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Urology is a medical specialty focusing on the treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract comprising of kidneys, ureters, adrenal glands, bladder, and urethra of men and women. The specialists, known as urologists, also treat male reproductive organs and male infertility
1 Kidney Stone
Kidney stones are minerals and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. They usually develop when urine becomes concentrated, leading to the crystallisation of the minerals. Passing kidney stones can be painful, but kidney stones generally do not cause any harm if discovered soon.
If stones become trapped in the urinary tract, infection or complications may arise.
Kidney stones may not produce any symptoms until they start moving around the kidneys or is passed on to the ureter. Symptoms of a moving kidney stone include:
2 Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence or the loss of bladder control is a common problem, ranging from the occasional leak when you cough or sneeze to having a sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate.
Urinary incontinence does not have to be an inevitable part of ageing. For most people, changes to their lifestyle changes or medical treatment may help address discomfort or stop urinary incontinence.
3 Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to have an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. A combination of physical and psychological issues can cause erectile dysfunction. If erectile dysfunction is persistent, it can be a sign of an underlying condition and a risk factor for heart disease.
You should see a doctor if you have concerns about your erections and experiencing other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation. Diabetes or heart disease are also linked to erectile dysfunction.
4 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men where your prostate is larger than usual, putting pressure on the urethra. You could urinate with a weak stream or wake up frequently to go to the bathroom. Some doctors attribute the cause of the enlargement to hormones.
As the urethra is pinched, the bladder has to work harder causing the bladder muscles to become weak over time. Symptoms such as those listed below could arise.
5 Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is relatively common. It grows slowly and is contained within the prostate in its early stage. Most men with this type of cancer can live for years with no problems.
If the tumour begins to grow or spread beyond the prostate, the growth could cause blockage in the surrounding tissues with the following resulting symptoms.
6 Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder
begin to grow quickly and
uncontrollably. When enough cells develop, they form a tumour and can
potentially spread to other parts of the body as well. Typically,
bladder cancer starts in the urothelium, which is the innermost lining
of the bladder. When this type of cancer spreads, it often first goes to
the lymph nodes, the liver, or the lungs.
Symptoms include:
7 Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria in the digestive system
comes in contact with the urethra. These microbes overcome the
body’s natural defences, causing pain and infection. Left
untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, which is much harder
to treat. Anyone can potentially develop a urinary tract infection, but
they are much more common in women.
Symptoms include:
Symptoms of urology conditions are diverse and can be misdiagnosed, so a comprehensive screening is needed to accurately diagnose and treat the infection. Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, conduct a physical examination, and use additional tests and examinations if necessary.
Screening tests for urological conditions are useful for those who are experiencing the symptoms listed above. Genetics often play a role in many urological conditions, so those with a family history of frequent urinary infections should undergo screening as soon as symptoms begin, as the infection will only get worse with time.
Screening is especially important for patients with
persisting, recurring urological conditions.
Screenings may include the following
types of tests:
1 Urinalysis
A urine sample is collected and sent to a lab for analysis. Indicators of infection include a high white blood cell count and bacteria. To avoid contaminating the sample, you will be instructed to clean the genital area and collect urine midstream.
2 Urine culture
A urine culture involves growing bacteria in a lab. A culture is often used in conjunction with a urinalysis. This test reveals exactly what type of bacteria is causing the infection, allowing your doctor to determine the best medication to prescribe you.
3 Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are typically used in patients who experience frequent infections. These tests allow your doctor to examine the urinary tract for any signs of abnormality. A contrast dye is sometimes used before imaging tests, as this dye helps to highlight the urinary tract structures.
4 Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is often performed in those with severe, recurrent infections. This involves the use of a lens on a thin, long tube to allow for clear examination of the urethra and bladder.
Urological conditions are often treated with antibiotics or antimicrobials, which kill the bacteria causing the infection. Treatment depends on the individual’s condition and severity of symptoms. Your doctor will discuss treatment methods with you and choose the best course of action to heal the infection.
Your doctor will likely tell you to drink lots of water, as this helps flush out the bacteria. Pain relief medications, either prescription or over the counter, can be used to alleviate discomfort. Using a heating pad on the abdomen or back can also help relieve pain. The goal is to help you get back to your daily life and activities.
Treatment options such as those listed below largely depend on the individual’s condition and health history.
1 Kidney Stone
Treatment depends on the type of stone and the cause.
For small stones, drinking water, taking pain relief or medication known as an alpha blocker to relax the muscles in your ureter, can help you pass the kidney stone without further invasive treatment.
For larger stones or stones that cause symptoms, treatment options include:
2 Urinary incontinence
Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the nature of the incontinence, its severity, and the underlying cause.
Some less invasive options include behavioural training such as bladder training to delay urination when the desire to urinate occurs.
Your doctor will also advice on lifestyle changes that includes cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, or fluids to manage the bladder, schedule toilet breaks instead of waiting for the urge and pelvic floor muscles exercise to strengthen the muscles that help control urination.
Your doctor can also prescribe medication to:
For women, applying topical estrogen in the form of a vaginal cream may help tone and rejuvenate urethra and vaginal tissues to help with incontinence.
Other more invasive options include insertion of medical devices or surgery to support respective pelvic organs and prevent leakage.
3 Erectile dysfunction
Treatment options depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and health conditions.
They include:
4 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Treatment options depend on:
Oral medications include drugs called:
Minimally invasive surgery options include:
Other options include laser therapy or prostatectomy (removal of the prostate).
5 Prostate cancer
Treatment options will depend on how aggressive the cancer is, its spread, and your health. Immediate treatment may not be necessary for men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer.
Your doctor may suggest active surveillance where you are regularly followed up with blood tests, rectal examination, and biopsies (if needed) to monitor the disease progression.
Other options include:
6 Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is often treated with:
7 Urinary Tract Infections
Your doctor will perform a urinalysis, which involves testing the urine for signs of infection. Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. The length of treatment is dependent upon the severity of your symptoms.
Other methods may be used in conjunction with antibiotic treatment to minimise pain. These frequently include:
For urinary tract infections in patients who are otherwise healthy, a three-day course of antibiotics is typically sufficient in eliminating the infection. If the infection has spread to the kidneys, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary.
8 Prostate procedures
Prostate procedures that urologists often perform include:
9 Vasectomy/vasectomy reversal
Vasectomy is a common surgical procedure many men get for male birth control. The vas deferens which transports the sperm from the testicles is cut and sealed during the procedure. A vasectomy is an out-patient procedure.
Men who want to have children again can have a vasectomy reversal, although this does not guarantee fertility
Your primary care doctor might refer you to a urologist if you have a condition that they are unable to treat, or if current treatments are not working.
You may want to make an appointment with a urologist if you have the following symptoms:
If you are a man, you should also make a visit to the urologist if you:
At Pantai Hospitals, we can provide the necessary screening and diagnostic services in a modern and comfortable environment. Your test results will be reviewed by a doctor who can explain and offer treatment options based on your condition, lifestyle, and risk factors.
*Information on this page does not represent a complete list of all the diagnostic procedures and treatments that Pantai Hospitals provide. The information provided is for educational reference only and should not be seen as medical advice.
Please consult a qualified healthcare specialist at the Pantai Hospital nearest to you for an accurate diagnosis before starting on any treatment.
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