologist diagnoses and treats:

Bladder diseases

The bladder is a kind of reservoir in which urine accumulates, constantly flowing from the kidneys through the ureters. Bladder diseases can significantly disrupt the functioning of the human genitourinary system.

A urologist treats:

Cystitis. Inflammation of the lining of the bladder, most often caused by infection. Treatment is medicinal ( antibiotics are used).
Congenital developmental anomalies. There may be a disturbance in the shape, size or structure of the bladder. If these disorders do not in any way affect the child’s quality of life, no treatment is required. At the same time, if the urination process is impaired, surgical correction of the defect may be required.
Bladder diverticulum. A diverticulum is a pathological protrusion of the bladder wall. This “protrusion” can retain urine, which contributes to the formation of stones and the development of infection. Treatment is surgical ( removal of the diverticulum and suturing of the bladder wall).
Bladder neck stenosis. At the neck of the bladder is the opening of the urethra, through which urine is released. Presence of stenosis ( pathological narrowing) in this area can disrupt the process of urination and cause the development of infectious and other complications. In the initial stages of the disease it is possible conservative treatment, while in advanced cases surgery is indicated.
Tumors. If a tumor is detected in the wall of the bladder therapeutic tactics determined by a urologist-oncologist ( chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical treatment ).

Urolithiasis disease

With this pathology, the formation of hard, dense stones is observed in various parts of the urinary system ( in the kidneys, ureters, bladder). On initial stage development, stones do not in any way affect the processes of urine formation and urination, and therefore people do not even suspect their presence for a long time. As the disease progresses, the stones increase in size and can block various parts of the urinary tract, which is usually accompanied by the development of renal colic ( severe pain syndrome).

When treating urolithiasis, a urologist may use non-surgical ( crushing stones using ultrasound) or surgical methods (removal of stones during surgery). Also of particular importance are diet therapy and other methods of treatment and prevention of stone formation, which the urologist will tell the patient in detail about.

Urinary incontinence ( enuresis)

This disease is characterized by involuntary urination, which occurs mainly at night. More often ( in more than 95% of cases) enuresis occurs in children, which is associated with the imperfection of their central nervous system. Neuroses can contribute to the development of pathology, nervous overstrain and other stress factors.

Since this disease is more related to the child’s nervous system, it is treated by neurologists and neuropathologists. If urinary incontinence is caused by anatomical defects of the urinary system ( what can be observed with congenital anomalies of the bladder), the disease is treated by a urologist.

Kidney diseases

The kidney is the main organ of the excretory system in which urine is formed. The list of kidney diseases is quite large, and the treatment of most of them requires the participation of a nephrologist, urologist and other specialists simultaneously.

A urologist may be involved in the treatment of:

inflammatory kidney diseases ( glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis);
infectious kidney diseases;
kidney damage in diabetes mellitus;
kidney damage when taking certain medications;
for kidney tumors;
when kidney stones are detected, and so on.

Phimosis

This disease is characterized by a pathological narrowing of the foreskin covering the head of the penis. The foreskin is so narrowed that the head cannot be completely exposed. This can create certain difficulties in a person’s sexual life, and also causes the development of infectious and non-infectious complications ( in particular difficulty urinating).

The cause of phimosis can be trauma or inflammatory damage to the foreskin due to various infectious diseases. Phimosis can also be congenital, but it is worth remembering that in only half of children at the age of 1 year, the foreskin easily moves, exposing the head of the penis.

Treatment of the disease can be conservative or surgical. In the first case, special methods of stretching the foreskin can be used, which a urologist will tell you in more detail after assessing the condition. this area skin. As practice shows, conservative methods can be very effective and avoid surgery in more than 50% of cases. At the same time, with severe phimosis, in which the process of urination is disrupted and there is a danger of rupture of the foreskin, surgical treatment is indicated.

Decreased potency and erectile dysfunction ( impotence)

Potency is a man's ability to perform sexual intercourse. Violation of this function can develop under various pathological conditions both from the genitourinary system and from other organs.

It is immediately worth noting that for a complete and adequate treatment potency disorders, first of all, it is necessary to accurately identify the cause of the disease and eliminate it. To resolve this issue, a urologist ( which men most often turn to with similar problems) may attract specialists from other areas of medicine.

The reason for the decrease in potency may be:

Decreased concentration of male sex hormone ( testosterone) in blood. This pathology should be treated by an endocrinologist.
Use of certain toxic substances ( marijuana, alcohol). If alcohol or drug addiction Consultation with a narcologist is recommended.
Stress. It has been scientifically proven that chronic overexertion, lack of sleep and exposure to stressful situations significantly weakens a man's libido, leading to the development of erectile dysfunction. In this case, consultation and treatment with a psychotherapist, neurologist or neurologist is recommended.
Obesity. Sedentary image life, long stay in sitting position And overweight bodies also contribute to the development of impotence.
Infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. For untreated prostatitis ( inflammation of the prostate), urethritis ( ) or cystitis ( inflammation of the bladder) testicular complications may develop, which can lead to disruption of testosterone production.

Frequent urination

Frequent urination may be a sign of cystitis ( this disease has been described previously) or neurogenic bladder. This pathology characterized by a violation nervous regulation bladder activity, which may manifest as frequent and painful urges to urination, during which not a large number of urine. Treatment of the disease is conservative ( medicinal) and is carried out jointly by a neurologist and a urologist.

