Urologist and Andrologist: What They Do and When to See Them

Urology is a field of clinical medicine that studies the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the urinary system, reproductive system, and pathological processes of the retroperitoneal space. Urology includes several narrower areas, each with its own focus. Below are definitions and a distinction between the specialties.

Who a urologist is and which organs they study

Definition: urology is a surgical discipline, a branch of surgery; unlike nephrology, it deals mainly with the surgical treatment of diseases of the urinary system, reproductive system, and retroperitoneal space. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

How an andrologist differs from a urologist

Andrology is a division of urology specializing in the study and treatment of the male reproductive organs and problems of male reproductive organ development: congenital conditions (for example, phimosis in children), inflammatory processes (prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis), and tumors.

Urologist for women and urogynecologist

Urogynecology is the science of the relationship between urological and gynecological diseases. A number of conditions belong to both urology and gynecology: cystitis, urethritis in women, and vaginal dysbiosis.

Geriatric urology addresses urinary incontinence in older women caused by low pelvic floor muscle tone after childbirth or constant physical strain.

Oncourologist and other narrow specializations

Oncourology lies at the intersection of urology and oncology and studies malignant neoplasms of the urogenital organs, their causes and pathogenesis, and methods of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Oncourologists treat kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and tumors of the testicles and penis. The leading method is surgical; chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal, immune, and targeted therapy are also used.

Narrow divisions also include pediatric urology (malformations of the urogenital system in children), phthisiourology (tuberculosis of the kidneys, urinary tract, and reproductive organs), and emergency urology: renal colic, marked hematuria, anuria, and acute urinary retention.

Which doctor treats the kidneys

The kidneys are a paired organ the size of a fist in the middle of the back, under the rib cage; each kidney contains about a million nephrons that filter the blood. Most kidney diseases affect the nephrons; causes include genetic disorders, injuries, and medications, and the risk is higher with diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history. Testing includes blood and urine tests; if the kidneys fail, dialysis or transplantation is required.

What symptoms prompt a visit to a urologist

The main signs of an enlarged prostate are urinary disorders:

• difficulty starting urination, the need to strain;
• weak stream, intermittent urination, prolonged bladder emptying;
• a feeling of incomplete emptying;
• urine leakage after urination ends;
• frequent or urgent urges, including at night.

Symptoms develop slowly and worsen with age. Examination: asking about urination frequency, examination of the abdomen and penis, digital rectal examination, a record of fluid intake and urination for at least 3 days, urine analysis, a PSA test; if referred to a hospital, uroflowmetry, bladder ultrasound, and cystoscopy. Such symptoms are sometimes caused by more serious conditions, including prostate cancer; prostate enlargement itself is not cancer and does not increase the risk of cancer.

Difficult urination alone is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — for acute urinary retention, when urine does not pass at all, for marked hematuria (urine that is pink, red, or brown), renal colic, and anuria.

This material is for reference, systematizes definitions, and does not replace consultation with a doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer