What is UROLOGY?

Urology is the specialised medical field that is concerned with the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disorders related to urinary tract systems, in both males and females of all age groups. Urology also deals with the issues and diseases of the male reproductive organs.

A doctor who specializes in the field of Urology is called a Urologist. Urologists provide treatment for Urological diseases through both medicine and surgery. 

Common Urological Disorders: 

Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence occurs when there is a lack of bladder control. In this condition, the individual is unable to control the pressure of urine. It leads to unwanted urine leakage.

Ureteral Stones: Several times, stones from the kidney pass on and settle down in the urinary tract. This causes blockage in the passing of urine and immense pain to the patient.

Haematuria: Haematuria is the presence of blood in urine. Haematuria can be of two types: 

• Microscopic Haematuria: The presence of blood which is not visible to the eyes. It is seen only through a microscope and is mainly detected due to pain.
• Gross Haematuria: In this type, blood in the urine is visible to the naked eye. 

Overactive Bladder: Overactive Bladder, commonly known as OAB, is the condition in which the individual feels a sudden, urgent and uncontrollable urge to urinate. Individuals suffering from OAB might find it very difficult to control the pressure. 

Prostate Cancer: It is the condition of cancerous cells forming and multiplying unnaturally in the prostate. 

Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer is diagnosed when cancer cells are formed and multiply rapidly in the bladder. 

Cystocele: Cystocele, also known as Bladder Prolapse, is a medical condition in which the bladder bulges into the vagina. 

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): UTIs are infections developing in the urinary tract due to bacteria and viruses. UTIs can cause a burning sensation while urinating, pain and discomfort. UTIs are more commonly diagnosed in women. 

Common Causes of Urological Disorders: 

Urological disorders can be caused due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes of Urological disorders are:

Pregnancy and Childbirth: Bladder control issues occur very frequently during pregnancy and after childbirth. 

Diabetes: Diabetes can cause a lack of bladder control. Diabetic individuals usually cannot hold on to urine pressure. 

Bacteria and Viruses: These can cause various UTIs.

Spinal cord injury: Injuries to the spinal cord can affect the Urinary Tract and can cause a lack of bladder control.

Weak bladder muscles.

Enlarged prostate.

Common urology procedures-

• Vasectomy 
• Ureteroscopy
• Circumcision
• Reverse vasectomy
• Nephrectomy
• Pyeloplasty
• Urethral stent
• Cystectomy
• Lithotripsy
• Cutting the prostate transurethrally
• Transurethral

How to prepare ?

Here are some things you may do to get ready for your urology appointment and some suggestions about what to expect.

• Avoid leaving the house empty-handed.
• Be ready to fill out papers. 
• Bring any necessary medications. 
• Set up a meeting.

What to expect?

When you make an appointment with a urologist or when your health care provider suggests one, be prepared to describe your issue. You might find it helpful to bring a list of questions or indicators related to the reason you scheduled the session. You should be prepared to talk about your medical history and any medications you may be taking.To diagnose your disease and identify the best course of treatment, your urologist is likely to prescribe tests.

These tests might involve some of the following:

• Physical evaluation. For males and females, these will be different. Your doctor might perform a rectal exam if you're a man. You might require a pelvic exam if you're a woman.
• Tests on the urine, blood, and semen samples. You supply samples of your blood, urine, and sperm for these testing. (You might want to be sure to drink some water before you arrive to your appointment since there is a chance that you will be asked to provide a urine sample.)
•  Computed tomography (CT) scans or ultrasounds, are imaging examinations.

Conclusion-

Thus, urology is one of the most diverse disciplines of surgery and includes conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, and prostate, as well as incontinence, impotence, infertility, cancer, and repair of the genito-urinary tract. From young children to senior pensioners, it serves patients of both sexes and all ages.