Urology is a surgical subspecialty whose name is derived from Greek words that mean “study of urine.” A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the urinary tract and urogenital system in both men and women.
In order to become a urologist in the United States, a candidate must complete a urology residency program that has been approved the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and lasts at least five years after graduating from an approved medical school. A year of general surgery, three years of clinical urology, and a minimum of six months of either additional general surgery or urology training or training in a related discipline are required of these five years. Under appropriate supervision, the person must serve as the senior or chief resident in the final year. In other parts of the world, governing bodies such as the Urological Society of India, the Urological Society of Australasia, and the British Association of Urological Surgeons set standards.
A urologist may treat a variety of conditions, some of which are specific to children and others which are specific to adults. While many problems can affect both children and adults, certain congenital abnormalities are usually detected and treated early. Uncertain genitalia, bladder exstrophy, cloacal exstrophy — which often occurs in conjunction with spina bifida — and neonatal testicular torsion are all examples of neonatal urological problems. Enuresis, or bedwetting, is a symptom that can be caused a variety of factors, but it is primarily a childhood problem, though some adults do experience bedwetting.
Cushing’s Syndrome, Conn’s Syndrome, prostate, penile, or testicular cancer, interstitial cystitis, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vasectomy, and ureteral stones are all conditions that adults, but not children, may need to see a urologist for treatment. Symptoms like hematuria (blood in the urine), kidney problems like renal failure and cystic diseases of the kidneys, and bladder problems like neurogenic bladder, bladder fistula, or paruresis can affect people of all ages.
The American Urological Association has divided urology into eight subspecialties (AUA). Erectile dysfunction (impotence), female urology, male infertility, neurourology, pediatric urology, renal transplantation, urinary tract stones, or urologic oncology are some of the specialties of urologists (tumors).
A urologist can use a wide range of tools and perform a wide range of procedures. Catheters, fluoroscopes, radiograph machines, radium emanation tubes, and cystoscopes are some of the tools a urologist might use. Brachytherapy, cryotherapy, lithotripsy, HIFU, laparoscopy, photodynamic therapy, and laser techniques are some of the treatments available.