Premature ejaculation ( ejaculation)

The causes of this pathology may be psychological disorders or disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system ( including diseases of the spine and spinal cord ). In this case, issues of diagnosis and treatment should be dealt with by psychotherapists, psychiatrists, neurologists and neuropathologists. At the same time, the disease can develop due to organic damage to the organs of the genitourinary system ( for untreated prostatitis, urethritis, etc.). These pathologies are treated by a urologist according to the previously described principles.

Does a urologist perform circumcision of the foreskin ( circumcision)?

A practicing urologist-surgeon can perform circumcision of the foreskin for medical reasons ( in the presence of severe phimosis, with frequent infections). Circumcision has also been found to help treat premature ejaculation. The fact is that after the procedure, the skin in the area of the head of the penis thickens somewhat, and its sensitivity decreases, which has a “therapeutic” effect.

The operation itself is relatively safe and is usually performed under local anesthesia, however, at the request of the patient, it can also be performed under general anesthesia ( when a person falls asleep and doesn't remember anything).

Does a urologist treat hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are characterized by damage to the hemorrhoidal veins in the rectum and anus. This pathology is treated by a proctologist, and the urologist has nothing to do with it.

Does a urologist treat infertility?

Questions female infertility These are mainly gynecologists. At the same time, urologists ( andrology) can take an active part in the treatment of male infertility, which may be associated with both a disorder ( decrease) sexual desire, and with organic damage various organs reproductive system.

The causes of male infertility can be:

decreased potency;
erectile disfunction;
ejaculation disorder ( ejaculation);
abnormal development of the genital organs;
genetic abnormalities ( disorders of germ cell development);
inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
immunological lesions of the testicles ( may occur after injury);
disturbances in the formation of germ cells ( spermatozoa).

Many of the listed pathologies cannot be cured by a urologist alone, so quite often the doctor, after a preliminary examination, refers the patient for consultation to other specialists.

Should a urologist examine pregnant women?

In the absence of any diseases from the genitourinary system, pregnant women do not need to visit a urologist. At the same time, it is worth remembering that during pregnancy a number of changes occur in a woman’s body, in particular there is a restructuring hormonal levels and squeezing internal organs (growing fruit). All this predisposes to stagnation of urine in the bladder and to the development of various diseases.

During pregnancy, the risk of developing:

Pyelonephritis– inflammatory kidney disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
Glomerulonephritis– an infectious-inflammatory disease in which the urinary function of the kidneys is impaired.
Urolithiasis.

If any of these pathologies are detected or worsened during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a urologist. Only he will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe optimal treatment, which will help cope with the disease, at the same time, without harming the mother or developing fetus.

For what symptoms should you contact a urologist?

Indications for consultation with a urologist may include dysfunction of the genitourinary system, as well as any unusual sensations in organs related to this system.

Indications for consultation with a urologist are:

frequent urination;
rare urination ( 1 – 2 times a day);
urinary incontinence;
pus in the urine;
decreased sex drive ( in men);
inability to perform sexual intercourse ( for men).

What can a patient expect at an appointment with a urologist?

A visit to a urologist, like any other specialist, is accompanied by a number of standard procedures ( survey, inspection, survey, etc.), on the basis of which the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribes additional examinations.

Preparing before going to the urologist

There are a few simple recommendations, which should be performed before visiting a urologist. This will make the consultation as productive as possible and help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.

Before going to the urologist, it is recommended:

Refrain from sexual intercourse. The fact is that after the examination, the doctor may need certain tests ( for example, urine analysis or semen analysis). If the patient had sexual intercourse the day before, this can significantly complicate or make it impossible to collect test data, which will increase the duration of the diagnostic process.
Empty your bladder. This should be done not right before visiting the doctor, but 1 – 2 hours before. In this case, at the time of consultation, a certain amount of urine will be collected in the bladder, which may be required for some examinations or tests.
Empty your bowels. This procedure necessary if the reason for visiting a doctor is prostate problems ( the doctor may perform a rectal examination of the organ).
Observe personal hygiene rules. In the morning, before visiting the doctor, you need to take a shower and put on clean underwear.
Get ready mentally. During the consultation, the doctor may ask questions that some people may be embarrassed or embarrassed to answer. It is important to remember that the diagnosis and adequacy of treatment depend on the reliability and accuracy of the information received, so all the doctor’s questions should be answered honestly and completely.

Before visiting a doctor, you should not use any antibacterial or antiseptic solutions for washing the external genitalia, as this may distort the data laboratory tests and complicate the diagnosis process.

What questions can a urologist ask during a consultation?

During the consultation, the doctor may ask the patient about the circumstances of the disease, its manifestations, and so on.

At the first consultation, the urologist may ask:

How long ago did the disease begin?
How does the disease manifest?
Do you have problems with urination?
What causes/increases symptoms?
Does the patient suffer from any known diseases of the genitourinary system?
Were there any similar diseases from parents or close relatives ( with siblings)?
Does the patient have chronic diseases other organs and systems ( heart, liver and so on)?
Does the patient have a regular sexual partner?
What methods of contraception ( protection) does the patient use?
Has the patient suffered from sexually transmitted diseases?
Does the patient have children?
Is the patient taking narcotic drugs?
Does the patient abuse alcohol?
Does the patient smoke?

It is worth noting that the list of questions may differ significantly depending on which organ is affected and how severely it is affected.

How are men examined by a urologist?

After interviewing the patient, the doctor must examine the external genitalia.

