Urologists are often seen as the doctors who treat male problems—like enlarged prostate or testicular cancer. But in truth, they treat conditions involving both men and women. They can provide medical and surgical treatment for problems in the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.
Below are some examples of symptoms that both men and women may need to see a urologist for:
- Urinary incontinence (leaking urine). Both sexes can have problems with this, but it’s actually more common in women.
- Blood in the urine. A number of problems can cause bloody urine, including infections or kidney stones, but it can also be a sign of cancer and should be investigated immediately.
- Pain while urinating. This is often a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you repeatedly have UTIs, or what appear to be UTIs, but antibiotics aren’t helping, you should see a urologist.
- Frequent need to urinate. This may be a sign of an overactive bladder, and it can happen to both men and women as they get older. Feeling the frequent urge to urinate without being able to can also be a sign of a UTI.
- Pain in the sides or back. This may indicate kidney stones.
- Pelvic pressure or pain. This could be a sign of interstitial cystitis, which is more common in women than men but can affect both.
- Sexual dysfunction. A urologist may be able to help with sexual problems in both women and women.
There are also some conditions that urologists treat that are specific to men or women.
Male-specific conditions
- Enlarged prostate. This condition, which is more common as men age, can lead to frequent or urgent urination and other urinary difficulties.
- Prostatitis. This painful swelling of the prostate gland is sometimes caused by a bacterial infection and sometimes has other causes.
- Infertility. A urologist can help evaluate and treat causes of male infertility.
Female-specific conditions
- Bladder prolapse or fallen bladder. This happens when the bladder pushes into the vagina, often because the wall between the bladder and vagina is weakened through childbirth or lifting heavy objects.
These are just some of the many conditions urologists can diagnose and treat. If you have questions about whether you may need to see a urologist, the staff at Affiliated Urologists are happy to talk with you.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or contact us for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
