What urology studies and what urologists do

Urology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system. Urologists provide comprehensive medical care for conditions affecting the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys, and urethra. Additionally, they address reproductive system disorders in men. Both men and women can seek the expertise of urologists.

Common symptoms that warrant a visit to a urologist include:

• Pain in the groin (including during urination), lower abdomen, perineum, and lower back.

• Urinary incontinence.

• Presence of blood or pus in the urine.

• Infrequent and frequent urination.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Prolonged nocturnal erections.

The causes of these symptoms are diverse, ranging from inflammatory conditions of the genitourinary system and sexually transmitted infections to hormonal imbalances, hereditary diseases, obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy habits, stress, and occupational hazards.

When experiencing the listed symptoms, it is advisable to consult an andrologist, a physician who examines, diagnoses, and treats male reproductive issues. The male reproductive system, consisting of organs such as the prostate, seminal vesicles, penis and urethra, testicles and their appendages, and the ejaculatory duct, is treated using andrological methods. Moreover, an andrologist provides recommendations regarding contraception methods.

Reasons for scheduling an appointment with a urologist include :

the increasing risk of urological diseases with age. As a preventive measure, individuals, especially men over 45, should undergo annual examinations.

Urological disease diagnosis

various diagnostic procedures conducted by urologists, such as patient examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound imaging (sonography), X-rays, tomography, biopsies, and other innovative research methods. These methods aid in accurately diagnosing conditions and promptly initiating treatment.

During a urologist consultation, the following steps are typically taken:

Medical history collection: Patients are asked about their concerns, and they provide information on symptoms, genetic predispositions to specific diseases, and the duration of symptoms. This information helps determine the necessary diagnostics and quickly assess the nature and extent of pathology.

Examination: This includes a visual inspection and palpation of the organs of the genitourinary system.

Urethral swab: This diagnostic procedure detects diseases such as cystitis, urethritis, and prostatitis.

In Switzerland, modern urological surgeries include

transurethralprocedures (accessed through the urethra)

retroperitoneal procedures (with access from the lumbar region)

laparoscopic procedures (accessed by puncturing the abdominal wall). These surgeries are employed for various purposes, such as stone removal from the urinary tract, prostate resection for adenoma, and the elimination of pathological changes in the kidneys and adrenal glands.