During the examination, the doctor assesses:

Penis shape– its excessive curvature can be a cause of infertility, and also indicate high probability the presence of other developmental anomalies.
Penis sizes– its underdevelopment is possible with a reduced concentration of the male sex hormone in the blood.
Condition of the skin in the genital area– in order to identify foci of inflammation, ulcers, cracks or other deformations.
Condition of the glans penis (for this purpose the doctor exposes her) – to identify phimosis or inflammatory processes in this area.
Condition of the testicles– the doctor palpates ( probes) testicles and epididymis, assessing their shape, size and consistency.
Condition of the scrotum– in order to identify varicocele or an infectious-inflammatory process.
Bladder condition I - for this, the doctor may ask the patient to lie down, and then begin to apply light pressure on the bladder area ( just above the pubis).
Kidney condition– the urologist can lightly tap the patient’s lumbar region with the edge of his palm ( on which the kidneys are projected), assessing his reaction ( the occurrence of pain may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process).

Also a mandatory stage of the examination is a digital rectal examination of the prostate. The essence of the method is as follows. The patient lies on his side and tries to press his knees to his chest. The doctor puts on a sterile glove, lubricates it with special oil and injects forefinger into the patient's anus. At a depth of several centimeters, it identifies the prostate, which is located between the bladder and intestines ( the doctor probes it through the wall of the rectum). Next, the doctor evaluates the size, consistency and shape of the prostate. If during the examination the patient feels sharp stabbing pains, he must inform the doctor about this ( this symptom may indicate the presence of prostatitis).

It is worth noting that all of the above studies are carried out only when indicated.

How are women examined by a urologist?

Women are examined in a special gynecological chair, also after a detailed interview. The doctor examines the external genitalia and urethra ( if necessary). Also, the doctor must palpate ( probes) area of the bladder and kidneys, assessing the patient's response. The occurrence of pain in the pelvic area or in the lumbar region may indicate the presence of inflammatory processes and usually requires additional instrumental studies.

Does a urologist do prostate massage?

A urologist can perform digital prostate massage when various forms prostatitis ( prostate inflammation), when conventional treatments ( antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs) are not effective enough. Therapeutic effect This procedure is to improve microcirculation in the prostate, which improves access antibacterial drugs To her. Also, during the massage, the release of secretions from the gland is stimulated, which helps restore the patency of its ducts and also has a beneficial effect on the course of the disease.

Preparing for a prostate massage involves having a bowel movement ( sometimes this may require a cleansing enema, which should be performed in the morning before going to the doctor). The procedure itself is as follows. The patient lies down on the couch and presses his knees to his chest ( curls up into a ball). The doctor puts on a sterile glove, treats the index finger with Vaseline and inserts it into the patient's anus. At a depth of about 5 cm, he feels the prostate, after which he begins to massage it, lightly pressing on the gland tissue. If at any stage of the procedure the patient experiences pain, he should immediately inform the doctor.

The duration of the massage is about 1 – 2 minutes, after which the patient can go home. The course of treatment consists of 10 - 15 procedures, performed with a break of 1 - 2 days.

Prostate massage is contraindicated:

In the acute phase of prostatitis– in this case, the procedure will be extremely painful.
If prostate cancer is suspected– possible damage to the tumor and the appearance of metastases ( distant tumor foci).
If you have stones in the prostate– it may be damaged during the procedure.
For prostate adenoma.
For prostate tuberculosis.
In the presence of an infectious-inflammatory process in the anal area– the procedure will be very painful, and infection may spread.

Is it possible to call a urologist at home?

If for one reason or another the patient cannot ( or doesn't want to) visit a urologist, a doctor can be called to your home. It is immediately worth noting that this service is most often provided by private clinics and medical centers, and therefore is paid.

When visiting a patient at home, a urologist can:

Collect anamnesis. By asking the patient in detail about his problems, the doctor can suggest the presence of a particular disease.
Conduct an objective examination. At home, the doctor can examine the external genitalia, palpate the patient’s bladder and abdomen, examine the lumbar region, and so on. In the case of a male examination, a digital examination of the prostate is also performed ( if necessary). All this allows us to make a preliminary diagnosis.
Execute ultrasonography (Ultrasound). The doctor can take with him a small portable device that will allow him to perform the study right at the patient’s bedside.

If after the examination the doctor is not sure of the diagnosis, he may recommend that the patient visit the hospital, take tests and undergo additional examinations. In milder cases, the doctor can make recommendations regarding the treatment of the patient's existing disease.

How often should you visit a urologist for prevention?

Young people who do not experience any problems with the genitourinary system do not need preventive consultations with a urologist. At the same time, as men age, the risk of developing a disease such as prostate adenoma increases. This is a benign tumor, which, however, can interfere with the process of urination, and when exposed to unfavorable factors, it can degenerate into cancer. This is why all men over 45 years of age are recommended to visit a urologist annually for finger examination prostate. This simplest procedure will allow timely detection of pathological changes in the gland and timely initiation of treatment, which can save the patient’s life.

What tests and studies can a urologist prescribe?

After interviewing the patient and conducting a clinical examination, the doctor may prescribe additional laboratory or instrumental tests that will allow a more accurate assessment of the functions of the organs of the genitourinary system and make the correct diagnosis.

The urologist may prescribe:

general urine analysis ;
general blood analysis ;
sperm analysis ( spermogram);

tests to detect genitourinary tract infections;
ultrasonography ( Ultrasound).

Analysis of urine

This is a simple and cheap test that allows you to evaluate the excretory function of the kidneys and identify infections genitourinary tract and so on.

The patient collects the material for the study himself, collecting a certain amount of morning urine into a special sterile jar. The day before the examination, it is recommended to perform a hygienic toilet of the genitals, as otherwise you may get distorted results. During morning urination, the first portion of urine ( which is released during the first 1 – 2 seconds) should be released into the toilet, after which you need to substitute the jar and fill it with about 50 ml. Then her ( jar) must be immediately closed and taken to the laboratory for examination.

During a urine test, the following is assessed:

Urine color. Normal urine is straw-yellow in color. A red tint may indicate blood in the urine, while a brown tint may indicate liver or blood problems.
Transparency of urine. Normal urine is clear. The appearance of cloudiness is possible if there are any foreign inclusions in it ( blood cells, protein, bacteria, pus, salts).
Density of urine. Normally, this indicator ranges from 1010 to 1022 g/liter. An increase or decrease in urine density can be observed if the concentration function of the kidneys is impaired.
Acidity of urine. This indicator can vary widely, depending on the type of diet, lifestyle and functional state kidney
Presence of protein in urine. Normally, the protein concentration in urine should not exceed 0.033 g/liter. An increase in this indicator can be observed in diseases of the kidneys, heart, immune system and so on.
Presence of glucose ( Sahara) in urine. Normally, there is no sugar in the urine. Its appearance usually indicates that blood glucose levels are significantly elevated.
Presence of pathological inclusions. With various diseases and metabolic disorders, substances may appear in the urine that are not normally detected in it ( ketone bodies, bilirubin, hemoglobin and so on). If these elements are identified, additional research is required.
The presence of blood cells in the urine. Under normal conditions, a small number of white blood cells may be found in the urine ( immune system cells) and red blood cells ( blood cells). However, a significant increase in the concentration of these cells indicates the presence pathological process in the organs of the genitourinary system.
Presence of bacteria in urine. They can appear with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, bladder, urethra, prostate or external genitalia.

Blood analysis

General blood analysis ( UAC) is a routine research method that is prescribed to patients during hospitalization, in preparation for surgery, or in some other situations. IN urological practice An indication for prescribing OAC may also be a suspicion of a genitourinary tract infection.

The presence of infection may be indicated by:

Increased total white blood cell count (more than 9 x 10 9 /liter). White blood cells are cells of the immune system that fight infection. In case of infection of any organ human body their amount in the blood increases.
Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR). This laboratory indicator also allows you to identify signs of infection in the body. When an infectious-inflammatory process develops in any organ, so-called proteins are released into the blood acute phase inflammation. They interact with red blood cells ( red blood cells), increasing the rate of their settling to the bottom of the test tube during the study ( more than 10 mm per hour in men and more than 15 mm per hour in women).

Other indicators general analysis blood ( blood cell concentration, hemoglobin level and so on) are important only in preparation for surgical interventions or if the patient has other diseases.

Sperm analysis ( spermogram)

This study is prescribed if a man has problems conceiving children ( for example, in the case of an infertile marriage in order to identify possible reasons male infertility). The essence of the study is that sperm obtained from a man is examined under a microscope, assessing its quantitative and qualitative characteristics.

Preparation for the study involves abstaining from sexual intercourse for 4 to 5 days. During this period of time, it is also recommended to exclude alcohol, drugs, smoking, and visiting a bathhouse or sauna.

The analysis is taken on the day of the study by the patient himself ( through masturbation). The resulting material must be placed in a special sterile tube in full ( loss of some sperm may distort the results of the study).

Basic spermogram parameters

Index	Normal values
*Sperm quantity*	Not less than 2 ml
*Consistency*
*Color*	White or grayish
*Smell*	Specific
Acidity(pH)
Viscosity(measured by the length of a thread trailing a drop of semen released from a special syringe)
Liquefaction time(this refers to the liquefaction of the ejaculate under the influence of prostate enzymes, as a result of which its viscosity becomes less than 2 cm)	10 – 40 minutes
Sperm count(in 1 ml)	20 – 120 million
*Total number of sperm in the test material*	40 – 500 million
*Actively motile sperm*	Not less than 25%
*Poorly motile sperm*	Not less than 50%
*Immotile sperm*	No more than 50%
Spermagglutination(sperm adhesion)	Absent
*Leukocytes*	3 – 5 in field of view

Cystoscopy

The essence this study is as follows. Through the urethra ( urethra) a special flexible tube is inserted into the bladder ( cystoscope), equipped with an optical system. This allows you to visually examine the walls of the urethra, bladder and terminal ureters ( where they enter the bladder). This is necessary to identify the source of bleeding, suppuration, tumor, rupture or other damage to the listed organs.

The study itself is carried out under local or general anesthesia, so the patient practically does not experience pain. After the examination and cessation of anesthesia ( pain relief) there may be moderate pain along the urethra, which may intensify during urination.

Cystoscopy is contraindicated:

With urethritis ( inflammation of the urethra) – the risk of additional damage to the walls of the urethra increases.
For prostatitis ( inflammation of the prostate) – difficulties may arise during insertion of the device.
In case of obstruction of the urethra- for example, with adenoma or prostate cancer, which can compress the urethra, preventing the advancement of the cystoscope.
candidiasis;
gonococcal infection and so on.

If the patient is suspected of having bacterial infection, the resulting material is sown on special nutrient media. On these media, bacteria grow and multiply within several days, forming large colonies. By examining these colonies, the doctor can determine the exact type of infectious agent, as well as determine which antibiotics it is suitable for ( pathogen) maximally sensitive ( this will help prescribe the most effective treatment).

If the purpose of the study is to identify a viral infection, culture on nutrient media will be ineffective ( viruses don't grow on them). In this case, a special polymerase chain reaction method can be used ( PCR), with the help of which microparticles of viral tissue can be detected in the material being studied, thereby confirming the diagnosis.

Ultrasound ( ultrasonography) kidneys, testicles, prostate, bladder

Ultrasound is a cheap research method that allows you to study the structure of internal organs. The essence of the method is as follows. A special sensor attached to the human body sends ultrasonic waves of a certain length deep into the body. These waves are reflected from tissues and internal organs, then arriving at a special receiver located near the sensor. Based on data on reflected waves, the computer generates an image of organs located in the path of ultrasound.

In urological practice, ultrasound examination may be needed in cases where clinical methods do not allow an accurate diagnosis to be made.

The urologist may prescribe:

Ultrasound of the kidneys. Allows you to evaluate the structure of the organ, as well as its shape and location, which can change in various pathologies. Ultrasound can also detect stones in the kidneys or ureters, which helps confirm the diagnosis of urolithiasis.
Ultrasound of the bladder. Allows you to identify stones or tumors in the bladder. Also, conducting a study after urination allows you to identify residual urine retained in the bladder due to various pathologies ( for example, with adenoma or prostate cancer, with bladder diverticulum, and so on).
Ultrasound of the prostate. Allows you to evaluate the structure of the gland and timely identify pathological changes characteristic of adenoma or cancer.
Ultrasound of the testicle. Helps confirm the diagnosis of inflammation of the testicle or epididymis, varicocele, hydrocele, testicular cyst, and so on.

It is worth noting that ultrasound is an absolutely safe and painless examination, therefore, if necessary, it can be performed several times.

Jokes about urologists

A sign on the urologist’s door: “You can’t just walk in and brag.”
A man enters the urologist's office.
- Hello doctor, I...
The doctor fills out the documentation and, without raising his head, says:
- Take off your clothes!
- Doctor, but I...
- Take off your pants, I said!
The patient has undressed, stands, shifts from foot to foot. The doctor finished writing, raises his head and says:
- I'm listening to you.
- I’m a plumber, I came to fix the faucet...

A man runs into the urologist’s office and says:
- Doctor, castrate me quickly!
- What are you, dear, why do you need this...
- Doctor, do it quickly, I’ll pay any money!
The doctor has nowhere to go, since the patient demands - he castrated him, stands, washes his hands and asks:
- But still, dear, why did you need this?
- You see, doctor, I’m marrying a Jewish woman, and that’s the custom among them.
- So, maybe you wanted to get circumcised?
- Well, yes, what did I say?

******************************************************************************************

A very shy guy comes to the urologist and, blushing, says:
- You see, doctor, one of my friends seems to have become infected venereal disease and asked me to find out what he should do now...
The doctor answers:
- I got it. Take off your pants and show your friend.

******************************************************************************************

In the clinic:
- Hello, I need a consultation with a urologist and an ophthalmologist.
- Wow, why suddenly go to such different specialists?
- I can’t understand - either I’m colorblind, or my urine is green...

******************************************************************************************

An old man of 95 years old comes to the urologist and says:
- Doctor, after sex I have some kind of noise in my head, do you know what it is?
- This is applause, grandpa!

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Despite the popular belief that a urologist treats exclusively male diseases, such a statement is fundamentally incorrect. Urology specializes in the study and treatment of pathologies of the reproductive and genitourinary systems in women. It comes in two types: female and male, and studies the pathologies of systems such as the urethra, adrenal glands, kidneys, ureters, prostate gland, and external genitalia. Let's figure out what a urologist treats in men?

Who is a urologist?

A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of abnormalities of the urethra, diseases of the kidneys, ureters, prostate gland, and reproductive system. Before visiting a urologist, find out what the doctor treats for men. He treats:

Important: Men over 40 years of age are more at risk of prostatitis and sexual disorders. Therefore, it is recommended to be examined by a urologist at least once a year.

What is urology?

Urology is a field of clinical medicine; it specializes in diseases of the urinary system and genital organs, and also develops methods for their treatment and prevention. Urology itself is not the main field. And this is due to the fact that science is based on related disciplines. This area is divided by gender into male, female, and pediatric urology:

To better understand what urology is, you need to understand what science studies. She studies the following diseases:

andrology (male urology);
urogenicology (female urology);
pediatric urology (developmental defects and pathologies of the genitourinary area in children);
geriatric urology (urological diseases in advanced age, when the immune system is weakened and muscle tone decreases);
physiourology (tuberculosis of the kidneys, bladder, genitals);
oncourology (malignant formations);
emergency urology (life-threatening conditions: renal colic and acute urinary retention).

If you have any symptoms, you should contact a urologist?

To find out why you need to visit a urologist, who he is and what he treats, you should find out in what cases you contact him. A urologist is consulted when:

painful trips to the toilet;
swelling, pain in the genital area;
decrease in urine output;
frequent urge to urinate;
itching when going to the toilet;
colic in the kidney area;
painful sensations in the lower back;
sexual disorders;
sexually transmitted infections;
the appearance of impurities and purulent formations in the urine;
swelling and deformation of the genital organs.

Important: Often such symptoms are accompanied by high fever, chills, loss of appetite, constant fatigue, and drowsiness. But when chronic course these signs are mild or absent.

How is the examination carried out for men?

The ultimate task of the urologist is based on making the correct diagnosis and providing appropriate treatment. Before visiting a urologist, let’s consider not only who he is, but also what exactly is included in the field of activity of this medical specialist. The work of a urologist includes several stages.

Preparation for inspection

Avoid sexual intercourse the day before your appointment.
Empty your bowels and bladder.
Keep your genitals clean and do not use antiseptics before visiting your doctor.
Be mentally attuned to intimate issues.

Reception of patients

The doctor questions the patient in detail, it is important for him to find out the patient’s lifestyle, the onset of the disease, symptoms, signs, painful sensations. The doctor conducts general examination lumbar region, abdomen, external genitalia. Important role During examination, a digital rectal examination is performed. The urologist checks the scrotum, rectally examines the prostate, and palpates the kidney.

Diagnostics

To establish accurate diagnosis, the specialist prescribes the passage additional research, gives directions for urine and blood tests. These tests provide fairly comprehensive information about your health status. Based on the color, sediment, and the presence of protein impurities in the urine, one can assume the presence of existing illness. If the level of leukocytes and ESR is increased, this indicates an inflammatory process in the patient’s body.

The urologist also prescribes instrumental research:

Cytoscopy is an examination of the bladder using a cytoscope. The instrument is inserted into the urethra, the specialist carefully examines the urinary organ to identify inflammation and various neoplasms.
Urethroscopy. It is carried out to study the urinary canal.
Urography allows you to detect any abnormalities associated with the functioning of the kidneys and genitourinary system.
Cystography. A colored substance is injected into the bladder, with the help of which the shape and walls of the organ become visible. This procedure allows you to identify tumors, stones, and other pathologies.
Angiography. The procedure is aimed at examining blood vessels.
Ultrasonography.

Carrying out therapeutic measures

Who is a urologist and what does he treat? Many men ask this question. A urologist provides conservative and surgical treatment to patients diagnosed with diseases of the genitourinary system. This is the most responsible, main part of his work. At inflammatory pathologies(cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis) antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Surgical intervention is required when phimosis, cryptorchidism, and neoplasms are detected. If oncological pathologies are detected, radiation and chemotherapy are prescribed.

In addition, the urologist prescribes:

massage, vacuum drainage of the prostate;
darsonvalization of mucous membranes;
magnetic laser, radiofrequency therapy;
lithotripsy.

Urologist – narrow specialist, which is addressed quite rarely. However, regular inspection Seeing a urologist will help prevent many diseases.

Here is a list of diseases that are within the competence of a urologist:

All inflammatory processes genitourinary system – cystitis, urethritis.
Urolithiasis disease.
Injuries and neoplasms localized in the area of the bladder and urinary tract.
Pathologies and defects of the genital organs in men.
Pathologies of the prostate gland.
Diseases of the kidneys and adrenal glands.
Infertility.

The science of urology belongs to the category of surgical specializations. Therefore, you can receive emergency surgical care directly at an appointment with a urologist.

Preparing for your appointment

A urological appointment requires a little preparation, which varies slightly for women and men. In addition to a general visual examination and history taking, the doctor also performs other diagnostic procedures. We will tell you how an examination by a urologist goes a little lower, but for now we will focus your attention on the preparation that is required before an appointment with a urologist.

How should a woman prepare?

The same as when visiting a gynecologist. A gynecological chair is used to examine women. Therefore, do not forget to bring a diaper with you for examination. The day before your visit to the doctor, you should exclude sexual contact. You should not douche before examining a urologist. There is no need to perform genital hygiene with disinfectant solutions(furacilin, chlorhexidine). The doctor will need to take tests, and after using medicinal solutions, the indicators may be unreliable.

How to prepare for a man?

For men, in addition to the hygienic toilet of the genital organs, the following is required:

Avoid sexual intercourse for 2 days before being examined.
Cleansing enema. Cleaning the rectum is necessary so that the doctor can perform a digital examination of the prostate gland through the rectum. Do not be scared or embarrassed by the erection that occurs during such an examination - this is normal. It's worse if an erection does not occur. A cleansing enema can be replaced by taking a laxative the day before.

According to experts

It is best to do a urine test before your first visit to the urologist. This will make it easier to make the correct diagnosis. Moreover, you still have to take such an analysis.

It is also advisable to start keeping a log of symptoms a few days before the examination by a urologist:

Write down how many times a day you urinate;
in what area does the pain occur and how severe is it;
what you ate and drank during the day;
Try to trace the connection between diet and lifestyle and worsening or improving symptoms.

This will be very helpful when you discuss your problem with your doctor and ask him questions.

How is the first examination by a urologist?

As your appointment with your urologist progresses, you can expect a lengthy discussion about your symptoms.

The urologist may ask various questions, such as:

How often do symptoms occur and when did they first appear?
Do they bother you a lot?
Do you ever have blood in your urine? If yes, how often?
Have you had urinary tract disease in the past?
Do you suffer from high blood pressure?
Do your relatives have any diseases of the genitourinary system?
Have you ever had episodes of urinary incontinence?

The doctor may also perform a digital examination of the prostate gland and a quick ultrasound scan of the bladder. Don't worry, this is not an invasive procedure.

It is important to know. Although a urologist will primarily ask questions about the condition of the genitourinary system, there is a chance that your urological problem is actually related to other systems of the body. Be prepared to give the urologist full list all medications you take, including any prescription medications. It is advisable to make this list in advance.

After completing the examination, the doctor will discuss a treatment plan with you. This usually includes additional tests and tests that must be performed either at the time of the current visit or at subsequent visits.

Such studies may include:

blood tests;
testosterone level analysis;
Ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder, and prostate;
cystoscopy;
CT or MRI to evaluate the condition of the kidneys or pelvic organs;
biopsy of the bladder or prostate gland.

Through these procedures, the specialist will be able to determine the correct course of action to take for your treatment. Assign to yourself folk remedies you should not treat prostatitis and other diseases without first consulting your urologist.

What to expect at your doctor's appointment? Step by step

First, the doctor talks with the patient. He asks how the person is feeling, what problems are bothering him. To get a more complete picture of the disease, the doctor asks leading questions and finds out how symptoms change depending on the situation. The urologist must also familiarize himself with the patient’s life history, that is, find out what and when the person was sick with. It is especially important for him to ask about the presence of genitourinary diseases in a person’s life.
Examination on the couch. The doctor will ask you to strip down to your underwear and lie on your back. This way he will be able to palpate the kidneys and adjacent organs.
An appointment with a urologist for men also includes examination and palpation of the external genitalia: penis, scrotum. It doesn't hurt at all and doesn't cause discomfort, if the tissues of these organs are not affected by pathology.
Prostate examination. It is carried out only through the rectum. To do this, the patient will need to take a knee-elbow position or squat, having first removed all clothing below the waist. The doctor will insert a gloved finger lubricated with glycerin into the patient's rectum and palpate his prostate. This is a rather unpleasant procedure, but pain occurs only if the prostate is inflamed. Examination of the prostate may be accompanied by an erection. There is nothing wrong with this, even if you are being examined by a woman’s urologist - such a reaction should normally occur during this manipulation, the doctor does not experience any personal feelings. Rather, on the contrary, when palpating the prostate gland, it is important for a doctor, no matter what gender, not only to assess the size, density and uniformity of the gland itself, but also to analyze the level of erection.

What procedures can a urologist do during an appointment?

takes a smear from the urethra (the woman needs to lie down on a gynecological chair for this)
massages the prostate
takes the secretion (“juice”) of the prostate for examination
corrects paraphimosis
catheterizes the bladder
bougienates the urethra, that is, passes a metal probe through the urethra under local anesthesia
removes small tumors on the external genitalia with an electrocoagulator
produces shading of the seminal tubercle
deletes foreign body from the urethra
changes the indwelling urinary catheter
enters medicinal substances into the bladder through a catheter
performs diaphanoscopy of the scrotum
changes dressings and removes stitches after urological operations
performs suturing of small wounds on the male genitals
opens boils on the male genitals
cuts adhesions on the foreskin
prescribes and can independently perform ultrasound of the scrotum, ultrasound of the prostate, cystoscopy and other instrumental methods.

How to understand what you need to see a urologist?

There are two types of urinary tract infection:

Lower urinary tract infections, which involve inflammation or irritation of the urethra and bladder.
Upper urinary tract infections (this includes the kidneys and ureters).

An appointment with a urologist is necessary if the following symptoms of lower urinary tract infection appear::

You feel slight discomfort in the abdomen, and urination becomes a problem.
Pain or burning appears during urination.
The urge to urinate has become more frequent, including at night.
You are unable to control your urination.
Periodically, there is a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied.
The urine began to smell very strong.
The color of the urine changed, became cloudy, and blood appeared in it.
You feel pain in your lower abdomen and unexplained fatigue.

What can a urologist find?

Inflammation of the urethra – urethritis.
Sexually transmitted infections: ureaplasmosis, candidiasis, mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea, etc.
Inflammatory processes affecting foreskin and the head of the penis (balanoposthitis), epididymis and testicles (orchiepididymitis), seminal vesicles (vesiculitis), prostate gland (prostatitis), bladder (cystitis), kidneys (pyelonephritis).

For timely diagnosis For genitourinary diseases, a man must undergo a preventive examination at least twice a year. On early stages all urological diseases are quickly and successfully treated and do not give serious complications. If you are sexually active or over forty years old, visiting a urologist is a must. Throw away false modesty and prejudice: taking care of your condition men's health- this is truly an adult act.

Prevention of urological diseases

To avoid urological diseases, doctors recommend following simple rules:

Underwear should fit you in size, be made from soft natural fabrics, and provide good air exchange.
Stick to it proper nutrition and exercise.
Avoid casual sex. Use protective equipment.
Don't sit on cold surfaces. Dress appropriately for the weather.
Maintain personal hygiene.
Get checked regularly by a specialist.

How to choose a good specialist?

In order to get an appointment with a urologist, you just need to make an appointment with him at the clinic’s reception desk. If another specialist recommends that a patient undergo a urological examination, he will prescribe additional tests for you. Many patients take them in paid laboratories in order to get results faster. Let's tell you a little medical secret. Any doctor, including a urologist, with whom you have to make an appointment, trusts the laboratory of the institution in which he works more. If you need any additional analysis using rare or expensive reagents, the urologist himself will advise you to sign up for tests in a private laboratory of a good level, in his opinion.

What if you don’t live in a metropolis, and you can’t find a urologist in your latitude? How to make an appointment, and most importantly, where to find a good specialist?

Finding a doctor these days is not difficult. The addresses of clinics and private medical institutions are easy to find on the Internet, and you can also make an appointment without leaving your home. But you want to get examined by good doctor, and not the one whose phone number caught your eye first! Therefore, we will risk giving you some advice to guarantee high-quality and competent service.

The easiest way to find a good urologist is in a large clinic that has a urology department.
Insurance agents who provide individual health insurance. They usually know the doctors well, not only personally, but also receive feedback from patients who have already used urological services.

The list of narrow specializations of doctors can lead the patient into slight confusion. Therefore, for any pathologies, you visit your local physician so that he can figure out where to refer you next. It is not difficult to suspect pathologies of the genitourinary system and the kidneys themselves. The marker for this is unsatisfactory urine tests and certain complaints. For a detailed examination and clarification of the diagnosis, you receive a referral to a urologist.

A urologist should not be considered exclusively male (this is a common opinion). A doctor of this specialization deals with pathologies of the genitourinary system, regardless of the person’s gender. Perhaps in separate group It is possible to single out only pediatric urologists who treat young patients. The division of all doctors into adults and children is due to the physiological and anatomical characteristics of the child’s body.

Here is a list of diseases that are within the competence of a urologist:

All inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system - cystitis, urethritis.
Urolithiasis disease.
Injuries and neoplasms localized in the area of the bladder and urinary tract.
Pathologies and defects of the genital organs in men.
Pathologies of the prostate gland.
Diseases of the kidneys and adrenal glands.
Infertility.

The science of urology belongs to the category of surgical specializations. Therefore, you can receive emergency surgical care directly at an appointment with a urologist.

Classification of doctors

All urological specialties are divided into additional, narrower groups:

Urogenicology. The doctor treats urogynecological diseases in women. There are a large number of pathologies that can be equally considered urological and gynecological.
Andrology. An andrologist treats pathologies in men. This includes not only inflammatory diseases, but also congenital defects of the male reproductive system.
Pediatric urology. Consultation with a pediatric urologist is necessary when birth defects genitourinary system, etc.
Oncourology. Its goal is to find and cure oncological processes of the genitourinary system.
Phthisiourology. Treats urological pathologies of tuberculosis nature.
Geriatric urology. A fairly extensive and complex area of urological science. Her contingent is elderly patients.
Emergency urology. A doctor who specializes in emergency care surgical care in the area of the genitourinary organs.

Preparing for your appointment

How to prepare as a woman

You should not douche before examining a urologist. There is no need to perform genital hygiene using disinfectant solutions (furacilin, chlorhexidine). The doctor will need to take tests, and after using medicinal solutions, the indicators may be unreliable.

How to prepare for a man

For men, in addition to the hygienic toilet of the genital organs, the following is required:

Avoid sexual intercourse for 2 days before being examined.
Cleansing enema. Cleaning the rectum is necessary so that the doctor can perform a digital examination of the prostate gland through the rectum. Do not be scared or embarrassed by the erection that occurs during such an examination - this is normal. It's worse if an erection does not occur. A cleansing enema can be replaced by taking a laxative the day before.

Appointment with a urologist

We understand that anxiety in front of a doctor’s office is common for men and women. What does the urologist do at the appointment, is the examination painful, what tests are required, how does the doctor carry out the diagnosis? These thoughts haunt you and do not allow you to enter the office calm and relaxed. And this is necessary.

Advice. If you are too worried, take any calming drops before visiting the doctor.

Nothing terrible happens in the urologist's office. The examination begins with a normal conversation. Answer the doctor's questions in detail, this will help with an accurate diagnosis. If there are chronic diseases, the doctor needs to know what medications the patient takes on a regular basis. Don't forget to mention them. Along the way, the doctor studies your outpatient card, looks at the tests, the results of which should be pasted into it. If it is an initial appointment and you have not had any tests, the doctor will definitely prescribe them. Patients take some tests directly in the office.

The next stage is a palpation (manual) examination of the abdomen and kidneys. It is performed on a couch, sometimes standing.

The doctor uses a gynecological chair to examine the female genital organs. In men, the doctor visually and palpably examines the external genitalia, after which he begins to examine the prostate gland. Anatomically, the prostate gland of men is adjacent to the bladder on one side and touches the rectum on the other. Therefore the only thing possible way determine the size and density of the organ - examine it through the anus. To do this, the patient is asked to lean on the couch, leaning forward. The doctor inserts a finger into the rectum and feels the prostate. For information, the same method is used to massage the prostate in men; samples of secretions from the prostate gland are also taken using finger pressure on the gland.

Examination of the prostate in men can cause pain only in the presence of acute prostatitis. In other cases, the procedure is painless.

How to choose a good specialist

What if you don’t live in a metropolis, and you can’t find a urologist in your latitude? How to make an appointment, and most importantly, where to find a good specialist?

Finding a doctor these days is not difficult. The addresses of clinics and private medical institutions are easy to find on the Internet, and you can also make an appointment without leaving your home. But you want to get examined by a good doctor, and not the one whose phone number caught your eye first! Therefore, we will risk giving you some advice to guarantee high-quality and competent service.

The easiest way to find a good urologist is in a large clinic that has a urology department.
Insurance agents who provide individual health insurance can make an appointment with a high-class doctor. They usually know the doctors well, not only personally, but also receive feedback from patients who have already used urological services.

We would not really recommend using the advice of colleagues and friends. Their experience was not necessarily successful; it is of great importance psychological aspect reception. If you still go to a urologist in a private institution, first check the availability of a license and diplomas of appropriate education. Serious honey. institutions do not hide them.